Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette The bell in the tower of the Laurium Village Hall rang on Tuesday, the first time in more than three decades.

LAURIUM – After more than 30 years of silence, the bell in the tower of the Village Hall rang out once again on Tuesday.

Village Manager Ian Lewis said after extensive cleaning of the tower area, as well as the bell itself, Tuesday marked a huge day for bringing back a piece of Laurium history.

“I am pleased to announce that the Bell Tower Bell is operational once again,” Lewis said.

At the regular March Village Council meeting, Lewis reported the need to remove the pigeon droppings from the upstairs of the hall and the bell tower, have louvres repaired and install screens behind them to prevent birds from entering the upper levels. The pigeon droppings were more than two feet deep.

The village was originally incorporated as the village of Calumet in April, 1889, and reincorporated as the village of Laurium on March 27, 1895.

The Village Hall was constructed in 1899. The building, according the village’s website, was extensively remodeled in 1914. The original brick front was redone in sandstone. The renovation included an addition on the North side of the existing hall. The addition was two stories high and measured 13 feet wide by 60 feet long with a tower crowning the top, at a cost of $7,990.The renovated building was dedicated on November 24, 1914.

“As the Village continues to look at ways of providing new opportunities and services for its residents,” said Lewis, “it is equally just as important to make sure that our rich history is preserved for future generations to come.”