Name/Title
Ward-Belmont Chimes Fundraising LetterEntry/Object ID
2023.063Tags
Ward-BelmontScope and Content
A letter sent to Ward-Belmont alumnae from the secretary of the Ward-Belmont Alumnae Association, dated February 19, 1927. The letter discusses the alumnae association's plans to have chimes installed in the school tower, once the necessary funds could be raised ($10,000 at the time). The association requested donations from alumnae, the class of 1926-27, and the administration and faculty. Slogans for the campaign included "A Thousand Ten Dollar Bills" and "A Contribution From Every Alumnae." The letter expresses a desire to have the first chimes in Nashville, as there were none at the time, and to hear the school song "The Bells of Ward-Belmont" played on them. Alumnae's attendance at the dedication of the chimes was encouraged.
The school was successful in their campaign, and the chimes were installed the following year and formally dedicated in 1929.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, Belmont University, Belmont Tower, Chimes, Carillon, Alumnae, 1927