(9/21) Fairfield Borough will soon welcome a new - old addition to Borough Hall as a historic bell is being brought out of hibernation and into the light of the borough.
The bell was recently uncovered from the Village Hall basement and is has undergone restoration before being displayed in front of the building.
Although the origin of the bell is a little shaky, the prevailing opinion is it is the bell for the schoolhouse, which the current borough office used to be.
"So many people have told me, ‘I used to go to school here,’" Patricia Smith, Council President said.
No defining identity marks have been found yet, but more characteristic information about the bell is anticipated after its return from renovation, she said.
Restoration and stand fabrication have been done by Premier Metalworks and the footer for the bell pedestal display was dug by Rebert’s Masonry.
At the council’s August meeting, vote placement of the bell display for either the east or west side in front of Village Hall resulted in an even 3-3 split.
Proponents of the west side of the lawn, Council President Pro Tem Camille Cline, and Council members Dean Thomas, and Sally Thomas, expressed concern that placement on the east side of the lawn would result in a cluttered aesthetic.
Smith, Council Vice President Phyllis Gilbert, and council member Nate McNeill voted for the east side, looking to avoid the west side’s tree roots and the water supply line to the Village Hall, as well as favoring the bell illuminated along with the flag.
Mayor Robert Stanley broke the tie, voting to place the display on the east side of the front sidewalk. Consideration will also be placed on moving the Village Hall sign to create more open area on the east side.
Discussion is currently underway about the bell’s display plaque language.
A formal dedication ceremony is expected in October or November to welcome the bell to its new home in front of Village Hall for all to see, Smith said.
"We’re looking forward to using it during special events like memorials, and holidays," Smith said.
