Ringing of historic bell signals second birthday for Wildomar
The resonance of bell chimes from the schoolhouse heard back in 1886 to call students to class and for town announcements, once again echoed July 1 throughout Wildomar streets, alerting residents of the town’s big day.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Wildomar resident Mike Sheehan recalls his time at the schoolhouse when children signed their name on a list in hopes to ring the morning bell. More than 50 years later, Sheehan was given the opportunity to ring the bell again during Wildomar's birthday celebration July 1, 2010. (Yazmin Alvarez/SWRNN)
The resonance of bell chimes from the schoolhouse heard back in 1886 to call students to class and for town emergencies and announcements, once again echoed July 1 throughout Wildomar streets, alerting residents of the town’s big day – its second birthday.
About 100 children and adults stood in line Thursday morning at Wildomar Elementary to ring-in the celebration of a town with more than a century-old history. Wildomar’s incorporation came in 2008, marking it Riverside County’s 25th city.
Organized by the Wildomar Historical Society, the bell-ringing is an event city officials and residents hold dear to their heart as it represents the area’s longevity, Wildomar Mayor Bridgette Moore said.
“That sound, it’s unforgettable,” said Wildomar resident Mike Sheehan.
The historic Wildomar schoolhouse bell dates back to 1886. To celebrate the city's second birthday July 1, 2010, city officials, children and residents rang the historic bell Thursday morning at Wildomar Elementary School. (Yazmin Alvarez/SWRNN)
The 640-pound bell is the original from the old 1890s schoolhouse , which was torn down in the 1950s. Now fully restored, the resonance of the chimes heard back in 1886 that were once used to call students to class and for town emergencies and announcements, brings back vivid memories to families rooted in the area.
As a boy, the bell seemed enormous to Sheehan. He attended Wildomar Elementary when there were only a handful of teachers and playground equipment consisted of only a maple and a seesaw. The bell was the highlight of the schoolhouse, and being able to ring it was something coveted by the schoolchildren. Sheehan was among the lucky students at Wildomar School to bring the bell to life before the school day started.
Now 60-years-old and a Jr. Vice Commander with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1508, Sheehan recalls the treasured moment as child as he pulled the rope again more than 50 years later.
“It would lift you off the ground when you pulled the rope,” Sheehan said as he looked up at the restored bell. “It weighed more than I did back then, it still does, but it sure seems lighter now.”
Sheehan’s family goes back five generations in the valley and the Wildomar area, and he said Wildomar has always had a part of their heart.
“The best thing about Wildomar is that it’s home. It’s exciting to be in a new growing city with a small community feel. The (City) Council, they’re friends with people in the community. You don’t get that anymore, but here, it’s truly a community environment.”
Yazmin Alvarez can be reached at yazmin.alvarez@swrnn.com.
Tags: bell-ringing, bridgette moore, Mike Sheehan, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1508, wildomar, Wildomar Bell, Wildomar Elementary, Wildomar Elementary School, Wildomar Historical Society, Wildomar VFW
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