GILSON SCHOOL
Formerly HAW CREEK TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL
and GILSON GRADE SCHOOL
ROPE WHEEL PROJECT -- RINGS TRUE
The sound of a school bell hasn't been heard in Gilson for several years because the wood wheel that turns the bell had rotted and broken away.
Thankfully, a local craftsman, Roger Wade stepped in and built a new oak rope wheel for the school. He had to create a new one from the measurements of the old one. He even had to create a work table just to build the new wheel on. After hundreds of labor intense hours, he proudly presented the Foundation the new rope wheel. A local mill, Trillium Dell Timberworks, donated the wood for the project.
The new rope wheel was placed with the bell the same day the tower and bell were set back on the roof.
A new bell rope was added and the bell is ringing true again!
THANKS AGAIN TO:
Roger Wade
for hand-crafting our new oak rope wheel.
Trillium Dell Timberworks
for donating the wood for the rope wheel.
...and all who help our organization by their faithful contributions.
The original rope wheel, over 100 years old.
The old wheel, close-up.
Craftsman, Roger Wade with the new rope wheel.
Roger and GSF board member, Tony Garoutte, check the wheel for fit.
DID YOU KNOW?...
That the bell itself weighs 800 lbs. and 1300 lbs with its mountings.
It was manufactured by the American Bell & Foundry Co. in Northville, Michigan.
Click on the photos for a larger view
