East Hampton (them Chatham), Connecticut has long been known as Belltown. Beginning in the 19th century, many bell manufacturers set up shop there. All but one of those factories, Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Co., has shut down. Bevin, the only American company still producing only bells, has been making the news recently. Last year there was an article in The Hartford Courant* and last week a story aired on NPR.
Today, while gathering manuscripts to catalog, I found a patent issued to Isaac A. Bevin for an improved gong bell.
Patent for improved gong bell, 1866 October 9, Ms 73508. Connecticut Historical Society, Hartford, CT
A great find during this holiday season, as Bevin makes all the bells for the Salvation Army. Clicking on the image will enlarge it, though it may still be difficult to read. All are welcome to view it in person. Come visit and research!
*My apologies if you have difficulty accessing the Courant article. You may have to log in to iConn with a Connecticut library card number in order to view it.
inside the CHS 