Name/Title
Ward-Belmont's "Singing Tower" by Linda RheaEntry/Object ID
2023.065Tags
Ward-BelmontScope and Content
A history of the Ward-Belmont tower and chimes, written by Linda Rhea. Dated July 24, 1939, in Nashville, Tennessee. Rhea was an English teacher at Ward-Belmont, and also served as president of the Ward-Belmont Alumnae Association. She earned her B.S. from Vanderbilt University, M.A. from Columbia University and Vanderbilt University, and Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University. She was also a sponsor of the senior middle class at Ward-Belmont in 1940.
The chimes were a point of pride at Ward-Belmont. Per Rhea, "it is impossible to estimate the value and influence of the chimes … [they] seem to embody all that is best in the hearts of Ward-Belmont people. […] The bells connect the past with the present as one realizes how many of those who have gone before have helped to make the chimes possible."
For an unfinished draft of this document, see 2023.064.Context
The Belmont Tower and Carillon is an iconic structure on the campus of Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. The tower is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Belmont Mansion registration. In 1928, a twenty-three bell carillon (the "Alumnae Chimes") was installed in the tower on the Ward-Belmont school campus. This year was the first year the tower served as a carillon. On April 12, 1929, the Alumnae Chimes were formally dedicated. The chimes were donated to the school by approximately 3,000 alumni nationwide and cost $13,000 at the time.Collection
Harpeth Hall School ArchivesLexicon
Search Terms
Ward-Belmont, Linda Rhea, Chimes, Belmont Tower, Carillon, 1939
