Bell tolls 13 times: Let freedom ring

April 22, 2015 at 5:00 a.m.

Photograph submitted “This year marks the 150th anniversary of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, and the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission has launched “Let Freedom Ring” to commemorate this historic milestone,” read Stephen Bowman, principal, and rang the Historic Garfield Bell 13 times. By Kristy Brown Special to The TIMES
Photograph submitted “This year marks the 150th anniversary of the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery, and the Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission has launched “Let Freedom Ring” to commemorate this historic milestone,” read Stephen Bowman, principal, and rang the Historic Garfield Bell 13 times. By Kristy Brown Special to The TIMES

GARFIELD -- Students at Garfield Elementary gathered around their school bell at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Arkansas ratifying the U.S. Constitution's 13th Amendment that abolished slavery. Stephen Bowman, principal, read information about the 13th amendment to the students and said: "Today, we will ring the bell 13 times at the 13th hour to celebrate the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery."

The historic Garfield School Bell was purchased in 1888 for the school and has been a part of the school ever since. In 2013, Garfield Elementary raised funds through the support of the community to erect a bell tower which now houses the historic bell.

Community on 04/22/2015