From pioneer past to Blue Devil pride: Century-old school bell finds new voice
By Dan Thesman on Thursday, March 26th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – A century-old relic of the Walla Walla Valley is finding its voice again as high school students trade textbooks for welding torches to restore a piece of local history.
The historic Blue Creek School bell, once the heartbeat of a rural one-room schoolhouse, is being repurposed for use at Walla Walla High School athletic events. The project is a collaboration among Walla Walla Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4, and local businesses.
The bell’s journey back to the classroom began decades ago. In 1979, Walla Walla County Fire District No. 4 was deeded the former site of the Blue Creek School on Mill Creek. While the schoolhouse eventually became Fire Station 45, the bell remained at the station for more than 40 years.
“It’s a full-circle moment to see the bell go from one school back into our public schools,” said Fire Chief John Golden. “We’re proud to help keep its history alive.”
Students at SEATech, led by instructor James Polson, are currently restoring the artifact. Because the bell arrived without a striker, students in the advanced welding and manufacturing program fabricated a new one from shop steel. They are also building a custom trailer to transport the bell around Blue Devil Stadium. To protect the stadium’s new track, Tom’s Cycle donated specialized balloon-style tires.
“This is a great example of students applying their technical skills in a real-world project,” said Superintendent Ben Gauyan.
Once completed, the bell will ring during football games, bridging the valley’s pioneer past with modern school spirit.
Photo via Walla Walla Public Schools shows instructor James Polson with student Oliver Ma, who has taken the leadership role in the project.
