Neihart Fire Bell Tower
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It was with a great deal of excitement that MNHG was asked by the Town of Neihart to construct a replica of the Neihart fire bell tower. We are happy to report that the bell tower was completed on November 3, 2022.
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2022 Update
The bell tower and installation were finally completed on Thursday, November 3 at about 4:00 p.m. when the top was installed. The wrap around base had a heater inside to keep the epoxy warm while it cured. The bell was tested and rung by MNHG members and it rang loud and clear! Scroll down to see photos of the entire process.
During the first part of September we poured the concrete pad
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On November 1 the tower was delivered along with the roof and siding. Unfortunately, the crane was not tall enough to raise the tower upright.
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On November 3 another crane arrived and we raised the bell
June 2022 Update
The new bell tower on its side waiting for sandblasting and paint.
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We are happy to report that we received a $1,000 grant from the Big Sky Country National Heritage Area for the tower. ADF is the supplier and fabricator. We have transportation lined up to get it from Great Falls to Neihart and we have a contractor lined up for construction of the sub-base.
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July 2019 Update
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The 125 year old, 480 pound bell is ready for fundraising at different functions around Belt Creek Valley. Model of the Bell Tower |
Press Release sent to the Great Falls Tribune, Spring 2018
It is with a great deal of excitement, Monarch Neihart Historical Group, Inc. (MNHG), a non-profit corporation, has partnered with the Town of Neihart to construct a replica of the Neihart fire bell tower. The fire bell was used to alert town residents of a disaster be it fire, mine or train accident, or other event involving people needing help. Neihart’s fire bell was manufactured by the Meneely Bell Company in West Troy, NY in 1894. On July 3, 1894, the Neihart town council approved the purchase of a new fire bell that was suitable to use as an alarm to replace a worthless bell the fire department had been using. The original fire tower was constructed near Belt Creek in south Neihart where the original fire hose house was located. The tower appears to be about 30 feet tall with a belfry on top. The bell was placed in storage when the tower was removed in 1945 due to rot on the lower legs. The 450 pound bell will be supported by a tower designed by MNHG’s architect/engineer who is currently working on the design based on photographs. MNHG was formed to promote and preserve the history of the railway and the people and their occupations as miners, ranchers, and railroad workers. MNHG hopes to begin construction of the bell tower this summer if funds are raised.
Anyone interested in making a donation for this project, mark your check with Fire Tower and mail to MNHG, P.O. Box 924, Monarch, MT 59463. THANK YOU!
It is with a great deal of excitement, Monarch Neihart Historical Group, Inc. (MNHG), a non-profit corporation, has partnered with the Town of Neihart to construct a replica of the Neihart fire bell tower. The fire bell was used to alert town residents of a disaster be it fire, mine or train accident, or other event involving people needing help. Neihart’s fire bell was manufactured by the Meneely Bell Company in West Troy, NY in 1894. On July 3, 1894, the Neihart town council approved the purchase of a new fire bell that was suitable to use as an alarm to replace a worthless bell the fire department had been using. The original fire tower was constructed near Belt Creek in south Neihart where the original fire hose house was located. The tower appears to be about 30 feet tall with a belfry on top. The bell was placed in storage when the tower was removed in 1945 due to rot on the lower legs. The 450 pound bell will be supported by a tower designed by MNHG’s architect/engineer who is currently working on the design based on photographs. MNHG was formed to promote and preserve the history of the railway and the people and their occupations as miners, ranchers, and railroad workers. MNHG hopes to begin construction of the bell tower this summer if funds are raised.
Anyone interested in making a donation for this project, mark your check with Fire Tower and mail to MNHG, P.O. Box 924, Monarch, MT 59463. THANK YOU!