EATONTOWN — The school bell that once sounded the start of the school day at the former Fred G. Steelman School will be displayed on the grounds of the Eatontown Historical Museum.
Linda Risden, chairwoman of the Eatontown Historical Committee, told the Borough Council on Sept. 24 that moving the bell, currently on display indoors, would attract more people to the museum, located at 75 Broad St.
“I think the museum would love to have more people come visit us, and having the bell outside would invite more people,” she said, noting that the bell is an “important” part of the history of Eatontown.
The Steelman School, a six-room brick building located between College and Nicodemus avenues, was originally built in 1907. It later underwent two expansions — one in 1938 and again in 1948. The school was closed in 1976 when some operations at Fort Monmouth were moved.
“When the military radio school moved to Camp Gordon, we lost a lot of children associated with the military personnel,” Mayor Gerald Tarantolo said. “That caused a significant drop in school population here. And, as a result, the decision was made to close Steelman and move any other children that were still in the school to the elementary schools.
“I was present when they sounded the bell for the last time. I remember that day uniquely and distinctly, and I think this is a great idea.”
Tarantolo said a group of investors bought the school in 2007 and planned to establish an all-female high school.
The owners are currently seeking a purchaser for the school building, he said, adding that if future plans call for demolition of the building, the bell tower might also be salvaged.
“The potential exists that Steelman may be demolished. And if that’s the case, wouldn’t it be nice if we could conserve where the bell was mounted and bring that to the museum? We might think about that as one of the options.”
Councilman Anthony Talerico Jr. said the borough might begin accepting donations for a display to house the bell on museum grounds.
He said the donations would be earmarked by the borough and used by the historical committee.