Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Thirty-two years ago, Dean B. Ellis Library, with its iconic clock tower, was added to the landscape of Arkansas State University. Over the years, maintenance work has been needed to update the structure.
Starting on Tuesday, May 12, renovations began on the clock tower, particularly focused on the bells and four-sided clock tower. Shawn Brewer, coordinator of project services, said a crane is being used to accomplish the work.
“It is being used for lifting heavy materials, the hands, and then a man basket will lift workers up to remove the remaining original clock hands and install the new ones,” said Brewer.
The bell tower is home to 23 solid bronze pealing bells, which hang about 170 feet from ground level and, when operational, can be heard by people on and off campus.
Brewer said after three decades, occasional work has been done on the bell system, including the current renovation to get the bells ringing once more.
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“We ordered a new Renaissance automated and manual control podium and a new keyboard. The wireless keyboard can be used as needed. Two new control panels will be added in the bell tower itself, and contractors will be replacing a couple of the strikers on the 23 bells, and then tuning them,” Brewer continued.
There were originally seven bells, which former A-State President Eugene W. Smith was instrumental in adding to campus. He wanted Ellis Library, which is an architectural landmark in Northeast Arkansas, to have a special addition, which in this case was the clock tower and bell carillon.
“Over time, we added the remaining bells to create the 23 currently there. I was part of the crew that worked with the bell company back then on the installation,” Brewer continued. “There is some pride there, especially to be able to come full circle for this second round to be the project manager. To be able to hear them ringing across campus, whether it’s the hour strike, quarter hour, the fight song, Westminster Chimes, holiday music, and additional ringing of the bells, hearing the bells is a soothing, nostalgic sound.”
Brewer said the work being done to bring the melodic sound of the bells back to A-State will introduce the experience to a new group of students.
“This means some first-year students have never heard these sounds, and I am curious to hear what they have to say once we get this back up in full operation. I think the campus community will enjoy the sounds again and it will be special for the first timers.”
Work is also being done on the clock hands. New hands, along with a new motor drive and four shafts will be newly added and installed during this project. Work is expected to be completed this week.
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