LAKEPORT >> Originally hung in a bell tower in the northwest corner at Courthouse Square/Plaza soon after the Historic Courthouse was built in 1871, the Curfew Bell has found a new home in Xabatin Community Park, 800 N. Main Street. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday to enthusiastic cheers of the city’s residents.
Pam Harpster, current Lakeport Rotary president welcomed the eager throng who participated in a prominent moment in the Curfew Bell’s storied history. City dignitaries held the crimson sash for the ribbon cutting ceremony as Mark Lipps, Rotary past- president, did the honors with the shears. “We’re reinstating history as we speak,” Harpster said. “Each of us is a part of tomorrow’s history and the next thing to do is celebrate history as it is.” Harpster added that the fun thing about the Curfew Bell is that it was affectionally known as the Hooligan Bell. “It was because at 10 p.m. somebody would run over and ring the bell to let all the hooligans know they had to go home.” Harpster said she had pictures showing the bell as it sat at 3rd and North Forbes Street and added, “We are supper happy it was saved and restored.”
Harpster urged everybody to sign the ribbon and then introduced the in-coming Rotary President, Faith Hornby. “I’m just excited to keep traditions alive and start new traditions,” she said. “Thank you everyone for doing this.” Mark Lipps, past president also extended his thanks for the many participants contributing to the effort and “for buying into my crazy idea.”
Lipps praised Lakeport Public Works Director Ron Ladd and Public Works Superintendent Jim Kennedy for stepping up to the plate to support the bell. “It was Jim’s idea to sandblast, and powder coat the bell and the brace that holds it,” Lipps said. “We also have city counselors to thank. And a number of people who wrote checks …. and Rick Thorn of Clearlake Ready Mix who donated all the concrete.”
Lipps also acknowledged the Lake County Arts Council for planning and helping to obtain grants. The Lake County Genealogical Society and the Historical Society also received accolades. “They were instrumental in supplying information,” Lipps said. “John Parker was the one who sent me the picture of the bell from 1896.” The bell was removed from the bell tower in1918 according to a plaque’s historical accounting at its present Main St. location, its subsequent location was ‘then lost to the mists of time'” but it was eventually discovered at the Fairgrounds. The Curfew Bell served also to signal emergencies, for fire, disasters, missing persons and other community needs.
Harpster explained their next plan is to put in a time capsule at the Main St. site in the spring and then pull the capsule back up in 25 years time. “So, this is just the beginning of doing several cool things this spring in Xabatin Community Park,” she said.
