Belltown USA · Est. 1832
Bevin Bells | East Hampton, CT
Historic Bevin Bell Factory in East Hampton, CT
The Bevin Brothers
Family Owned & Operated
The Bevin Bell Factory is a family-owned bell foundry located in The Town of East Hampton, Connecticut. The company was founded by brothers William Bevin, Chauncey Bevin, and Abner Bevin in 1832. They were later joined by a fourth brother, Philo Bevin. Bevin Brothers is the only remaining bell manufacturer in East Hampton and still remains in the Bevin family to this day. Through the years the Bevin Brothers made sleigh bells, house bells, cow bells, sheep bells, door bells, and ship’s bells.
Every Time a Bell Rings
World Famous Bell
Did you know, Bevin Bells made the actual bell in the iconic holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” You remember the bell ringing on the Christmas tree as Clarence, the angel, gets his wings. Now you can own a remake of the It’s a Wonderful Life bell. Beautifully engraved with “It’s a Wonderful Life,” silver-plated and presented in a red velvet bag (or you can call us and ask for black velvet, if you prefer). The bell has a memorable ring that will bring you right back to the movie. It is 2 3/4″ tall, comes with a red ribbon for hanging and makes the ideal holiday gift.
Visit BevinBells.com for information.
From Chatham to Belltown
Bevin Bells History
Bevin Bells has a long and rich history beginning with William Bevin, Chauncey Bevin, and Abner Bevin who started the bell factory in East Hampton, CT, then called Chatham, Connecticut, in 1832. They were later joined by a fourth brother, Philo Bevin.
The Bevin Bell website states it produced the first foot gong used in an automobile (the bell was patented in 1897). The foot gong is a bell that was beneath the floor of early automobiles and was rung by pressing it with your foot. It has since been replaced by the car horn.
Still Ringing
Sixth Generations of The Bevin Bell Family
Today the Bevin Bell family is in its sixth generation, with Matthew G. Bevin as Owner and CEO and Cici Bevin as President, leading a team of about 20 employees. The East Hampton Bell Factory produces over 50 different sizes and styles of bells, spanning more than 200 distinct types and variations including sleigh bells, cowbells, call bells, and Salvation Army handbells. They are made mainly of aluminum, brass or steel, and range from 3/8 inch sleigh bells to 12-inch diameter gongs.
Each year Bevin Bell sells over a million bells including door bells, dinner bells, ice cream bells, commemorative wedding and anniversary bells, and trip gongs that are used in prize fights and the mining industries.
Among their customers is the Essex Steam Train & Riverboat in Essex, who buys 15,000 ornamental bells from Bevin each year to give as Christmas keepsakes to children who ride the North Pole Express Train.
Bevin Bells has been a family owned and operated company since its founding in 1832.
- FirstAbner G. Bevin
- SecondChauncey G. Bevin
- ThirdStanley A. Bevin
- FourthChauncey G. Bevin II
- FifthStanley R. Bevin
- SixthMatthew G. BevinOwner & CEO
- SixthCici BevinPresident
- Six generations, one family, since 1832
On Film
Bevin Bells in the News
1832 to Today
A Brief Historical Breakdown of Bevin Bell Factory
- 1832
The oldest bell maker in America
The Bevin Bell Factory, officially known as Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company, holds a significant place in both East Hampton, Connecticut’s history and the broader narrative of American manufacturing. Established in 1832 by brothers William, Chauncey, Abner, and Philo Bevin, the company has been producing bells continuously for nearly two centuries, making it the oldest dedicated bell manufacturer in the United States.
- 19th c.
Belltown and its thirty firms
East Hampton earned the nickname “Belltown” due to its prominence in bell manufacturing during the 19th century, with over 30 bell-related companies operating in the area. Bevin Brothers distinguished itself by producing a wide variety of bells, including sleigh bells, cowbells, tea bells, and ship’s bells. Notably, the company is credited with inventing the first bicycle bell in 1865 and the first foot gong for early automobiles.
- In Culture
Angels, the Stock Exchange and the Salvation Army
The company’s bells have become iconic in American culture. A Bevin bell was used in the classic film “It’s a Wonderful Life” to signify an angel getting its wings. Their bells have also been used by Salvation Army bell ringers during the holiday season, and a Bevin gong bell opened and closed the New York Stock Exchange for nearly 70 years.
- 2012
Fire, and six months to recovery
In 2012, a lightning strike caused a devastating fire that destroyed the original Bevin Brothers factory. Despite the loss, the company demonstrated remarkable resilience by salvaging equipment and resuming production within six months at a nearby location.
- Today
A testament to American craftsmanship
Today, Bevin Brothers continues to operate in East Hampton, producing over 50 different types of bells and maintaining its legacy as a family-owned business now in its sixth generation. The company’s enduring presence not only reflects the rich industrial heritage of East Hampton but also serves as a testament to American craftsmanship and perseverance.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bevin Bell Factory established?
Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company was established in 1832 by William, Chauncey, Abner, and Philo Bevin, making it the oldest dedicated bell manufacturer in the United States.
Is Bevin Bell Factory still operating today?
Yes. Despite a devastating 2012 lightning fire that destroyed the original factory, Bevin Brothers rebuilt and continues to operate as a family-owned business in East Hampton, CT, producing over 50 types of bells. Bevin Bells is the last standing bell manufacturer in America.
When is the museum open?
The Chatham Historical Society Museum is open to the public on the first Sunday of every month from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Please note that our facilities are open seasonally from April through November.
Private appointments and group tours can be scheduled by contacting us at 860-539-0988.
Why is East Hampton called “Belltown USA”?
During the 19th century, East Hampton was home to over 30 bell-related manufacturing companies, producing millions of sleigh, cow, tea, and ship bells, earning the town its nickname “Belltown USA.”
The first factory was constructed in 1808 by William Barton on Bevin Hill, later renamed Barton Hill. During the 1800s, thirty firms were said to have built and run shops, or small factories producing bell and bell related products. The most prominent names include William Barton and the numerous Barton companies of his sons, Bevin Brothers Manufacturing Company, The N. N. Hill Brass Co., The East Hampton Bell Company, Watrous Manufacturing Company, and Gong Bell Manufacturing.
From the Factory Floor
Notable Bevin Bells
Here are just a few of the notable bells produced by the Bevin Bell Factory.
Salvation Army Bells
New York Stock Exchange Bell
Championship Boxing Bell
It’s a Wonderful Life BellBelltown Industry
Historic East Hampton Companies
N.N. Hill Brass Factory
The success of the N.N. Hill Brass Company was largely based upon Norman Hill’s innovation of stamping bells.
Gong Bell MFG
In 1866 The Gong Bell Manufacturing Company began producing bells and toys in East Hampton, CT.
American Distilling
American Distilling dates back to the 1800s, becoming the cornerstone of Witch Hazel in Americana.
Preserving East Hampton History
This website intends to provide information to the public about the Chatham Historical Society’s events with the purpose of bringing together people interested in the History of East Hampton, Connecticut
