One can only imagine how many storms the 1906 Rentschler farmhouse has steadfastly endured. But even the most dependable creations of man will eventually yield to the forces of nature. March of 2017 is one such instance. [1]
It’s hard to say if it was a uniquely powerful storm that wrought devestating damage to the 101-year-old woodshed on the back of this house. Maybe it was simply the straw that broke the camels’ back. However characterized, it was an act of God that did incredible damage to the roof and brought a hundred-pound cast iron bell crashing down onto the handicap access ramp facing TCF Bank.
“The thing that was significant about a ‘dinner bell’ like this is that it could be heard,” said Agnes Dikeman, Director Emeritus with the Saline Area Historical Society. “You had to hear the call wherever you were on your own property. You could distinguish it by the tone, which would be different because of its shape and the materials used to make it. You would also know it was your bell based on the direction the sound was coming from when you heard it.” [2]
She went on to explain to Saline Journal that this same bell, rung fervently at other times, would serve as a call for help — in the case of a fire (which she had experienced first hand on her own parents’ farm when growing up). It would have been used as part of the “Living History Program” last month to signal segment changes. [3]
“We don’t know for sure when this bell went up. But we believe it was was put up when the house was built in 1906. The bell originally came from Northville.” [4]
Whatever the exact date, it was undoubtedly a different experience from what its re-installation on June 19, 2018.
For starters, the access ramp and shed roof had to be repaired. Modern shingles were used with an eye toward shape and coloring matched to character of original. The one-hundred-fifty-pound belfry, unfortunately, was splintered beyond repair. So Dan Corrigan, who is based in Saline and has been doing this sort of work for some forty years, was contracted to fabricate a new one based on original specifications. Separate arrangements were also made with the City of Saline to effectuate a rather challenging weld needed to repair the rope-pull wheel.
“I’m excited to see it go up there,” Mr Corrigan said. “I wish the cedar shingles would stay that color, but they’ll grey up and match the rest of the house.”
All but the finish skirting had been prefabricated and was delivered on June 18. As President of the Saline Area Historical Society, Jim Peters took point on arranging for Saline Department of Public Works equipment and crew to help with roof installation. Chris Benedict was primarily responsible for rigging while Jeff Drake managed lifts from the bucket.
Additional photographs documenting the process can be found on the Saline Journal Instagram feed under the #RentschlerFarm hashtag. [5]
As is often the case with building projects, a few outstanding detail items remain and will be completed sometime after the Independence Day holiday. These include painting the skirt and re-installation of the lightning rod. Dan Corrigan could be seen on the Rentschler farmhouse roof late this week in an effort to keep things moving forward.
But everything is functional now, the bell ringing once again as it should.
Unfortunately, even unavoidable weather damage takes a toll on Saline Historical Society Resources. As every business and homeowner knows, “insurance” never covers everything — and the ongoing needs of Rentschler Farm Museum as a going concern exceed support received as a city-owned property. Day-in, day-out, painting is needed, aging wood needs replaced, the windmill needs to be lubricated, and the list goes on.
“We could need to do a better job of asking for help,” Jim Peters concluded. “People think about it more when something big happens, but the need is always there. These are city treasures that need to be taken care of. Once they’re gone, you can’t get them back.”
References
Those who are not currently members of the Saline Area Historical Society are encouraged to join, whether they’re city residents, local businesses, or visitors. Monetary contributions above and beyond this are gratefully accepted and are fully tax-deductable. Checks can be sent in care of Post Office Box 302, Saline Michigan 48176 or via PayPal.
- Rentschler Farm Museum (home page).
- Saline Area Historical Society (home page).
- “Imagine Seeing Rentschler Farm Museum through the Eyes of a Child During Your Next Visit, Part 1” Dell Deaton (May 25, 2018) Saline Journal.
- “American Bell Foundry Company, Northville, Michigan …Bells” The American Bell Association.
- “salinejournal” Instagram.
- “Donations” Saline Area Historical Society.
