Steel Alloy Church And School Bells

The C.S. Bell Co., Hillsboro, Ohio

Publication: Privately printed, 1908, NP

6" x 20" sheet folded to 12 panels, illustrations, testimonials. "The manufacture of C.S. Bells began in 1875. Sales for the first year came to something over 1,000 units. By 1890, sales had increased to over 20,000 and fifteen sizes were being produced. The bells were divided into two classes, farm bells weighing from 40 to 100 pounds each, and school and church bells known as "steel alloy bells" weighing from 150 to 1,000 pounds. Mr. Bell experimented with formulas of various metals searching for an alloy cheaper to produce than brass, but more durable than iron. After many failures he was successful and discovered that his alloy could be pitched to create a very mellow tone. It was this tone and durability that made his bells famous throughout the world." Annually the City of Hillsboro, Ohio, sponsors a festival near the fourth of July. This is known as the Festival of the Bells, and commemorates Hillsboro's heritage as a major bell producer. Information on why should every church have a bell, and why that bell should be a C.S. Bell, what size bell to purchase, durability, the necessity and advantages of school bells, the distance a bell can be heard, etc. Price list for school and church bells with weights, diameters, prices. Includes a typewritten cover letter, dated September 5, 1908, and signed by C.S. Bell and also the mailing envelope. Romaine p. 55 notes their 1890 catalog 34 with same title. A very clean and interesting booklet.