by Mikel Salas-Warner ’23
Walking through campus it feels nearly impossible to ignore the sound of hammers banging and men shouting from atop the Nelson Bell Tower, which has been under reconstruction via the Restore the Bell Tower project.
Built in the mid-1800s, this tower has long been an iconic landmark in Kingston. Originally part of a larger hall, the main structure was torn down after a large fire that damaged much of the campus towards the turn of the 19th century, however the tower survived, serving as a reminder of the resilient spirit of Wyoming Seminary.
After Hurricane Agnes caused major damage in Northeastern Pennsylvania in 1972, Sem used large amounts of Federal Disaster funding to repair the tower, reviving this historic building and the grand architecture of the school.
In its over 100-year history, the Nelson Bell Tower has seen and survived events such as the World War I training camps on campus, the economic depression of the 1930s that led to dwindling enrollment numbers, and the difficult era of World War II.
The new project to restore the Nelson Bell Tower has included working on stabilizing the foundation, waterproofing the bricks, and assorted interior repairs such as painting and fixing lighting issues. “The metalwork which included some numerals and minute markers on the clock faces and roof cap were made by a local metal fabricator, Apple Street Welding and Manufacturing based in Larksville, PA.” Benjamin Schall, Sem’s Physical Plant Manager said.
Donations are currently being accepted in order to fund this restoration, with those consisting of five thousand dollars or more being rewarded with a mention on a commemorative plaque.
The Nelson Bell Tower Challenge, led by Mr. John Eidam (Director of the Louis Maslow STEM School) and Mr. Mark Webber (Director of the Rusty Flack Gallery) of Wyoming Seminary, has encouraged students to create creative and designs and innovations for the Bell Tower.
Submissions have included works using mediums such as drawings, sketches, clay, digital renditions, and more. Students starting at Grade 3 were invited and encouraged to submit their own designs to be displayed at the Rust Flack Gallery in the Kirby Center for the Creative Arts in the month of December.
Events like Bell Tower dance and the iconic senior class yearbook photos will be much improved infront of the restored Nelson Bell Tower, aiding in increasing school spirit and maintaining this beautiful campus. To find out more about the project to restore the Bell Tower, please visit the Wyoming Seminary website, where you can also submit donations under the “Alumni” page.
