Archeological evidence of bells dates back some 5,000 years when pottery bells were used in China and Africa to track goats, sheep and cattle. Bells have long had spiritual meaning. Tolling of bells for the deceased is an ancient custom. Since church bells were located closer to heaven, they were thought to have special powers.
Cowbells are generally associated with Switzerland. The largest Swiss bells can weigh more than 10 pounds and can exceed 113 decibels. The constant ringing discourages predators, such as bears, and helps locate cows. However, there is some concern about the negative effect of heavy, loud bells on cows’ wellbeing and research is being done in this area.
Bells, and cowbells in particular, were once big business in the United States. At one time, 30 bell manufacturers thrived in the small town of East Hampton, Connecticut. Founded in 1832, Bevin Bells is the last remaining company exclusively making bells in the United States.
The family-owned enterprise makes most of the bells that Salvation Army bell ringers use. A Bevin bell opened and closed the New York Stock Exchange for seven decades before the exchange switched to an electronic bell. Children jumped with joy when they heard the friendly bell of the Good Humor Man, and many prize fighters have been relieved to hear a Bevin bell announce the end of a round.
CiCi Bevin, great, great, great granddaughter of Philo Bevin who co-founded the company with his three brothers is the firm’s Chief Operating Officer. She says that cowbells are “hugely important to the company.” They are the third most important product Bevin Bells makes today. Cici says that in Atlanta the Southern Territory of the Salvation Army is one of her company’s largest customers and notes that Bevin Bells attends the American Mart Gift Show in Atlanta every year.
Cowbells and…
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