Bells have played a significant role in US history and, in many cases are seen as national symbols. This is especially true when it comes to the Liberty Bell, cast at a foundry in England in 1752 and shipped to Philadelphia, where it was installed in the assembly house.

Bells have also played a central role in this author's life. "I can still picture the 18-inch iron dinner bell that my mother used to call both myself and my brother to meals when we were out playing on the family farm in Iowa. Indeed, my wife and I copied this 'PA' system when we purchased our own large bell nearly...