Big Joe (bell)
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Weight: | 37,000 lb (16,818 kg) |
| Diameter: | Script error: No such module "convert". |
| Material: | Bronze |
| Yoke: | unknown pounds (unknown kg) |
| Clapper: | 640 pounds[1] |
| Location: | Cincinnati, Ohio, United States |
| Casting Date: | 1895 |
| Musical note: | E♭ |
Joseph (commonly known as Big Joe) is a bronze bell that hangs Script error: No such module "convert". into the bell tower of Neo-Gothic Saint Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States.[2][1] The endearing moniker Big Joe is a combination of the names of Joseph T. Buddeke, the largest donor of the project, and Big Ben, the great bell in the iconic Palace of Westminster clock tower in London.[3][4]
Measuring Script error: No such module "convert". tall and with a diameter of Script error: No such module "convert"., the 17.5 ton bell is the largest swinging bell ever cast in the United States.[3] It was cast on October 30, 1895 by the E. W. Van Duzen Company at their foundry on Second Street and Broadway.[4][5] The massive bell was hauled by 12 horses up Gilbert Avenue, then down Madison Road to St. Francis de Sales in the neighborhood of East Walnut Hills.[4]
When first swung in January 1896, its deafening peal startled the Walnut Hills neighborhood and could be heard for Script error: No such module "convert"..[3] According to some accounts, the resultant E♭ produced vibrations which shook the houses and buildings below and shattered nearby windows.[2] However, a modern-day bell expert at Cincinnati-based The Verdin Company, foundry of the nearby and even larger World Peace Bell (which was cast in France), dismisses damage to window glass inflicted by Big Joe as a local legend with no historical basis. According to them, Big Joe was never swung again because of trembling in the bell tower and crumbing of mortar; the bell was simply too big for its tower.[1][6]
Following the bell's inaugural ring, the parish priests decreed the bell shall "remain immobile forever".[1] The Script error: No such module "convert". clapper was not used again; today the bell is rung only with an oversized foot hammer tapping its rim.[3][7]
Big Joe is struck thrice daily at 6 am, 12 noon and 6 pm for Angelus, followed by the chiming of four smaller bells, known as the "ladies in waiting", resting above it.[3][4]
See also
References
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- ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d e Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d SFDS History saintfrancisdesalesparish.org Script error: No such module "Unsubst".
- ↑ Logansport Journal (Indiana), November 20, 1895, page 7
- ↑ Will Newport bell rattle its neighbors?
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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External links
- BIG JOE "Largest swinging bell in the world. Presented to St. Francis de Sales's congregation by the late Joseph G. Buddeke."
- St. Francis de Sales Church
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