The Bell Tower
The Friends of the Three Bears have worked to raise funds and awareness of the restoration projects needed to be done at the Historic Seneca County Courthouse Complex. With financial support, sweat equity and partnering with the Seneca County Board of Supervisors, we’ve completed another item on the wish list– installation of an elevator! Papa Bear, where the courtroom and jail are located is now accessible which means everyone can enjoy the rich history of the building and participate in community programs.
The next big project is the restoration of the cupola also known as the Bell Tower. The Bell has been refurbished and is housed in the front of the building. The Ovid Bee newspaper reported on October 8, 1845, “The new Courthouse has been completed and a Court of Pleas is now in session.” The Courthouse as erected is comprised of two stories and an attic with a substantial stone jail in the cellar. In 1862, a 300-pound bell, commissioned by the Board of Supervisors, was installed in the cupola and remained there for 165 years. The bell was rung at the commencement of court-sessions and government meetings as well as religious, educational, political and cultural gatherings. It was manufactured at the foundry of Cowling & Co., in Seneca Falls. The Friends of the Three Bears refurbished the bell in 2010 and thanks to the County maintenance team it is proudly displayed in front the courthouse. The dome is topped with a weathervane that is still atop the structure.
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors has approved funding to restore the cupola and secure the weathervane. Over the years, the Friends have held several fundraisers earmarked for this project and we’re looking forward to it going out to bid. The project is scheduled to start in the Spring of 2025. Thank you to everyone who supported this renovation project. Enjoy the photographs and video below of the ringing of the bell in its current location in front of Papa Bear.
