The Class of 1998 Bell

Originally donated in 1857 by Pierpont Isham, an honorary member of the Society of Alumni, the Goodrich Bell is the oldest remaining bell on campus. It was cast in 1858 at the Meneely Bell Foundry in West Troy, NY, and weighs 1,025 lbs. Following the opening of the "New Chapel" (now Goodrich Hall) in 1859, the bell was rung daily both to tell time and to call students to compulsory chapel and prayer exercises.

In 1905, the bells of the new Thompson Memorial Chapel replaced the function of the Goodrich Bell; however, for a number of years, the Goodrich Bell was rung to announce athletic triumphs over rival Amherst College.

In 1998, coupled with the renovations of Goodrich Hall into a student center, the Class of 1998 donated funds to restore the bell and to revive the tradition of ringing out victories over Amherst. The Class of 1998 Bell will also be rung at significant College events including the annual Ivy Exercises.