Michigan State Normal School at the Columbian World's Fair

This Meneely bell was purchased by the Michigan State Normal College in 1874. A report to the Superintendent dated September 30, 1874 stated, “the sum of $1740.83 has been expended for apparatus, library books, furniture and a bell from the appropriation of a $5,000 grant from the Legislature of 1873." The bell most likely hung in the tower of the Conservatory until being moved to Old Main at some point after 1877. When Old Main was demolished in 1948, the bell was put in the basement of Roosevelt Hall. The bell was found in Roosevelt Hall in 1973 and was restored to its original condition by EMU Physical Plant members Mel Arbaugh, Randy Elgas, John Lamb, and Wayne Smith in 2013. It is now a permanent part of the McKenny Gallery.

                                              - Text from marker