Bells ring again in Watervliet after preserving old bells

WATERVLIET, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Meneely Bells are ringing again through an electronic Carillon bell system. The sound system was purchased by the Watervliet Charitable Foundation to maintain a part of the city's history, Mayor Charles Patricelli said.

The new bell sounds coincide with the Watervliet arsenal's daily bugle rendition of Reveille, Retreat and Mess Call and Taps. The bells will ring on the hour from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and at noon and 6 p.m., a patriotic song will play.

"The sound of the bells give residents a sense of community," Watervliet Charitable Foundation board members Kathy Crudo and Willam Fahr said. "The ringing bells in the past told parishioners that they were late for mass or just reminded them of the time of day. Keeping our heritage alive is important."

The system has been stored at the city's refurnished Cultural Center, formerly the Dutch Reformed Church, on First Avenue across from City Hall. But three other churches, Immaculate Heart of Mary, St. Peter's and Trinity Church, ring daily bells too.

According to the mayor, Watervliet churches in each neighborhood would ring bells, many of which were produced by Meneely foundry. The foundry was originally located only a few hundred feet from the church and was built in 1826 until closing in 1952.

The Foundation purchased and refurbished several Meneely bells located throughout the city. John Razzano, who started the Foundation, championed the purchases so the city did not forget its roots.

"We made sure John’s wishes were carried out and this electronic bell system is the frosting on the cake," said Mayor Patricelli, also a Watervliet Charitable Foundation board member. "This purchase precedes the foundry's 200th anniversary. Meneely Bells are world-famous. We want future generations to know what this foundry means to the city's history."

In 2023, the St. Brigid’s Church bell was removed to be preserved. The bell was then placed on display in the city.