10-22-11
Several weeks ago, we got an email from Bob Knight, who, like my father, is a plank owner — a member of the original crew aboard the Boston. Bob asked us if we knew anything about a bell that the crew of the Boston brought back after the War. Naturally, I did not, so I recommended Bob contact Art Hebert at the Shipmates website – they are, afterall, the keepers of the histories of all ships named Boston.
A few weeks later, I got an email from Ms. Lola Heiler-Stillman, who is preparing a lecture on one of the treasures of the “The Emerald Necklace Conservancy” (the Fens in Boston’s Back Bay) — specifically, a monastery bell rescued from Sendai by the crew of the Boston while on Occupation Duty just after the Surrender. Now my curiosity was piqued and at just about the same time both my brother Bill and I googled the bell.
I am now fascinated by this chapter in the history of CA-69. Lola sent me a copy of an article from April 1946 that shows the then-Parks Commissioner standing next to the bell on the Boston Common. (It was later moved to the Fenway.) The article says the 450 pound bell was shipped from San Francisco (for the whopping fee of $42.80) and later presented to the city by Captain Marion Kelly (who captained the ship throughout Occupation Duty).
Ms. Heiler-Stillman continues to research the particulars of how the bell came to Boston. Her lecture is scheduled for March 20012. I wish her good luck in finding helpful information. (I will post further info on this lecture as I get information.)
How about it readers? Anyone know anything about this bell? Anyone’s dad or grandfather talk about this magnificent object? While about two-thirds of her crew had been sent home by early November 1945, at least 400 men were still aboard her in late 1945 when the Boston made her final voyage home from the War in the Pacific. Any bit of information would be helpful to flesh out this fascinating Boston story.
from: www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM8GZX_Japanese_Temple_Bell_Boston_MA_USA
Hi Chris –
There was a time when the bell was stored for several years after being moved off the Common. It was also stolen (the thieves were caught rolling it down the street – they were going to sell it for scrap . . .) Finally, it was restored and mounted on a pedestal in the Back Back Fens. The Emerald Conservancy has the full history, and the docents there, especially Ms. Lola Heiler-Stillman, would be happy to give you all the details.
Steve Kelly
Hello,
My name is Chris, writing from the Northeastern University neighborhood in Boston, MA.
Some time ago I noticed that the Japanese Temple Bell in the Fens went missing for awhile. Then, mysteriously (to me), a number of years later it re-appeared.
I was wondering if you might have any idea who might know where the bell went during the time it was missing from its pedestal?
Thanks very much for your time.
-Chris Carrillo
I’d be happy to provide your group some information about the USS Boston bell. I researched this bell and four others like it for a documentary film I directed entitled “Resonance: The Odyssey of the Bells.”
While there isn’t a lot of information about this bell’s journey from Japan, there is considerable information about the other four bells, particularly the bell that the USS Pasadena brought home from Japan.
My film focused on a bell that ended up in Duluth, MN and another temple bell that ended up in Topeka, KS.
I’d be happy to provide your group more information.
Paul