Hotchkiss in Delta County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)
First Hotchkiss School Bell
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 20, 2025
1. First Hotchkiss School Bell Marker
Purchased in 1897 for the princely sum of $22.90 from the Sears Roebuck Co., this 425 lb. bell adorned the first school in Hotchkiss. It was located where the Town Hall is located today. Later it was moved to the next school built in 1910, presently the Timbers Apartment.
For many years after the school relocated, the bell was stored at the Duke Packing House and used in local parades and celebrations. In Feb. 1979, it was placed on the roof of Memorial Hall. A 2015 remodel relocated the bell to ground level for display.
R. L. Parker 1889 of E.C.V. is proud to plaque this bell.
Erected 2015 by Robert Leroy Parker Chapter No. 1889, E Clampus Vitus.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Education • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus, and the Historic Bells series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.
Location. 38° 47.978′ N, 107° 43.249′ W. Marker is in Hotchkiss, Colorado, in Delta County. It is on 1st Street just south of East Main Street, on the left when traveling south. The marker and bell
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Western Slope. It is also in the American Mountain West and in Colorado Plateau. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Hotchkiss Memorial Hall (here, next to this marker); In Memory of James L. Heath (here, next to this marker); Hotchkiss Methodist Episcopal Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Hotchkiss-Crawford Historical Museum (about 700 feet away); West Elk Loop (approx. 0.6 miles away); Escalante's Diary (approx. 4.1 miles away); Grand Ave. A Look Back (approx. 8.1 miles away); Dominguez-Escalante Expedition (approx. 8.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hotchkiss.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 20, 2025
2. First Hotchkiss School Bell & Marker
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 20, 2025
3. First Hotchkiss School Bell & Marker
The marker and bell are mounted in front of the flagpole in the Hotchkiss Memorial Hall courtyard.
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 20, 2025
4. First Hotchkiss School Bell
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 5, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 6, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
