Center Meeting House

Dan Wolf's prediction came true.  The bell tower went up before the snow flew. 

At just before 11 am on Wednesday December 2, 2009, the tower was raised back onto the Center Meeting House.  A sizeable crowd was there for the event and everyone got a treat they won't soon forget.  The crew was ready shortly after 10 am but waited for a few minutes while people continued to arrive to see this historic event.  They were not disappointed!

If any of our readers would like us to post additional pictures of the renewed tower, just send them to me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and I'll be glad to post them. In this picture, the last few inches were on hold as positioning was checked and double checked so that this million dollar crane will not have to be called back for any adjustments.

Later on, the weather vane was installed and the blue wrapping was removed from the mast.  For several days afterward the tower was subjected to additional adjustments, touch ups, and fastening that was taking place out of sight from the exterior.  This part of the project is pretty much complete now.

On December 6, 2009, Tracy Messer and his children were given the honor of ringing the bell again after more the eight years of silence.  The tree lights were turned on by Alice Lynn, the bell was rung and carols were sung.  I heard someone say that this was the biggest crowd that has ever come out for the annual lighting of the town tree.  Everyone then retired to the town offices conference room to warm up, eat some of the delicious food provided by the Newbury Beautification Committee and drink some warm cider.

What a day! And what a week!