For whom the bell tower tolls

The Elmbrook Historical Society is trying to raise funds to prevent the old Woodside School bell tower from becoming history.

The bell tower, brought to the Historical Society when Woodside was demolished in 1992, needs thousands of dollars worth of repairs.

When Woodside was closed, Brookfield residents pitched in funds to build a tower framework to house the bell tower at the Dousman Stagecoach Inn park and save one of the school's indelible symbols, said Marion Bruhn, EHS curator. It only took about a month for it to happen.

Bruhn is hoping the same will be true now that the bell tower is in such dire need.

"Most of the donations came from the people who had gone to the school," she explained. "Woodside School is still in many people's memory, so that's what we're looking for."

Bruhn said the repairs could cost in excess of $6,000 and that some funds have already been brought in from former students.

Among the repairs needed are salvaging of the wood base, sanding and paint removal along with re-painting, and a new deck frame.

Bruhn said bids have been taken for the project, but, given the cost, other bids are being sought.

Donations can be sent to Elmbrook Historical Society, P.O. 292, Brookfield, WI 53008.