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The Fire Bell on Courthouse Square: |
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The Fire Bell on Courthouse Square: This is the original fire alarm bell purchased by the village in 1867. At first, it was hung in a 44 foot wooden tower at the north end of the park. When the new courthouse was completed, it wa sput in the northeast tower, where it served very well for 48 years, and in 1915, it developed a crack. It was at first sold back to the bell company, but sentimental citizens started a movement to save “Old Joe” named after one of Owego’s most famous fireman, Joseph S. DeWitt. To save it, the committee sold shares of “Old Joe” stock at 25 cents each and collected enough money ($600) to buy it back from the bell company. It was set up on this pedestal on August 25, 1915 and formally dedicated as a memorial to Mr. DeWitt.
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