New Bell Clapper

The restoration really began with the donation of a new bell clapper by Leroy Williams, a former Rock Island Employee, living in El Reno, Oklahoma Accepting the clapper is Leta Feldmeier the "Save the 905"'s historian.

Bell Removed

The bell the day after it was removed from the "905".

Happy Camper

Mike Stuckert, new clapper in hand - was one of the persons who removed the bell. (Royce Clark was the second.) This is the first piece to be removed and begin the restoration process.

Radial Crack

Bitter Sweet, the bell actually has a small radial crack near the top.

Inside

Inside the bell....no clapper. This photo can be deceiving.

Inside

Still no Clapper.

Shined at Last

After 3 1/2 days of sanding with 3 grits of paper, 3 sizes of steel wool, polish and a coat of turtle wax, the bell is ready.

The Cradle

Likewise, after 3 days of paint stripping, metal brushing, filing, priming and painting by John Haney, the cradle awaits reassembly. May 11, 2007

Display Cart

It takes a heavy cart to hold this heavy a bell. M. Stuckert is pondering the design.

Shining in the Sun

The sunlight catches it while it is tied down in transport to the park. This bell was the first thing off the 905 and it will be the last thing put back on.