Abilene in Taylor County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The Hardin-Simmons Bell

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 31, 2015

1. The Hardin-Simmons Bell Marker

Inscription. In the late 1890s, Mr. George Bennett, president of Acme Pressed Brick Company, donated funds for the purchase of this bell. For two decades, this bell swung from the bell tower of the Old Main building, serving as a timepiece for what was then Simmons College. The bell signaled the time of day, changing of classes, and the celebration of athletic victories.

When Simmons Science Hall was built in 1918-1919, most of Old Main was torn down and the bell tower destroyed. The bell was unceremoniously placed on the roof of the Science Hall.

In 1944, Mrs. J.D. (Lucile) Sandefer, first lady of Hardin-Simmons University, climbed up on the roof of the Science Hall and had the bell brought down. She and her son, J.D. “Jake” Sandefer Jr., secured the building of this bell tower.

Today the bell silently represents the university’s founding, its traditions, and Mrs. Sandefer’s love for Hardin-Simmons University.

Dr. Leroy J. Humphries, Class of 1964

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1944.

Location. 32° 28.564′ N, 99° 44.065′ W. Marker is in Abilene, Texas, in Taylor County. Marker can be reached from

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Hickory Street north of Ambler Avenue. Marker is located on the campus of Hardin-Simmons University east of Reflection Pond; the above directions are to the university. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2200 Hickory St, Abilene TX 79601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Albert G. Maroscher Memoriam (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Babe Shaw Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Hardin-Simmons University Campus Triangle (within shouting distance of this marker); Hardin-Simmons University Student Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Hardin-Simmons University (within shouting distance of this marker); William G. and Shirley Swenson Home (approx. 0.6 miles away); Site of Old Headquarters of the Hashknife Ranch (approx. 0.8 miles away); Morgan Jones (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Abilene.

The Hardin-Simmons Bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 31, 2015

2. The Hardin-Simmons Bell

The Hardin-Simmons Bell East of Reflection Pond image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 31, 2015

3. The Hardin-Simmons Bell East of Reflection Pond

The Albert G. Maroscher Memoriam, the Fort Babe Shaw Memorial, and the Student Memorial are visible in the background

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 391 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.