I enjoy demonstrating the doorbell. Can you imagine showing first-time visitors how to use it in 1859? Most would not have even heard of a doorbell. The brass "pull" to the right of the front door is original, as is the spring loaded mechanical component in the basement. The bell itself has since been "electrified". It is in its original central location, some twenty feet away from the front door in a hallway between the foyer and library. It can be heard throughout the house. Most early doorbells were of the "twist" variety and the bell had to be directly connected and located right inside the door. This centrally located bell is very unusual and a very modern design for the time. I may be stepping out on a limb here, but I think we might be able to lay claim to the title for "the oldest functioning doorbell west of the Mississippi"! At least until someone can prove theirs is older than 154 years, how cool is that?
Posted on: Tue, 10 Sep 2013 10:32:30 +0000
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