Some bells endure for generations, even centuries. Others have a much shorter life span.
Have you heard bells play music? Carillon or handbells are the most frequent. Bells have been used to call worshipers together for centuries. Prior to more modern methods — they also served as fire alarms and called people to public meetings — especially those not scheduled in advance.
One of the most notable bells in the United States is known as the Liberty Bell. In 1752 a bell was commissioned for Pennsylvania State House. It was cast in England. When it arrived in Philadelphia, they tested it before raising it into the steeple. It cracked. A local pair of men stepped forward and recast the bell — twice. (Evidently it did not sound good during the first test.)
The bell summoned delegates to their Continental Congress sessions and the public to various important meetings. After the Declaration of Independence, this and other bells, were moved away from the city and hidden to prevent the British from melting them during their occupation. The large, distinctive crack appeared in the early 1840’s, a few years before abolitionists started using the name “Liberty Bell.”
This not the real Liberty Bell. It is constructed of an alloy 70% copper, 25% tin, and the balance lead, zinc, arsenic, gold and silver. This copy is made of Lego blocks and may be seen at the Philadelphia airport.
Liberty is often paired with Justice. As the United States grew, the justice system grew on the local, state, and federal levels. For a later-in-life romance featuring two members of the current system, check out Fine Lines. Here’s a link to the book: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF
