A Dream Realized
In the mid-1930s, Alfred University alumni sought to create a lasting tribute to President Boothe Colwell Davis and his wife, Estelle. Their vision was to build a set of magnificent bells that would fill the valley with music.
Despite financial hardships, the community came together to raise $10,000 — an extraordinary sum at the time. The Davis Memorial Carillon was dedicated in 1937, originally housed in a wooden oil derrick structure before moving to its current steel tower in 1953.
A Soundtrack for Generations
From the moment its bells first rang in 1937, the Davis Memorial Carillon became more than an instrument — it became part of Alfred’s identity.
Through the decades, its music has woven itself into the fabric of campus life:
- Welcoming new students with its first chimes each fall.
- Marking the end of an era as graduates step into their futures.
- Filling the valley with music from renowned carillonneurs.
- Providing comfort and reflection in times of loss.
For generations, the Davis Memorial Carillon has echoed across Alfred, its chimes a familiar presence in moments of joy, reflection, and tradition.
A Legacy in Need of Care
The Carillon has stood as a pillar of Alfred’s history, but time has left its mark. Decades of exposure to the elements have weakened its structure, and without restoration, its bells may never ring again.
The tower that houses the Carillon has borne the weight of time, with its steel frame showing significant signs of corrosion and structural wear—creating an increasingly hazardous environment for both the instrument and those who use it. While the intricate playing mechanisms can still produce sound, the natural cycle of maintenance for carillons—typically requiring significant service about every 40 years—has arrived once again.
Without intervention, the Carillon — a gift from past generations — risks becoming a silent relic rather than a living part of Alfred’s story. But silence is not the Carillon’s destiny.
The same commitment and generosity that brought the bells to Alfred in 1937, expanded them in the 1970s and 80s, and preserved them in 2006 can ensure their future once again. Through careful restoration and community action, we can reinforce the tower, restore the playing console, and bring the bells back to life — not just for today, but for generations to come. Now, it’s our turn to protect this legacy.
