Marvin Jr. to lead Liberty Bell talk

VW independent staff/submitted information

The Van Wert County Historical Society will welcome Ron Marvin Jr. as a special America250 speaker on Flag Day, Sunday, June 14. The program will be held in the Annex Building starting at 2 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. Martin will be talking about the Liberty Bell’s last great trip, which included a stop in Van Wert. 

Marvin will share the story of the Liberty Bell’s last great trip, as it toured coast to coast on a specially designed train. Beginning its journey from Philadelphia in July, 1915, it wound its way through several northern states toward San Francisco for the Panama-Pacific Exposition. 

Along the route, thousands lined the rails for even a brief glimpse of the Liberty Bell. Several lucky towns such as Van Wert even had the Bell make a brief stop. In November, the Bell departed California along a southerly route as it headed toward Philadelphia. Upon its return in December, 1915, the Bell had traveled through parts of 24 states. Unfortunately, the damage from numerous train rides over the years had taken its toll and the City Fathers of Philadelphia decided that the Bell’s traveling days were over, and it would forever reside in the city. It is now prominently displayed in the Liberty Bell Center, completed in 2003.

This presentation will explore the routes the Liberty Bell train took as it traversed the state, including Van Wert County. Attendees will learn about the Bell’s visit to Van Wert, including those responsible for its visit. Utilizing period newspaper accounts, Marvin will share numerous stories and interesting facts connecting the state and the Liberty Bell. He will also mention several reproduction Liberty Bells that have traversed the state as well.