Visitors to Oxford may have noticed the impressive tower rising from Miami University's Cook Field along Ohio 73.

        It is the Pulley Carillon and Clock Tower.

        Miami's board of trustees have named the tower in memory of Verlin L. Pulley, a 1925 Miami graduate.

        The tower, on the southwest corner of the field, is a gift from Mr. Pulley's son, William, who earned a master's in business administration from Miami in 1958.

        The clock fits with the school's Georgian architecture. This is by design, said James R. Verdin, president of the Verdin Co. of Cincinnati — the project's builder.

        Last week, when I visited Verdin's offices on Reading Road for a story about Ohio's bicentennial bells, I noticed a picture of the Miami tower behind Mr. Verdin's desk.

        “Mr. Pulley's son talked about the project but had no firm idea about what he wanted to do,” Mr. Verdin said. “He wanted something distinguished for his father.

        “The location — a beautiful site — was available on campus. ... It will be outstanding.”

        Verdin Co. is doing more of these projects — not only making the bells, but the frame, too.

        The firm, founded in 1842, also built the World Peace Bell, installed in the Millennium Monument in Newport. At 66,000 pounds, it is the world's largest swinging bell.

        Mr. Verdin said he's happy that projects such as the Pulley Tower are developing for his company, which has its fifth generation of owners coming up.

        “There's only so much you can do with bells,” he said. “You'd never think of a company like ours surviving so long. You'd think bells would be obsolete. But there's something special about them that appeals to people.”

        HAMILTON — The YMCA's third annual Pumpkin Fest and Craft Fair will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Camp Campbell Gard's Hugh Center, 1771 Gephart Road.

        The event is open to the public. YMCA members will receive free hayrides. Information: 867-0600.

        HAMILTON — The city is looking for volunteers to help visitors find their way around the Government Services Building and One Renaissance Center.

        Officials are using this pitch line: “Do you like to tell people where to go?”

        That should bring out the volunteers by the hundreds.

        If you're interested, call Don Humber, Team Hamilton coordinator: 785-7009.

        Randy McNutt's column appears Saturday. Write to him at The Cincinnati Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Drive, West Chester, OH 45069. Telephone: 755-4158. Fax: 755-4150. E-mail: Rmcnutt@enquirer.com.
       

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