Can You Hear Those Courthouse Bells Chime?
Decatur Metro | August 19, 2008Did you know that the courthouse is chiming again? I didn’t.
As was written in the Winter 2008 DeKalb History Center newsletter, Artisan resident Jo Giraudo raised enough money last year to revitalize the playing of the Carillon Bells at the old Courthouse, which were turned off in 2006 during renovations.
But from what I’ve heard, thanks mainly to the office towers that flank the courthouse, the music has trouble getting beyond the immediate vicinity. History Center staff have tried different placement, but to little avail. Obviously if the bells have only been playing since the 1990s, this isn’t a new problem…most of our office towers predate that time. But its yet another reason for me to shake my head as I walk by One West Courthouse Square.
Personally, I don’t think I’ve EVER heard the Courthouse bells. When and how often do they ring?
I heard them and they are great! this afternoon.
Wiki needs to update that Decatur has them…
I enjoyed them briefly this morning while outside Sweet Melissa’s. Unfortunately, they can usually only be heard east of the Old Courthouse and only when nearby noise is at a minimum (i.e. no UPS trucks with humming motors). I could hear them at my old office across from the Depot, but on the opposite side I don’t think you can even hear them outside Crescent Moon. Jo did a great job rallying the community to raise money for this project, and I’m very glad to have the chimes back. I just wish they could be as loud as, say, their unwanted squawky next-door neighbors.
Hi – Our bells chime on the hour from 8 am to midnight! Just a couple of weeks ago, we added a second speaker on the west side of the Historic DeKalb County Courthouse. I hear them in my office when I’m paying attention – but street noise and tall buildings do interfere with how far the sound will go. We are glad Decatur is enjoying the chimes again!