United States Merchant Marine Academy - Midships Yearbook (Kings Point, NY)

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I else they would fit. The most common use for the bells aboard ships was to mark the time and to signal the end of a watch. Often the helmsman would try to cut his watch short by ringing the bell early, the En- glish would say, “The helmsman has flagged (or cheated) the glass.”, the French said, “Le ti- monier a mange du sable (the helmsman has eaten sand).”, and the Germans phrased it, “Der ru- derganger hat einen Stuetzenbull gemacht (the helmsman has pulled a fast one).”. It was com- mon in many nations that the man on watch upon striking the bells would call out, “All is well; the lights are burning bright.” To this day bells are still sued for similar purposes except that the clock has replaced the sand- glass and through observation it was found that it is not demons that cause the waves in the oceans. Even now, we as students learn about the proper proce- dures for ringing a ship’s bell in text International Rules of the Nautical Road. Through all na- tions on every ship, bells have re-

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In the beginning, the bell was known as the main form of com- munication on the sea until mod- ern technology introduced such invetions as radios, lights, and of course the steam engine which added the use of ship’s whistles. Bells were first carried as car- go, to be presented as gifts to the foreigners that the explorer en- countered and as materials for trading and bartering. Up to H twenty thousand bells were car- ried at once, both large and small. Even though they were meant to be cargo, they were of- ten used when holding religious ceremonies. During such reli- gious times, bells were thought to have magical powers. The mari- ners believed that the unpredict- ability of the seas were caused by giant demons and monsters and that the bells could ward off any danger that these sea monsters may cause to the ship. The bells were placed at the stern, the poop, the forecastle and wherever ft.

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mained an important part of the daily operation of ships and continue to be a piece of the legend in the history of shipping. The legends of the sea have been passed down by the mariners through the years ending with the cadets. Tall tales and sea going stories such as the ship’s bells actually have much signifi- cance. Bells are used as memorials especially on the grounds of Kings Point. The tradition and history of Kings Point can be seen in these bells located in various places around the Academy. The first and the most recognized is the War Memorial. Seated on the sloping lawn behind Wiley Hall is the large bell commem- orating the 210 cadets and graduates who gave their lives during World War II. Each of their names is inscribed on the west side of the monument and upon reaching and leaving the War Me- morial, in gratitude and recognition of their sacrifice, a salute is rendered. Another bell is found on the lawn section of the Oval, directly outside of the front door of Wiley Hall. This bell is known as just that, “The Bell.” This one in particular plays many roles in the daily life of a midshipman’s four years at the Acade- my. Each morning at Colors, the Bell is rang eight times before the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. It is also frequently used during the last couple weeks of April. Rings will be heard as each senior, upon receiving word that he or she has passed their respective license exams to become 3rd mates or 3rd A E, proudly rings the bell. During football games, the bell is also used to ring in each point that is scored by our “men of the grey and blue” while the plebes do push-ups to match the score. Other bells can be seen in such places as the American Mer- chant Marine Museum and Melville Hall to honor our fellow mariners. They are a respected symbol of Kings Point’s colorful past and active present. Oh! And let us not forget the Pub. ”N