Delaware Liberty Bell Swings High and Proud
The replica of the Liberty Bell which graces Legislative Mall in the state capital of Dover, is identical to the iconic original in Philadelphia. This Bell was cast in France in 1950, traveled throughout Delaware including several locations within the state capital in the 1950s, before being placed in Dover in 1976 by the Legislative Bicentennial Committee. It was originally presented to the people of Delaware as the inspirational symbol of the United States Savings Bonds Independence Drive of 1950. The Liberty Bell Reproduction Marker reads: Dedicated to you, a free citizen in a free land, this reproduction of the Liberty Bell was presented to the people of Delaware by direction of The Honorable John W. Snyder, Secretary of the Treasury.
This eternal symbol of American Freedom was recently repaired following much-needed work on the wood yoke, from which the bell hangs. As with any historical artifact, special care was taken to preserve as many of the original parts, while replacing that which could no longer be salvaged due to erosion.
The oak wood yoke, or headstock, the upper beam to which the bell attaches, needed to be replaced with new construction grade oak. The new yoke was fabricated identical to the original with two key differences: the headstock was made of two larger pieces instead of one, and the top piece is one inch higher than the original, providing greater strength and structural integrity. All other measurements remained the same. Lastly, the new yoke was treated with boiled linseed oil for further protection.
Iron hardware was inspected to identify which parts could be cleaned, treated and re-used. The iron suspension bolts and axle pieces holding the wood yoke together had deteriorated and the wooden yoke had separated from the iron. Measurements and photos were taken of the existing yoke, and a pattern was made for the wood carving and canons, which affix bell to yoke, to fit together.
The iron was cleaned by light sandblasting techniques, was treated and primed with phosphoric acid and painted to mitigate against rust. The iron bell A-frame, along with old and new iron bolts, were treated with glossy black industrial paint for a uniform look.
The clapper, the elongated metal rod which swings and is responsible for generating a bell’s resonant sound, was inspected and adjusted to the correct setting to strike the sound ring of the bell.
The refurbished Bell yoke made its return to Capital Square, part of Legislative Mall and the First Heritage Park of Dover in late April following nearly two months of repair and reconstruction. An enduring icon of the American spirit of independence set within downtown Dover, the Bell remains a favorite site for photos opportunities with everyone from visiting dignitaries to tourists and school groups.
Support for this project came from Delaware 250, the Department of State, and the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.
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