From 14 to 47 bells in Mahanay Tower

The Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower is now complete with 47 bells which is a four octave carillon.  For 50 years, the Tower has hosted 14 bells that played the Westminster Chimes but not much else.  Recorded bell music has played from speakers for a number of years.  The Bell Tower Community Foundation kicked off their “Let the Bells Ring” fundraising campaign for the 50th Anniversary of the tower in 2016.  A sizeable bequest from Paul Nally was used to start the campaign with a Grow Greene County Gaming Corporation grant awarded for $61,500 in early 2016.  This gave the momentum for other donors to purchase the bells needed for a four octave carillon.  Fifteen bells had been purchased by donors over 20 years ago but were left in a case in the courthouse.  Cost for the completion was $440,000.  A Vision Iowa grant was awarded in June of 2016 so the Foundation could announce the successful completion of the campaign at the 2016 Bell Tower Festival.  A re-enactment of the original dedication ceremony was a part of the Oct. 16, 2016 50th Anniversary celebration.  The bell donors were all recognized and the excitement built for the bells to be hoisted in the spring.  On May 24, 2017 the first load of smaller bells with the trailer of remaining bells arriving on May 25.  Over the Memorial Day weekend, numerous residents and visitors enjoyed watching the process.  The bells were in place on Memorial Day.  Music will begin to play as soon as everything is in place.  Live Tower Tune Concerts are planned daily at 12:15 – 12:30 pm and the bells will play electronically throughout the day.

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Calendar

April 2025

Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
1
  • Spring Salad Luncheon
2
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
3
4
  • Greene Co. Historical Society Lunch
  • Java and Juice: ISU Extension
  • Greene County Community Theater presents Sylvia
5
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
  • Poetry at the Museum
  • BOOST Fundraiser
  • Tom Pevear Concert
  • Greene County Community Theatre Presents Sylvia!
6
  • Greene County Community Theatre presents Sylvia
7
8
9
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
10
  • Spring Book Sale
11
  • Spring Open House: Jefferson Retailers
  • Spring Book Sale
  • Roaring 20's Murder Mystery Party
12
  • Spring Open House: Jefferson Retailers
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
  • Spring Book Sale
  • Roaring 20's Murder Mystery Party
13
14
15
16
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
17
  • Pictures with the Easter Bunny
18
  • Java and Juice @ Masonic Lodge
  • Ryne Owen in Concert
19
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
  • Community Egg Hunt
  • Scott Kirkhart in Concert
20
21
22
23
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
24
25
  • Flower Fest @ Krieger's Flower Shop and Greene Goods Market
  • Java and Juice: Jefferson Community Golf Course
  • Fourth Friday Fireside: Ryne Doughty
26
  • Flower Fest @ Krieger's Flower Shop and Greene Goods Market
  • Craft and Quilt Day
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open
  • Toddler Fest
27
  • Flower Fest @ Krieger's Flower Shop and Greene Goods Market
  • Community Appreciation Event
28
29
30
  • Greene County Historical Museum: Open