Centennial Bell Rings Again In Independence Square

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The other famous bell on Independence Square is once again chiming the hours in the historic section of Philadelphia.

The Centennial bell began sounding during a Saturday evening ceremony marking the end of an 18-month rehabilitation project on the tower of Independence Hall, which houses the bell.

Officials say the work that began in July 2010 repaired the tower's exterior and structural framing, restoring it to the original 1828 appearance.

Park spokeswoman Jane Cowley told The Philadelphia Inquirer that the clock was also rebuilt, including replacement of the non-historic glass face and work on the original bronze numerals.

The 13,000-pound bell was commissioned for the 1876 Centennial marking the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It includes metal from four Revolutionary and Civil war cannons.

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