"A Slice of History"
Before offices of the Board of Education moved there in the early 1980s, Putnam Avenue School had served Whitneyville's elementary school kids since it opened in 1915.
Late last month, former Putnam Avenue principal Andrew L. Pellico donated this bell, pictured at right, to the fire department with hopes that it someday would be included in a department museum.
"This bell was donated to me," wrote Mr. Pellico, "by Miss Elvira Holm, who was principal of Putnam Avenue School prior to her retirement in 1961. She entrusted me with this relic explaining that it served as a fire alarm back in the early part of the 1900s.
"The Putnam Avenue School was built in 1915 and during those early years the principal would walk the halls ringing the bell signaling a fire drill. Once all the children were safely outside, it would be rung again to announce the recall to classes. With the advent of more modern signaling devices, the bell was retired!"
Mr. Pellico continued, "For many years I used it as a paper weight and fear that its historical significance may be lost if I don't act! I'm 91 years of age. Therefore, I have chosen to entrust a slice of history to your department. Certainly there is a connection!
"It is my hope that you will have it in an appropriate receptacle with a simple plaque which reads as follows: 'Putnam Avenue School, FIRE BELL, Circa 1918.'"
Andrew L. Pellico
Principal - Putnam Avenue School
1961-1967
Thank you, Mr. Pellico, for helping to preserve this wonderful relic from your (and our) past.
Posted 2/9/2018
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