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Stephens Bell Returns To Towson University

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- It's been silent for years, but if you live in Towson, get ready for the sound to return.

Adam May takes a look at the renovations to the Stephens Bell.

Ninety-seven years after it was first hoisted into its tower, the Stephens Bell is now back home at Towson University.

"It's going to be really cool. I think the entire campus will appreciate this," said Harry Hughes, Towson University.

Built in 1915 by a Baltimore-based company, the 1,200 pound bronze bell needed an overhaul. The bell was removed in January by the same company that installed it in 1915, McShane Bell Foundry of Glen Burnie.

"I've had a lot of bells from across the country come back. We clean, polish and electrify them and send them back," said the restorer.

 The bell looks classic, but it's more modern. An electric clapper now makes it ring different tones.

"We can go ahead and ring it for inaugurations, 9-11, special things like that, weddings, any sort of special occasion. We can electronically adjust it and go ahead and do any sort of ringing we want it to," said Hughes.

The bell should be in full service next week.

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