Object Record
Images
Additional Images [18]
Metadata
Object Name |
Bell, Church |
Donor |
Merrill's Grove Baptist Church |
Description |
The object is a church bell which is crafted from metal, most likely iron, with an attached wooden wheel that drives the sound mechanism with a pulley system. The whole object is mounted on a rectangular, double tiered, wooden platform of connecting planks. There is a raised joist dividing the platform into two sections at center which is also the attachment location for the bell's headstock and metal framework. The number "2937" is painted in black on the front half of the proper left side. The frame work of the bell is an upside down U-shape with two curved rectangular feet that bolt into the wooden platform at the center raised joist. Two metal rods on each side, four total, extend from the U-shaped framework and bolt into the platform at an angle to further support the frame. At the same location of the rod attachment to the frame is the connection of the bell's headstock. It has rounded ends which fit into the frame and allow a turning movement when the bell rings. There is an overall design to the metal framework and headstock in which a ridge runs down the center of the top. The large bell is suspended below the headstock at top center and secured with a metal bolt. The bell matches the curvature of the metal framework. The front of headstock at center reads, "CIN/BELL/CO" and the reverse side is numbered "34". The number "34" is also applied to the proper left reverse side of the frame by the rod attachments. On the proper right side of the platform is a wooden wheel, as large as the bell, with four evenly spaced wood spokes. It has been painted a variety of colors based on the remaining shades, including blue, green, and white. The wooden wheel is connected to the bell framework with a metal clover-leaf plaque, rod, and bolt. The wheel has a groove around the circumference where a rope is wrapped to work the pulley system. When the wheel spins it rotates the bell. A short length of rope is currently attached to the wooden wheel. Inside the bell is a suspended metal clapper with the number "32" on the front side. Two metal dampeners are mounted to the inside front and inside reverse of the bell to separate the sides from direct contact with the clapper when ringing. There is an unnumbered metal double bolt housed in the base of the bell platform. It is assumed that it belongs with the framework of the object. |
Dimensions |
H-56 L-44.5 inches |
Creation Date |
ca. 1900 ? |
Place Of Origin |
likely USA |
Owned By |
Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Poplar/Merrill's Grove Baptist Church |
Used By |
Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Poplar/Merrill's Grove Baptist Church |
Material |
Metal/Paint/Rope/Wood |
Search Terms |
Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Poplar Merrill's Grove Baptist Church Poplar, Iowa Merrill's Grove, Iowa religion bell |
Provenance |
This bell hung above two churches in Iowa before being donated to the museum in 1993. Its first home was the Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church of Poplar, Iowa, which formed in 1907. By 1929, the adult male membership had dropped to six, including Anders Sand (father of Kenneth Sand, longtime museum member). For years, Anders served as custodian, fire starter, bell-ringer, and as the last President of the Church Council. Due to declining membership, the Poplar Church closed its doors to regular worship services in 1929. During its brief 22 year history, the church performed 118 baptisms, 24 marriages, and 20 funerals. The bell rang at the Poplar Church from 1907 to 1929. In July 1930, the Merrill's Grove Baptist Church, located just a few miles from the Poplar Church, burned. Poplar offered Merrill's Grove the use of the empty Poplar Church until they could rebuild. The new Merrill's Grove Baptist Church was completed in February 1931 at a new location just west of the village of Fiscus. In 1941, the Poplar Church received permission to dispose of the contents of the church and of the church building. The bell went to the Merrill's Grove Baptist Church. Referend Wiuff of Merrill's Grove was the driving force behind obtaining the bell for his church. On August 2, 1942, the bell was dedicated, and it rang every Sunday until the church closed its doors in 1990. According to a newspaper article in the file, the Merrill's Grove Baptist Church was first organized on July 5, 1893 at the Polk township No.7 school. There were 31 original charter members of the church. The actual church building was finished in the fall of 1893 and the parsonage house in 1895. The church was destroyed by fire on July 24, 1930, and a new building was erected three miles northeast. Poplar, Iowa no longer exists. It was located four miles north and one mile west of Kimballton. The church was located on a hill about 1/8 mile north of the village on the west side of the road. The cemetery remains, as do the front steps of the church. The first Merrill's Grove Church was located about one mile north and a mile west of the Poplar Church. |
Date Received by Museum |
4/1993 |
Images |
118\1993059001a.JPG |
Accession number |
1993.059 |
Object Identification Number |
1993.059.001a |