Ringing in Tradition with the DHS Class of 1991

Anyone who is or was a catamount fan has probably heard the ringing of the bell at Harmon Field, and many have even had the opportunity to ring the bell themselves.  This tradition has been a part of Dalton High football since around 1960 thanks to a gift from the late Alfred Jones.  He was a collector of bells, and he thought that Dalton High needed a victory bell to ring at football games. 

For those who do not know about this fine tradition, the DHS bell is rung each time the Cats score and tolls the same number of times as points on the board for the Catamounts.  However, the last 50 years have taken their own toll on the bell, and because of the wear and tear on the structure supporting the bell, it has become difficult to transport it to away games. 

Therefore, as a gift to Dalton High, the class of 1991, which will celebrate their 20^th class reunion this weekend at Homecoming, has decided to have the bell restored and the trailer holding the bell rebuilt.  They are able to do this thanks to generous donations from Coldwell Banker/Kinard Realty:  Mike Maret, Amy Kinard Cole, and Joe Swanson, as well as gifts from other 1991 classmates.  Also, Jeff Rizer and his team at Textile Industrial Sales are helping significantly with this project. 

Incidentally, Mr. Jones was the grandfather of Alfred Turley, who is a member of the class of 1991, which makes this project even more special since there is a family connection among the graduating class. 

If you would like to be a part of restoring this great DHS tradition, please send contributions to Dalton High School, 1500 Manly Street, with checks earmarked “Bell restoration.”

GO BIG RED!!!

By Stephanie Reynolds