A bell that was on top of the Walnutport Diamond Fire Company’s Social Club before a 2014 fire destroyed the building has returned.

Diamond Volunteer Fire Company Chief Michael Wentz said the bell has been put out front of the Social Club.

“The bell was a memento; it was on the building, and when the building burned, it was taken down and has been put back up,” Wentz said. “And it rings.”

Wentz said the bell had been a staple attraction, which is why it’s generated buzz now that it’s back.

“It’s attracting people; it’s kind of old, kind of unique,” he said. “Most fire companies, their bells are either gone, or they had them restored.”

Also, Wentz said a digital sign that was funded through a grant has also been put outside the building.

Wentz said they had applied for a grant for retention and recruitment for volunteers, and added that the grant was done jointly with Slatington.

“The sign does say ‘volunteers needed’,” he said. “But the big thing is to help get people to come out to the events, get people involved.”

On Nov. 2, 2014, the social quarters were destroyed by a fire that started in the bell tower and quickly spread through the entire second floor.

The fire severely damaged the roof and gutted the inside, though the structure was able to be saved due to the quick response of its fire department, along with the mutual aid companies that assisted.

However, the inside was a total loss, and the building had to be gutted.

In Sept. 2018, nearly four years after the fire, the Social Club opened its doors.

Wentz said the fire company will again hold a festival over the Fourth of July weekend.

He said the event will run June 30 through July 2, and will consist of a band, food and refreshments.

Wentz said there could be a small rededication for the bell.

“There’s still a lot of people that are around yet that their hearts are with the fire company,” he said. “The older people here and a lot aren’t around anymore, they put a lot of blood, sweat and tears in.

“This is something for them to say (in) today’s day and age, we did this in memory of the people who brought us where we are today. We would not be here and have what we have if not for all the guys from 30 to 40 years ago to have what we have.”