Zelienople completes restoration of historic fire bell
Zelienople borough recently put the finishing touches on a project that helped bring back some life to the landscape in front its municipal building.
On Tuesday, Aug. 27, local officials oversaw the installation of a new memorial plaque to commemorate a 124-year old fire bell that has been a staple in the community. The restoration project was supported by the Randall and Cynthia Hart Family Community Enhancement Fund.
“It was a great ceremony,” said Mayor Thomas Oliverio. “Randy Hart and his family gave the donations to restore it. It looks great. We’ll probably have to use a pressure washer on the cement around that area, but after that, it should look really nice. We really appreciate everything he and his family do for the Zelienople borough.”
The historical fire bell was first operated in 1900 was restored and returned to its original location back on May 8.
The borough conducted a community poll allowing residents to choose whether the bell should stay in front of the municipal building or be moved to the new Harmony Fire District building scheduled to open next week.
In a tightly contested vote, it was decided the bell should remain at the municipal building for its “historical significance.” Some of the poll responses said the reasoning for not moving the bell was because it is a “piece of history” and “it marks the original fire station,” according to a news release.
Oliverio, council vice president Drew Mathew, assistant borough manager Cindy Edwards, and fund board adviser Sara Rice celebrated the special occasion and presented Randall Hart with a certificate of donation and appreciation.
“It’s part of Zelienople tradition now having that bell out there,” Oliverio said. “It’s been out there for quite a long time. We just can’t thank Randy and Cynthia enough for helping to restore it. It really means a lot, not only to us, but the community as well.”
