Woodstock to honors firefighters with fire ball

The public is invited to join officials of the city and the Woodstock Fire/Rescue District in front of the Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren St., Woodstock, at 10 a.m. Friday for the dedication of the original 1873 city fire ball as a memorial to Woodstock firefighters.

The ceremony will feature the first ceremonial ringing of the beautifully-restored bell and the unveiling of a memorial plaque which dedicates the bell to the memory of all past members of the Woodstock fire service.

After the ceremony a public reception will be held at the Stage Left Cafe in the Opera House Annex.

The historic 300-pound bronze bell was purchased in 1873 for use by the Woodstock Fire Company and was installed in the city's first engine house on Throop Street. It was relocated to the Opera House building (then city hall) when the fire department occupied its new quarters there in 1890.

The bell rang from the city hall tower from 1890 to 1893, when it was moved out onto the roof.

Years later it was retired from service and put on display, first in the city council chambers and later at the South Street fire station, as a memorial to members of the Woodstock Fire Department.

Now the bell has been returned to the tower of the Opera House, where it may again be rung for celebrations and ceremonial occasions.

For more information, call Mark Greenleaf at (815) 338-4212.