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2 <br /> REPLACEMENT OF THE OLD COURTHOUSE BELL <br /> I. The replacement of the old courthouse bell was suggested by a <br /> study of the town clock, conducted by Richard Parsons, a clock and <br /> bell expert. (copy enclosed) . The existing bell suffers from a <br /> serious weakness caused by incorrect striking, and from its size, <br /> which does not permit enough sound to be heard by anyone. <br /> II. Armed with this information, the Hillsborough Historical <br /> Society applied for and was granted $8,500 by the Tourism Board to <br /> pay for a 42 inch, 1, 000 lb bell from England to be installed by <br /> April of 1997. (copy of grant request enclosed) <br /> III. Concern was raised by several people that such a bell might be <br /> too large and heavy for proper installation. Thus, a structural <br /> engineer was obtained, at Society expense, to review the plans and <br /> determine its feasibility. (copy enclosed) The Engineer's Report <br /> suggested the use of a smaller bell, which has been ordered and a <br /> deposit paid for. (a 500 lb 31 inch bell cast in 1757 ) <br /> A. The present plans call for the removal of only 1 inner board <br /> and the louvers of one face of the cupola; no outside dismantling <br /> will be needed. The louvers and all other boards will be replaced. <br /> B. A new cross beam will be installed to support the bell. <br /> C. No outside scaffolding will be required. The bell may be <br /> delivered to a platform hung from the inside of the tower. <br />