The Joseph D. Baker Bell Tower, a centerpiece of Baker Park in Frederick, is one of those things that I think about when I think of Downtown Frederick.
It's 70 feet high and is totally iconic of the Downtown corridor (Second to the clustered spires of course). The tower currently has 49 separate bells and to my knowledge, I believe they're still functioning.
Not a huge surprise, the same Baker that the park is named after is also the Baker that the bell tower is named after.
Unfortunately, the tower is also a memorial to the late Baker who donated a large sum of money to have the land set aside for the park to be built on.
They also decorate it with a large lighted star for the holidays :)!
Worth a stop if you're exploring Downtown Frederick and want to take a stroll through beautiful Baker Park.
************************** 1 hour later
After doing some additional research on the bell tower, I can tell you that the bells are indeed functioning, and the whole bell tower is actually a Carillon. A Carillon is a large instrument; so the bells are hooked up to wires that are hooked up to what almost looks like an organ type set up. There are pedals and handles that are moved to ring each of the 49 bells.
Supposedly there are 2 performances a month at the Baker Park Bell Tower... I'm unable to find when they take place though.
Good to know that the bell tower carillon still is in working condition! read more