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Let freedom ring: Blair County Liberty Bell unveiled ahead of nation’s 250th anniversary

Blair County Liberty Bell unveiled ahead of nation’s 250th anniversary

DelGrosso’s Park President Carl Crider Jr. and artist Leah McNaul unveil the bell at the park entrance on Friday afternoon. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

TIPTON — Wheat fields and wheat strands for prosperity and plenty, a tractor for farming, gears for industry and a train as a nod to the region’s railroading history can all be found on Blair County’s Liberty Bell unveiled Friday afternoon in celebration of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.

Located at DelGrosso’s Park, the bell recognizes the county’s rich history and cultural landmarks and is part of the Bells Across PA art series commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial.

“The bell says that Blair County is a part of America’s story,” said Amy Mearkle, director of marketing and advertising at DelGrosso’s Park. “The bell covers a lot of our great tourism parts of the county. We are excited to showcase and display it here at DelGrosso’s Park.”

Titled “Blair County – A Part of America’s Story,” the fiberglass bell sculpture was painted by local artist Leah McNaul, who explained her design to local and state officials gathered for the unveiling and the county’s America250PA kickoff celebration.

The bell showcases McNaul’s “interpretation of a destruction of elements” from the Blair County flag created by Charles Bickel in 1969. Elements such as a horseshoe were added as a nod to the county’s contributions to Pennsylvania.

Artist Leah McNaul, her husband, Matthew, and son, Levi, take in the detail after the unveiling of the bell on Friday afternoon. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

While one side features the farming and railroading aspects, the other highlights county landmarks such as Chimney Rocks, Baker Mansion and the historic carousel found at Delgrosso’s Park. The artwork also includes Altoona Curve baseball, Fort Roberdeau and Canoe Creek’s Limestone kilns.

“The bell preserves our history while embodying America250’s theme of patriotism,” said A.C. Stickel, who is chairing the America250PA – Blair County Commission. “With the art on this bell, we can educate people about our history.”

McNaul was chosen from a selection of applicants to design the bell and will receive a $1,250 honorarium for her work.

“It is a big honor,” McNaul said. “I am grateful that the DelGrosso’s Family of Companies chose me and my design.”

An art educator in the Bellwood-Antis School District, McNaul teaches middle and high school students and said she enjoys learning new things.

The front of the bell. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“I always encourage my students to do the same,” she said. “Being a teacher here for the past 16 years has given me insight on this local area’s history and beauty.”

The Blair County bell is one of the first bells to be unveiled in Pennsylvania, though more than 100 bells are under commission in the Bells Across PA program.

“It is really exciting that this bell is the second one to be unveiled,” McNaul said. “It will be neat to see what other people have designed throughout the state.”

McNaul said that she hopes her art encourages her students to chase their dreams.

“When my students pass the bell, I hope they are inspired to do hard things too,” she said.

The back of the bell. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“We have incredible talent here in Blair County,” Stickel said. “The bell both shows off McNaul’s talent and Blair County, and we are excited to be a part of America’s celebration.”

Sponsored by the DelGrosso’s Family of Companies, the bell will be kept on display and is located at the water park entrance to DelGrosso’s Park.

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