In the oldest school records, shared by A. A. Ayers, we learned that the bell was purchased from Jessie M. South on May 29, 1890 for $9. A bell house rope was a necessary addition bought by the clerk, John Boyd, on June 5 for the sum of 50 cents.

As is the custom with antiques, the value of the old bell has increased with age. They are often purchased now by lovers of antiquity for nostalgic or sentimental reasons; placed in appropriate settings in home gardens and used as a dinner bell-or just for "atmosphere."

The fact that the Lacomb bell has been well used by former schoolteachers is noted by the crack in its surface-much like the one in the famed "Liberty Bell." However, Liberty was not the message tolled when it was in daily use in former Lacomb school buildings. Its resounding tones meant either the start of a school day or the end of noon hour or recess periods. Remember those exclamations of disgust when the bell interrupted an exciting game of baseball at a strategic moment?

"Are there any special memories that come to mind as you recall the bell's history?" I queried Auldie Ayers, Bryan Sanders and Claude Cox last week as we discussed this piece of unused school property with Alan Ray, a former student and present board member.

"Yes," laughed Saunders, "Henry Sylvester and I stuck pins in the bell rope one time. Since the teacher always rang the bell, he discovered them and whipped both of us. He was sure one of us did it but didn't know which one."

     School Days Begin…1900

Auldie Ayers recalled his first days of school in 1900 in the building then located about a mile north of the present Lacomb proper. His search of the old records revealed that on March 2, 1891, there were 55 girls and 39 boys enrolled for one teacher to instruct. The district received $578.75 from the state in school funds that year. The teacher, possibly R. W. Swink, was paid $55 a month.

It is believed J. E. Hardin also taught the school along about that time, although his name appears in the old records as a clerk rather than the teacher. The incomplete list of teachers contracts recorded showed Swink as a teacher in 1889 (dated June 28); G. L. Calavan, 1891; M. R. Brown, 1892 and '93; L. A. Simons, 1898-99; Gertrude Raines (Wirt)-who still lives in Lacomb-1904; Annie Blacklaw, 1903-04."

"Gertie Raines, was hired May 7, 1904 as the second teacher," Ayers said. "That was when the school was enlarged. She is well known in the area as Mrs. Gertrude Wirt, having lived here all of her life."

The old timers believe that the first school-in use from about 1887 to '89-was later used as a woodshed. The second schoolhouse was built sometime in the late 1880's and added onto in 1904 to allow for two teachers. It was then that the present Mrs. Wirt took over the primary grades for the sum of $20 a month. Annie Blacklaw was receiving $50 for the upper grades.

     New Building Planned

"By 1914, the building was too small," Ayers said, "and a meeting was called for Aug. 22 to discuss buying two acres where the present school now stand. The price of the land was $300 and the cost of the building was not to exceed $2000. However, a three room building was later constructed at a total cost of $3000."

Other memories shared by the men included the disagreement concerning the location of the new school. Those living north of Lacomb wanted it built on the former building site. Quite a word battle ensued, but the final vote showed 20 for the new site and nine for the old.

The new building went in right over the stumps and remained there until a WPA a (Works Progress Administration) crew put in a concrete floor in 1934 or '35.

Leafing through the old records, we found that wood for the old school was cut and delivered in 1891 for 74 cents a cord. Even earlier (Oct 15, 1889) 14 cords were delivered at 70 cents a cord.

And lets see what else we can find: Oh, yes, in February of 1893 20 tier of wood was purchased at 74 cents a tier-and a bond for the same was required to insure delivery.

The records of monies spent included several notations for "freight from Lebanon, 50 cents."

As with any old story of the past, more must be left untold than can be included. If inanimate objects could remember-and talk-the old school bell would probably contribute the best "memories" of all.

Since it can only "chime" with clear distinct tones-the buyer will have to translate to the best of his ability.

Information donated by Patricia Dunn, November 25, 2001