"The Messenger," Portland, Oregon - Bells on Waymarking.com

Portland’s 4,200-pound fire bell “The Messenger,” hung atop a 70-foot tower, behind the Vigilance Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 at 4th and Yamhill, where it remained until 1913. The bell was created by The Menelly Bell Foundry, Westbury, N.Y. in 1874. The tone from this alarm bell could be heard all the way to Oregon City. It was installed even before the age of horse-drawn steamers, when firefighters would literally run with their equipment to save a burning building. This, the largest alarm bell in Oregon, was purchased in response to the great fire of 1873, which nearly leveled the west side of the city of Portland.

Instructions for logging waymark: A photograph is required of you (or your GPS receiver, if you are waymarking solo) and the bell.

As a suggestion for your visit log, please make every effort to supply a brief-to-detailed note about your experience at the Waymark. If possible also include an image that was taken when you visited the Waymark. Images can be of yourself, a personal Waymarking signature item or just one of general interest that would be of value to others. Sharing your experience helps promote Waymarking and provides a dynamic history of your adventures.