Back to the Bells

Let me take you back to the beginning of my blogging adventure. If you’ve been with me for a while, you’ll likely remember my trip to Maine. I traveled with three ladies with whom I’ve shared work in an elementary school. During our journey, we decided to visit the capital of Maine—Augusta. Many things occurred there including my discovery of a replica Liberty Bell on the lawn of the Capitol building. Curious as I am, I researched and discovered that in 1950 enough replicas were cast to give one to each state and also to the territories. Their purpose was to raise money for rebuilding after World War II. Many of these bells paraded down streets while encouraging citizens to purchase war bonds.

Finding this story intriguing and desiring to know more, I went on a quest to find more bells. I learned Kansas has stored theirs in a parking garage, and I also learned two additional bells were cast with one in Annecy, France and the other in my hometown of Independence.

To date I visited the bells in Independence, Nashville, and Augusta. I tried to visit the one in Raleigh, but it had been taken down and stored due to construction. With me heading to the Pacific Northwest, I decided to find both Washington and Oregon’s bells. (I was born in the Philadelphia area, so I’ve also seen the original.)

The first bell I found proved to be a challenge. All the information I had gleaned stated Washington’s bell took up residence by Union Station in Tacoma. Thinking this would be an easy landmark to find, I drove to Tacoma.

My first challenge, as with every city, starts with parking. Day to day I never pay for parking, so I don’t know the rules—especially in new towns. I located and drove past Union Station then doubled back as there seemed to be spots across the street from Union Station. As luck would have it, an officer walked past the spot where I was parking.

I asked the officer if he knew where the Liberty Bell had been placed, but he had no idea there was a Liberty Bell in Tacoma. However, he offered suggestions which included descending a set of stairs and heading to the back of the building. I thanked him and made my way to the other side of the street. (He also told me parking is only free on Sundays.)

Outside Union Station a sign states United States Courthouse. Which one is it? Well, both actually. Between 1909 and 1911 the architects from NYC Grand Central Station, Reed & Stem, designed and built Union Station. The building’s beauty and design helped catapult Tacoma as a major rail terminus.

Then, automobiles began to take the place of railways. Union Station’s usefulness began to decline, and its facade was damaged after a 1965 earthquake. Eventually, Union Station closed with its last departure in 1984.

Three years later renovations started, and Union Station transformed into federal courthouses by 1992. Today the courthouses remain, and Union Station also hosts public and private events. And…well a replica Liberty Bell.

I heeded the officer’s advice and took the staircase to the right of the building. Through some trees, I saw it. It’s doubtful many people visit the bell due to its out-of-the-way location, but I did! Honestly, I love the hunt, and I love seeing how each state chooses to display theirs.

I left Tacoma and had one more adventure for the day (next blog), but I’ve decided to share my experience in Salem, Oregon here.

Sunday morning I awoke. First thing on my mind included the airplane flight back to Kansas City. Everything looked good, so I trekked to Salem. The city probably bustles on weekdays, but on Sunday silence and very few people fill the landscape.

Oregon’s information states the Liberty Bell is on the Capitol building grounds. Plenty of orange plastic fencing filled the lawn, and I wondered if I’d find my target. Thankfully, this Liberty Bell stood prominently in the yard, and NO orange fencing kept me from it.

This bell, by far, has been loved and cared for best of all. Whereas the wood on the other bells seem to be decomposing, Oregon has restored and preserved their bell. I loved seeing it shine despite the cloudy day.

Salem’s charm caught my attention. I decided to walk around the Capitol grounds, and I found other statues as well as their park filled with beautiful cherry blossoms. More people walked the beautiful pathways here to see the beautiful trees.

I spent time walking the paths and reflecting on my decision to visit the area. Oh, how perfect it was!

As I walked, I met another woman next to the Vietnam Memorial. She lives in Salem and let me know I’d experience even more beauty if I’d walk the grounds of Willamette University. I had some time, so I ventured forth.

Willamette was founded in 1842, and is the oldest university in the west. Today, more than 1500 students attend Willamette.

Salem proved to be the perfect ending to my amazing trip. While I’d love to send you off on my next adventure in another wonderful location, but I still want to share the incredible beauty of Mount St. Helens. Until next time…