In 1891 the Orwigsburg firehouse was built on East Mifflin Street. Eight years later, a bell tower was erected on the firehouse where a 33 inch cast iron bell was placed. When a fire occurred, the bell was rung three times. The Orwigsburg fire bell was the first which set off a series of ringing bells in the surrounding area. 

 

In the 1990's (date unknown), the bell was removed and placed outside of the Friendship Hose Co. #1 on Liberty Street. The Orwigsburg fire bell of 1899 is the historical version of our modern-day first alert system.

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