Date: Fri 21-Feb-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Newtown-Manufacturing-bell

Full Text:

Landmark Bell Stolen From Newtown Manufacturing Co.

BY ANDREA ZIMMERMANN

A reward is offered for information leading to the recovery of an antique cast

iron school bell stolen last week from the grounds of Newtown Manufacturing

Company, where it has been displayed for the past 50 years. The bell, which

had been mounted on a post, apparently disappeared Tuesday or Wednesday.

"It looks like someone took a chainsaw and made three cuts in the post," said

Bill Watts, vice president of Newtown Manufacturing. "The bell was at least

100 pounds. Two people had to be involved to lift it."

The bell was situated 75 feet back from the South Main Street. Although it

might have been visible from the Super Stop & Shop parking lot, Mr Watts

believes the 100-year old bell caught the fancy of someone who had been on

Newtown Manufacturing's property. The thieves made off with an antique valued

at about $500, but with it they also stole a little piece of history.

"The bell has been on the property since Newtown Manufacturing opened 50 years

ago," said Mr Watts. At that time, the 2«-foot cast iron piece was acquired

from Joe Busser, who "traded and sold most everything" within a 50-mile radius

of the Newtown property (which was then bought by the founders of Newtown

Manufacturing). So it is likely the bell came from a school within the area.

The owners of the business are not aware of any identifying marks on the bell,

such as a manufacturer's stamp. It has simply been a part of the company's

landscape "forever and ever," said Mr Watts. His children and grandchildren

have all had fun ringing the bell.

Although a reward is offered, Mr Watts believes the bell is already in

someone's private collection or has been sold to a dealer specializing in such

antiques.

"I'd like to think those things don't happen, but I'm realistic enough to know

they do," said Mr Watts, who has lived and worked in town since 1960.

Anyone with information about the stolen antique is asked to contact Mr Watts

at 426-2104 or to leave a message on the police department's anonymous tip

line 270-8888.