BURSTALL — The Town of Burstall is asking whoever took an important piece of the community's history to return it, promising there will be no consequences if the bell is brought back.
In a June 22 social media post, the Town of Burstall announced that the steel fire bell mounted on a monument in Lion's Park had disappeared.
"The Town of Burstall has been notified that the steel fire bell on top of a monument at Lion's Park has disappeared," the post stated. "If anyone has any information, please notify the town office. If this little piece of Burstall's history is returned, there will be no questions asked. Signed, Mayor Bodnarchuk."
In an email to Your West Central Voice on June 24, Mayor Colleen Bodnarchuk said the bell has deep historical significance for the community.
"It was erected in 1925 or 1926," Bodnarchuk said. "It was used to alert residents of Burstall of fire, but was also used as a curfew bell. Every child up to 16 years had to be off the streets by 9 p.m. It was situated where the present post office is now on Martin Street."
Bodnarchuk said the information came from the Burstall history book Treasured Memories.
The mayor said the solid steel bell, estimated by a former resident to weigh about 100 pounds, was securely mounted to the monument with brackets and bolts, indicating it was intentionally removed.
"It is made of steel," Bodnarchuk said. "It is said by a past Burstall resident to have weighed approximately 100 lbs. It was attached with brackets and bolted with small bolts to the existing monument."
A resident reported the bell missing to the town office on June 1, although exactly when it disappeared is unknown.
"Leader RCMP were notified," Bodnarchuk said.
The town hopes the bell can be returned without further action.
"If returned, no questions asked," the mayor added.
Anyone with information about the missing bell is asked to contact the Burstall town office at 306-679-2000.
