Images(3)

Alarm, Fire

Object number93.127.1

Manufacturer A. Fulton's Son & Company

Date1866

Mediumsteel, metal

Credit LineGift of Pittsburgh City Council and Allegheny County Commissioners

DescriptionLarge metal bell. Green patina color.Dimensions88.9998 x 78.4998 x 78.4998 in. (226.1 x 199.4 x 199.4 cm)
InscriptionsOn front of bell Committee/W.R. Brown/W.N. Ogden/J.H. Hare;On other side Cast by
Historical NotesThis fire bell was cast in 1866. It hung in the Old City Hall from 1872-1920, when it was donated to the Historical Society of Westen PA.Label TextThis 4,000-pound bell, reputed to be the largest ever cast in Pittsburgh, served as Pittsburgh's fire alarm from 1866-1892. It was housed in a tower at the corner of Ross and Diamond streets. Moved by the Eichleay Company to the Historical Society's Oakland building in 1921, the bell was rung annually on the anniversary of Pittsburgh's 1845 fire. It was almost lost during World War II when the Historical Society considered donating it to a scrap metal drive.

Related person Thomas Pfarr

Related person Andrew Fulton Sr.

Previous owner City of Pittsburgh

Related institution Eichleay, Inc.

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