“Ringing in the new school year…”

In the old days, bells were used to summon students to class, time for recess, or to signal the end of the school day. Some schools would use a bell to announce class rotations between reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Following World War II, automated bells were put into use at many schools along with public announcement systems. It was not until the 1960s that several school districts wired every classroom to a PA system so that the automated bell could signify the end of the school day. Today, cell phone alarms have replaced the traditional school bell. One narrative written about school bells, described the modern technology as “cells versus bells.” 

The Coryell Museum and Historical Center has a school room display, which depicts what classes looked like in the early days, along with dozens of early-day class portraits from schools all over the county. Near the front of the classroom sits a large, cast-iron bell. A sign on the bell reads: “This school bell rang from the belfry of Gatesville Grammar School on College Hill from 1907 until 1948. The grammar school building was condemned and evacuated in 1948. Classes were held in the AG building, band hall, home economics classroom, Scout house, First Baptist Church, and other available rooms until a new school was ready in 1950.”

Visitors are welcome to drop by the museum located at 718 E. Main to view the massive spur collection. Coryell Museum and Historical Center is open Tuesday through Saturday, as is the gift shop. Yearly Coryell Museum memberships are $20 for singles, $30 for families, and $40 for businesses and include free admission to the museum, plus four newsletters. Of course, large and small donations are welcome at all times.

Coryell Museum offers area schools and tour groups a delightful, guided tour through the museum with docents at many exhibits. Call the museum at 254-865-5007 to plan a visit.