Derry in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

The Sound of Time

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2023

1. The Sound of Time Marker

Inscription.
The bell marked the times of day for the enslaved laborers. Most planters or overseers used bells to communicate with their workers. It could be rung to signal that it was time to start the day's work, time to break for meals, time to quit work, and on rare occasions, time to celebrate. Whatever the reason, the sounding of the bell was a reminder of the lack of control enslaved people had over their time.
To ring the bell, the ringer pulled on the rope, swinging the bell. The motion caused the clapper to strike the inside of the bell rim, thereby sounding the bell. The ringer could convey messages by using a certain number of tolls. The sounding of the bell could also be used to gather everyone for an announcement or in the event of an emergency. The Magnolia bell remained in use into the 1930s

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 31° 33.005′ N, 92° 56.5′ W. Marker is in Derry, Louisiana, in Natchitoches Parish. Marker is on State Highway 119, one mile north of State Highway 1, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5549 LA-119, Cloutierville LA 71416, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Magnolia Plantation Site Map (a few steps from this marker); Oakland Plantation (within shouting distance of this marker); Magnolia Plantation (within shouting distance of this marker); Cash or Credit (within shouting distance of this marker); Farming Transitions (within shouting distance of this marker); Changing Residents (within shouting distance of this marker); Livestock (within shouting distance of this marker); Corn Crib (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Derry.

More about this marker. Part of the Magnolia Plantation Grounds (Cane River Creole National Historical Park: National Park Service)

Also see . . . Official NPS website. (Submitted on July 3, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.)

Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, July 2, 2023

2. The Sound of Time Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 3, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.