Florence in Lauderdale County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

Wesleyan Bell

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, March 20, 2010

1. Wesleyan Bell Marker

Inscription. The Wesleyan Bell was manufactured by the C.S. Bell Company in Hillsboro, Ohio, it is made of alloy steel, has a diameter of 38 inches, and is 24 inches high (not including its yoke). The weight of the bell is 660 pounds. When 350- pounds mountings are added, the total weight is 1,010 pounds.

The bell was mounted atop Wesleyan Hall after the school was donated to the state by the Methodist Church in 1873, at which time the school became State Normal College. The bell was used to call students to class, for ceremonial purposes, and other uses.

Around 1910, the bell was removed from Wesleyan Hall and placed in storage. In 1951, the bell was discovered and unsuccessful efforts were made by alumni to display it on campus. During the summer of 2002, the 130-year-old Wesleyan Bell was rediscovered after having been in storage for over 90 years.

Construction of the Smith Bell Tower began in March of 2003, and was completed during the summer of 2004. The Smith Bell Tower, present home of the Wesleyan Bell, was dedicated during a ceremony on September 17, 2004.

Erected 2004 by Alumni of UNA.

Topics and series. This

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historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 2003.

Location. 34° 48.542′ N, 87° 40.725′ W. Marker is in Florence, Alabama, in Lauderdale County. It is on Wood Avenue near Cramer Way. Located in front of Wesleyan Bell next to Wesleyan Hall on the UNA campus. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Florence AL 35632, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Alabama

and in the Shoals.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wesleyan Hall 1855

Smith Bell Tower image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, March 20, 2010

2. Smith Bell Tower

(here, next to this marker); Florence State Teachers College (here, next to this marker); T.S. Stribling (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); T.S. Stribling 1903 (about 400 feet away); World War I Memorial Amphitheater (about 500 feet away); 1st Lt. Chadwick McFall Barber (about 500 feet away); World War I Memorial Trees (about 500 feet away); Florence State Teachers College Heroes of World War II (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Florence.

Smith Bell Tower Donor Honor Roll image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, March 20, 2010

3. Smith Bell Tower Donor Honor Roll

Wesleyan Bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sandra Hughes, June 28, 2009

4. Wesleyan Bell

Credits. This page was last revised on October 30, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 1,601 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 21, 2010, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.