About this objectThe Fairbridge railway iron bell is a historically and social significant item. It is a section of railway iron, most likely from the western railway line which was not far from Fairbridge Farm to the west. Railway iron was regularly sourced for many farm uses from posts, yards, supports etc. There are three production holes at the top which were used to hang the iron from a chain over a framework on the school grounds. Damage to mid-section from years of banging, metal edge split and folded over, distorting of metal and many metal brusies. Neat cut at the top likely from production at the same time as holes (used to cleat iron together along line). Messy oxi cut along bottom. White paint remains along its 1150mm length x 130mm x 120mm.
It is well provenance to Fairbridge farm with many students recalling ringing it or it being part of the everyday routine. Being woken but the ringing, called to meals or indicating time for jobs etc. Many stories circulate around using the bell, who hot/cold it was, how loud, being able to take your frustrations out on it. There are many photos showing the bell in use or in situ at the back of the kitchen block or adjacent to group photos.
It is a one-off item. Its years of use have worn and warped the metal, showing its everyday use with bruises, shaping and dents from being struck hard. It represents the structure, order and routine of the Fairbridge Farm.
After it was deaccessioned and installed at the Fairbridge Childrens park it has been rehung and interpretated well with a concentric ring of associated words such as wakeup bell, curfew, work muster, lunch, to school or work, and bed making.
It is socially significant to the Old Fairbridgian Association and this was evident when it was requested for the Fairbridge Childrens park and the response that it created from former students, staff and families. While it is no longer under the Museums care we hope that its presence in the park can continue to tell the story of Fairbridge and its history as part of Molong and district.
Hayley Lavers for Molong Historical Society August 2020
