Bevin Bell Factory
Historic Bevin Bell Factory in East Hampton, CT
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.
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
A Rich 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. started the bell factory in East Hampton, then called Chatham, Connecticut in 1832.
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 It has since been replaced by the car horn.
Sixth Generations of The Bevin Bell Family
Today the Bevin Bell family, in its sixth generation is now being run by Matt Bevin with about 20 employees. The East Hampton Bell Factory now produces more than 200 kinds of bells. 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.
Channel 8 News Video: Bevin Bell Factory Tour
Notable 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 Bell
Bell-Town USA
Belltown USA
In the 19th century, The Town of East Hampton became the center of the manufacturing of bells. So many bells were made in East Hampton that the town was given the nick name 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.
Notable East Hampton Companies From The Past
N.N. Brass Hill Factory
The success of 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 1800’s, becoming the cornerstone of Witch Hazel in Americana.
The Official East Hampton, CT Historical Society Website
This site intends to provide information to the public about the Chatham Historical Society upcoming Events and Programs with the purpose of bringing together people interested in the History of Chatham, Cobalt, Middle Haddam, and East Hampton, Connecticut.