An exact replica of the Liberty Bell to become part of landscape

Thanks to the graciousness of donors Aurora and Phil Bolin, a new Liberty Bell, an exact replica of the original Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, will become part the of the Midwestern State University landscape by the middle of October.

            The full-size replica is being cast by the Paccard Fonderie des Cloches of Annecy, France.  It will be cast of bronze and weigh 2,050 pounds, be 44 ¢" in diameter, and 42 3/16" high. The bell is crafted by hand using the lost wax process and will be finely tuned to exacting musical standards.

            The bell will be placed on a one-foot block of granite and located in front of the flagpoles  on the Hardin lawn.

            In addition, the Declaration of Independence will be engraved on a bronze plaque that will be set on one side of the bell, and the Preamble to the United States Constitution will be set on the other side.

            Gary Baker of Staley-Baker-Monson Architects has been instrumental in working with the Bolins and the university throughout the project.

            Construction is expected to begin this week and a ceremony is planned for the dedication  in October.