The historic Old Main Schoolhouse in Salem has had a bell hanging from the top of its steps for nearly 70 years, but the Friends of Old Main and local authorities are now in search of it. Thieves have allegedly stolen the bell by sawing the bolts holding it in place.
The bell was discovered missing by Friends of Old Main Board of Directors member Ron Plumlee as he was checking on maintenance at the schoolhouse. He says it must have required at least two people to remove the bell due to its size and weight.
The schoolhouse was built in 1930, and the Friends of Old Main operate it as a nonprofit activity center. The bell is brass with an inscription around the top and several marks from being rung over the years.
Anyone with information about the bell or possible suspects in its disappearance is asked to contact the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office at 870-895-2601.
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