Cast in 1905 by the Meneely Bell Company, Leetonia's bell first sat atop the North side school, which was located on the SW corner of Elm and High Streets. It remained there until approximately 1937, at which time the school was demolished and students moved into the new facility at the corner of Walnut and Summit streets. From 1937 until 1952 the location of the bell is unknown, but the 1952 graduating class funded and constructed a bell tower to house the Leetonia bell. It remained there, ringing at victorious sports events, until the bell was removed during the demolition of the high school in the spring of 2003.

The Meneely Bell Company of Troy, New York began business in 1852 casting bells for churches, schools and other institutions. Their reputation as a bell foundry increased over the years and culminated, perhaps, in the job of casting a reproduction of the Liberty Bell that sits in Independence Hall. Meneely bells are considered the "Tiffany" of bells, and Meneely's bells tolled at the funerals of JFK and FDR. The advent of electronic bells and carillons hurt Meneely's business and the company ceased operations in 1952.

The Leetonia bell, cast of 80% copper and 20% tin, is undergoing restoration in preparation for placement in the new bell tower at Alumni Square where it will continue the tradition of ringing at victorious games. Other than the rusted cast iron yoke and stands, the bell is in wonderful condition. All parts are present and unbroken. The original rope wheel for the bell was made of wood and has been gone for years. Through Chime Masters of Lancaster, Ohio, a new metal rope wheel has been recently fabricated to fit Leetonia's bell.

It's interesting and surprising to note that the cost to replace Leetonia's bell would be close to $50,000.00. To Leetonia Alumni and students, however, the bell is priceless.

Update November 2004 - The restored bell was swung into position in the new bell tower, hardware and rope installed and is now ready for use.