To the editor:
The Hardwick Academy bell was saved by the class of 1970, the last graduating class. It was given to us by the school board at the time and we have taken care of it ever since-over 50 years. The housing structure was so well built in the 70’s, as a replica of the HA belfry, that little maintenance has been required. A new roof, painting of the wood and a plaque identifying what it is, is all that had to be done. We started a fund at the Union Bank in Hardwick to take care of the bell in the future. Anyone can contribute to it. The new alumni committee knew this and should have included that in their survey letter.
The HA alumni were polled from 1971-1975 and voted to place the bell in Memorial Park, on Church St., as a memorial to Hardwick Academy. The bell is next to the War Memorial. There are many, many HA alumni on the wall. The light from the War Memorial shines on the bell as well. How fitting a resting place for the HA bell. It is visible and accessible and can be rung anytime.
Hazen has a bell from the Greensboro school, a part of their Union. (another fact omitted in the letter) They rarely ring it and when they do, because of its location on the property, it can hardly be heard even on the streets nearby.
Hazen does not need two bells! The students themselves have stated they do not want the HA bell. Their present bell means more to them than a bell that came from a school most of them never heard of.
A committee from the class of 1970 have addressed all concerns regarding the present and future care of the bell. Memorial Park will always remain. The bell is a significant historical artifact which, I am sure, when all the HA alumni have passed, the Hardwick Historical Society will be interested in its preservation, and our bell fund will be there to help.
The survey sent out by the new alumni committee knowingly omitted significant information that they knew because it did not fit in their agenda.
Respect the memorial we left to all HA alumni and vote “no” on moving it to Hazen.
Annette Renaud Gann
Hardwick
Class of 1970
