From “The Old Liberty Bell” by Georgene Faulkner, Child Life
1
Many, many years ago, the colonists in Philadelphia wished to have a big bell in the
belfry' of their State House. Some of the people remembered the deep voice of “Old Tom."
It was the big bell in the old clock tower of Westminster, in London. They wanted a bell just
like the one back home in England. Therefore, a bell was modeled just like "Old Tom." It was
made in London by Thomas Lester in 1752. While on its journey to this country, the new bell
was badly damaged. It had to be recast here in America. This was done by the firm Pass &
Stowe of Philadelphia in the year 1753. You can see by the words and Roman numerals on the
side of the bell. You can also read the words "PROCLAIM LIBERTY THROUGHOUT ALL
THE LAND UNTO ALL THE INHABITANTS THEREOF."
2 Those words were a prophecy of what was to take place in that famous Old State House,
on that Fourth of July, so long ago.
3 For many months, Washington and his brave soldiers had been fighting for liberty.
Congress had been meeting and talking about this plan for freedom from the unjust laws of
England. At last five men were appointed to draw up the Declaration of Independence. These
men were Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert
Livingston. Since Thomas Jefferson wrote most of the all-important paper, he has been called
"the Father of the Declaration of Independence."
4
When this committee of five presented the paper to the Continental Congress, it spent a
few days making certain changes here and there. Some of the delegates from the different
colonies felt that it must not be adopted. Many were the discussions in regard to it. But at last
all were agreed. A unanimous vote of the thirteen states was taken.
5 The old bell-ringer was Andrew McNair. He was waiting up on the belfry with his hand
on the rope. He stood ready to ring the bell. Down below, his little grandson stood outside in
the hall. He was waiting impatiently for the men to give him a signal for the ringing of the bell.
6 At last the door was opened. The message was given. The excited little lad raced up the
winding stairway, shouting out:
7 "RING, RING, GRANDPA! RING, RING OUT FOR LIBERTY!"
8 And the famous bell pealed out the message of liberty to all the eager people that
Fourth of July, 1776. Cheer after cheer rose from the dense crowd below as, with laughter and
tears and shouting, it heard the glad tidings.
belfry: a room inside a tower where a bell is hung
2 liberty: freedom
prophecy: a sign of events that will happen in the future
delegates: people who represent or speak for a group
unanimous: agreed on by all
Go On