Nashua in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

City Fire Alarm Bell

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 6, 2023

1. City Fire Alarm Bell Marker

Inscription.
In 1863 Isaac Eaton, Chief Engineer of the Nashua Fire Department purchased this fire alarm bell for the original City Hall at 106-130 Main Street. At 2,414 pounds strong with a 55" diameter, it was hung on September 24, 1863 and quickly became the centerpiece of our city. It warned not only of fires but commemorated the Fourth of July, deaths of various presidents and prominent citizens and other important events. The bell was removed from City Hall in 1936 due to safety concerns and was stored in the City Barn. In December of 1939 it was given as a gift to the Greek church on Ash Street. The bell was back on display at the site of the former City Hall on Main Street in 2008. Now full circle, in November 2015 the historic fire alarm bell became a prominent part of the landscape here at City Hall Plaza.

"That old bell now is silent. Hushed in its iron tongue.
But the spirit it awakened still lives forever young."
Annie L. Goodrich 1932
In gratitude to James Stellos for his sponsorship.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Communications. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells

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series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 24, 1863.

Location. 42° 45.504′ N, 71° 27.868′ W. Marker is in Nashua, New Hampshire, in Hillsborough County. It is on Main Street north of Hollis Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker and bell are on City Hall Plaza. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 229 Main Street, Nashua NH 03060, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Manchester.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Korean War Memorial (a few steps from this marker); 1939 City Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); President John Fitzgerald Kennedy (within shouting distance of this marker); Spanish-American War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); World War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Yankee Flyer Diner Mural and Restoration

City Fire Alarm Bell and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 6, 2023

2. City Fire Alarm Bell and Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); Masonic Temple (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Tremont Square District (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashua.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 6, 2023

3. City Fire Alarm Bell and Marker

City Hall in background

City Fire Alarm Bell Foundry Mark image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 6, 2023

4. City Fire Alarm Bell Foundry Mark

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., August 6, 2023

5. City Fire Alarm Bell Foundry Mark

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 245 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 12, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.