Town of Clarksville raising money to save historic GRC Bell Tower

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Clarksville launched a fundraising campaign to save its historic bell tower.

The Clarksville Historic Preservation Commission hopes to raise $27,500 to save the GRC Bell Tower. If the $27,500 goal is reached, it will be matched by the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.

The bell tower is an important part of the town's history, dating back to 1899. That's when Clarksville’s Howard Park area opened a school first named for the neighborhood, then later renamed George Rogers Clark Elementary School, according to a news release from town officials.

Old George Rogers Clark School — Pictured: this undated image provided by The Clarksville Historic Preservation Commission shows the George Rogers Elementary School as it appeared after it was built in 1899.

It became known to locals as simply "GRC." The school was built in the classic style of the time with a bell tower above the entrance. The gymnasium was demolished in 1975 when the school was remodeled, and the bell tower was left on the lawn as a reminder of the old school.

Now, nearly 50 years later, the bell tower is in significant disrepair. Town leaders want to restore it and move it to a more prominent location along Clarksville’s Heritage Trail in Colgate Park.

Once it has been restored, the bell tower will be placed on a new brick base, making the tower approximately 26 feet tall so it can become a very visible town landmark.

A concrete plaza, landscaping, and benches will also be installed. Additional funds raised above the goal will be used to further enhance the site.

CLICK HERE to make a donation. Donors can also send checks made out to the Town of Clarksville with "Bell Tower Campaign" in the memo line. Checks should be mailed to Town of Clarksville, 2000 Broadway Street, Clarksville, IN 47129.

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