Spokane Fire Station Museum (Out of Many, One display)

Spokane County Centennial Bell

This 126-year-old bell was originally placed on the Mount St. Michael’s Mission Church building. The bell was found at the closed Fort Wright Museum on what is now the Mukogawa U.S. University campus by retired SFD Deputy Fire Marshals Tom Heckler & Joe Paulson and donated to the Spokane Fire Station Museum. For a time, it was displayed in the lobby of Fire Station # 1. The bell was presented in 1989 by the Spokane Fire Department, to be displayed at the Washington State Centennial Bell Garden in the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle. Many years later the Bell garden was dismantled, and it was returned to the Spokane Fire Station Museum. Museum volunteers restored, painted, and mounted the Bell on its newly made yoke by retired fire fighters Bob White and Larry Percy.

How it represents the community’s American experience:

The Bell has shared its long life starting with the call to worship services at Mount ST. Michael’s Mission Church. Services were attended by area residents and Native Americans who had converted to Christianity living around what is now called Hillyard. The bell has had a life of its own and will continue to represent Chief Peone’s Peace Truce Tree.

On display at the Spokane Fire House Museum by appointment only.