School house bell and plaque

In front of the Rensselaer Middle School is a bell with a plaque.
The plaque reads:

This bell hung at the old middle school on the corner of Susan and Van Rensselaer Streets from about 1890 until recent times. This memorial is dedicated to all former students, and teachers who answered its call....and to all parents and community members who have made its ringing possible through taxation and devotion to the youth of this community.

On Saturday about a hundred people will be gathering near the bell and plaque for the start and finish of the Jasper County Hospital Fit for Life 5K. Registration form and more info reached from here. Also, a community health fair from 8:00 am until 11:30 am at the Community Services Building also on Leopold.

Last year because of the Melville Street project, the race was run on a different course and here is a report of the race. This year they will be back to the standard Fit-for-Life Course. I plan to get my tee shirt and run the race. Maybe I will see you there.