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"The Bell Rings Again" Event Photos
   

                                                               Specialized Photos for those Interested

                                                                                  More photos of Individual Guests

       "The Bell Rings Again" event had two purposes.  We wanted to honor those who helped with some aspect of the locomotive's placement in Fuqua Park, Duncan, Oklahoma back in 1954.  Also we wanted to signify the official beginning of the physical restoration of the 905.  The event was held on May 12, 2007, a Saturday evening at the Fuqua Park Gazebo.  It was a laid back affair.  We sold hotdogs and drinks.  Everyone brought their own lawn chairs, ate, listened to the "Southwest Pride Barbershop Quartet and Chorus", clapped for our special guests and heard the 905's bell ring for the first time in 53 years.

 

3 PM: Setting up

John Haney helps Leta Feldmeier setup the gazebo for the program.

3:45 PM: Undignified Arrival of the Bell

Transportation to Fuqua Park via trailer. She'll be back on top the locomotive once the restoration to the "905" is finished. It was first OFF and will be the last ON.

 

Ready for Ringing

The bell is ready and sitting in Fuqua Park. It is waiting for "The Bell Rings Again" Ceremony on May 12, 2007.

5 PM: Ready

The gazebo is ready.

5 PM: Fires lit

Royce Clark lights the fires for the hotdogs.

5:30 PM Special Guest Photos

Before the event, Special Guests posing in front of the 905.

Four who helped move the 905.

David Haynes, Elmer Petty, Wallace Mooney, LV Williams are the four surviving members who actually helped move the locomotive in 1954.

Ex-El Reno Rock Island Employees.

left to right: Bill Campbell, Leroy Williams, Bill Rollins, Vardie Keenon, and Jimmy Bounds.

6 PM: The Event Begins

Bob Hare and Don Garrison are ready to pull the first hotdogs off the grill.

The Chow Line

They must have smelled the hotdogs.

Laura Thomas

Laura Thomas, one of our volunteers, mans the souvenir table.

This was strictly a Bring Your Own Chair event.

The Souvenir Table

Our Master of Ceremonies

Roy Grabman did an excellent job of keeping the program moving. And his jokes weren't too bad either.

6:30 PM: The Barber Shop Quartet and Chorus

The SouthWest Pride Barbershop Quartet and Chorus entertained us with good ol down-home music. They are from the Lawton-Duncan area. We thank them very much.

7 PM: Leta begins the Program

Leta Feldmeier, the groups historian, begins the main program with the presentation of our Special Guests

After 53 Years of Silence......Loud, True and Beautiful!

Leroy Williams, former Rock Island Employee who donated the new clapper is ringing the bell for the first time in 53 years. May 12, 2007

L.V. Williams

Leta Feldmeier presents a Certificate of Appreciation to LV Williams for his part in the 1954 move of the 905. You can see more individual presentations by clicking the button at the top of the photo section.

A Welcome Gift

Clay King presents Mike Stuckert and the Save the 905 Group a set of 905 Maintenance records from his Father's estate.

In his father's footsteps.

In 1954, CC King drove the 905 down Oak Street and was the last person to ring the bell. Today, in 2007, his son, Clay King, rang the bell to signify the beginning of the physical restoration of the Rock Island # 905.

Special Guests

Group shot of special guests on the Gazebo Stage.

A Quick History Lesson

Leta Feldmeier gives a short talk on the 905's history while Mike Stuckert holds posters.

Dignitaries

Our State Representative, Dennis Johnson and our Mayor, Gene Brown posing before with the bell after ringing it.