SALEM, Ark. — Thieves have stolen the old school bell that hung at the top of the steps at the historic Old Main schoolhouse in Salem.
The bell was discovered missing by Friends of Old Main Board of Directors member Ron Plumlee while checking on maintenance at the old schoolhouse.
The bolts holding the bell in place were sawed apparently.
It must have required at least two people to remove the bell because of its size and weight, Plumlee said.
The bell has been at the top of the steps for at least 70 years, maybe more. The school was built in 1930 and is now operated by the Friends of Old Main as a nonprofit activity center.
The bell was brass and has many marks from ringing over the years; there is an inscription around the top.
If anyone has information that might lead to the recovery of the bell, or/and to the apprehension of those responsible, please contact the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office at 870-895-2601. The bell was part of the history of Old Main.
