What Happened to the New Sweden School Bell? - East Idaho News
Local

What Happened to the New Sweden School Bell?

  Published at


nss

(IDAHO FALLS, ID)  —  It’s been almost 88-years since the community of New Sweden saw their new school building open.  September 20, 1927 was a day of addresses by religious leaders, architects and contractors, with much fan-fare and music.  Ending the day with ice cream and cake in the school’s basement.   In commemorating the original opening of the school, the American Heritage Charter School will open its doors to the public to begin the new school year on August 29th from 5-9pm.  Ice Cream and Cake will be presented to those who come out and enjoy the refurbished school building and support the students by participating in the night’s events, which include a silent auction.   A special capstone ceremony where a bell will be hung once again in the old bell tower.

Here lies a dilemma.  The original bell from the New Sweden School, has gone missing.   The original school closed its doors in 1979 capping 50-years of educational instruction.  An alumni picnic was held and many items from the school were auctioned off.  What is not known is whether the original school bell was a part of that auction.   Photos from that time, show the bell in its tower.  It is not known if the bell was sold, lost in storage somewhere, or simply discarded.

As the new school year nears, 250 children are to be welcomed to the newly refurbished New Sweden schoolhouse, set to open as the new American Heritage Charter School as part of District 91.   Support is strong to find the original bell for the capstone ceremony.    Those organizing the event are asking all former alumni, employees and students to come forward with any information on where the original bell might be so that it might be purchased from its current owner and placed back in the bell tower.

Supporters have asked the public to call with any information (208) 528-2011 or (208) 313-2679.

Students who attended the New Sweden School recall the bell was an important part of the original building.  Students would actually earn the privilege of ringing the bell if they scored well on a test.   Thus the restoration of the school would not seem complete without the original bell.    Those with close ties to the school say they believe the bell has been preserved and still exists somewhere in the area.   If the original bell cannot be located, an antique bell purchased 15-years ago from the Cross Country antique store would be installed in the bell tower.  Supporters would also like some information on this alternate bell as it is possible that this bell might actually be the original New Sweden Bell, however that would be an incredible coincidence.

Again, the public is invited to the open house on August 29th from 5-9pm for cake and ice cream and for the capstone ceremony.   And if you have any information at all on the location of the old New Sweden School Bell, you are asked to call either (208) 528-2011 or (208) 313-2679.

 

 

SUBMIT A CORRECTION