Historic bell finds new home at Brumitt Family Football Stadium

DONIPHAN — A community is defined by the people in it.

Avid Dons supporters Jim and Jane Stilwell take a turn at bell-ringing as the Dons score a touchdown.

One of the biggest advantages to living in a small rural town is that “community” is so important. A wonderful example of community could be found this year at the Doniphan home football games.

Current River Heritage Museum Curator Julie Braschler (fourth from left) is assisted by Doniphan For Football board members and supporters, loading up the bell to take it to be refurbished. From left, DFF board president Gary Pennington, Justin Woodworth, Dr. Jim Hunt, Braschler, Jane Stilwell, Tristan Gettings, David Gettings and Eric Gettings. Not pictured is Jim Stilwell.

The concept of football being reintroduced to Doniphan was founded by a huge community effort. Football audiences this year may have noticed a new sound.

Pictured from left are Charissa Mathis and Kenzie Redus, official bell-ringers during a Doniphan Dons football game.

When the Doniphan team scored or had a first down, the ringing of a bell could be heard. The history of the bell and how it came to find a new home at Brumitt Stadium is indeed a story of many different people and organizations working together for a common goal.

The story of the bell began with Julie Braschler at the Current River Museum. Braschler went into the basement and noticed this magnificent instrument, unused, just sitting around. Braschler is a big fan of the University of Missouri’s “Big MO”, which is a huge drum used to celebrate touchdowns at the home games. She thought that the Doniphan Dons need their own way to celebrate victories and to foster a higher level of community spirit.

The bell, which is believed to have been used at a school in Doniphan many years ago, was made by the Iowa School Furniture Company more than 100 years ago. The company itself was only in business from 1889 to 1903.

Braschler, who had been looking for a new home and purpose for the bell, sought the advice of Barbie Rogers, who is the secretary for the Doniphan for Football organization. Braschler suggested the possibility of displaying the bell and using it at the Doniphan home games.

Gary Pennington, president of the organization, felt that it would make a good addition to the program and would be a great way to have more community involvement. Other members of the group became involved.

Jane and Jim Stilwell spearheaded a crew to collect the bell from the museum and took it to Aaron Klepzig to have it taken apart, cleaned, powder coated, and baked to restore it’s original beauty. Their work featured a Las Vegas Gold and high glossy black finish.

Doniphan School Superintendent Brad Hagood was very proud and appreciative of all the community support.

“One of the things that has impressed me over the last four years as superintendent, is the vast amount of community support and involvement. It takes a community to create an atmosphere of success for our students. We are proud to be part of this community.”

Even though it was the end of the school year when he was approached, Current River Career Center welding teacher Jeff Hale agreed to build a trailer for the bell. In just three days, the welding class had finished the project, making it mobile and and able to be transported safely.

According to DFF member Liesa Pennington, “The bell complimented all of the other improvements that had been made this year, such as the work done on the field and the addition of mirrors and baby changing stations in the restrooms.”

The Doniphan For Football group worked at the concession stand for the summer park program and had other fundraisers to help pay for all the improvements and the restoration of the historic bell. City Mayor Dennis Cox has taken on the duty of supplying and cooking the smoked pork to sell in the concession stand for the past few years.

A new tradition has been embraced by the school and the community with an old bell becoming a benefit instead of being a burden tucked away in the basement.

Gary Pennington said, “We are hoping that the ringing of the bell will become a matter of pride and a way to include those people who have gone above and beyond to improve the program, the school, and the community.” The bell ringers this season have included Bob Griffin, Jim and Jane Stilwell, and alumni football player Doniphan Mayor Dennis Cox. Other potential considerations for bell ringers could be students of the month and to recognize other notable student accomplishments.

If anyone in the community knows more about the history of the bell, please contact Julie Braschler at the Current River Heritage Museum at 573-996-5298.