The bell is located in the island outside our front doors.  It is a focal point for our building as hundreds of students, parents, and community members pass by it every day.  There are benches and tables for faculty and students to use at any time of the day. 

A memorial plaque is placed nearby dedicating the bell and surrounding area to Coach Gene Steighorst and all of his incredible accomplishments.     

History of the Bell

   The bell was removed from a small school located in Fertile, Missouri named Maplewood School.  The school was built, according to Mr. Chuck Martin's father, with lumber from structures built for the 1904 World's Fair.  Later the school was consolidated along with several other local community schools to form the Kingston K 14 school district.  Chuck's father attended Maplewood School through 8th grade with his brothers and sisters.

  After the consolidation Chuck's parents purchased the school and renovated it for their home.  After his mothers death in 1967 his father sold the structure to the Rural Parish Workers of Christ the King.  This is a lay religious group that ouwed the adjacent property. After the sale of the home Chuck wanted to the bell.  With the help of several people they were able to remove it from the rafters.

 The bell made of cast steel was forged at the National Bell Foundry Co. located in Cincinnati, Ohio sometime in the early 1900's.  According to Chuck's research this was a very common bell for the time that was used in many schools and churches.

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