A wee bit of railroad history is ringing out at Webster Union Cemetery.
Actually, “wee” is a bit of a misnomer, because this piece of railroad history is a huge brass bell which measures about 18″ tall, 18″ in diameter, and weighs around 400 lbs, which now sits proudly on top of the building near Webster Union Cemetery’s flagpole.
Not much is known about the bell’s provenance, aside from the fact that it dates to 1919 and was once attached to a steam engine which traveled through the Southern Tier. Back in the early 20th century, bells like these could have served several functions, but mostly as a warning. For example, they might have been rung as the train approached a road or pedestrian crossing, or when a locomotive was starting, backing up or moving through a busy yard.
The huge bell was donated to Webster Union Cemetery by the Sudore family. From 1969 to 2025, it hung atop the home of Michael and Helen Sudore on Rt. 250. No one knows for sure how they actually came to own the massive antique (the story depends on who you ask). But once acquired, it was no longer used for its original purpose of warning pedestrians of an approaching locomotive. Instead, Helen used it as a dinner bell which could be heard far and wide.
When Helen passed away in 2025 and the house went up for sale, family members wanted to make sure the bell found a good home. They initially considered placing it at another family member’s home, but realized it would be better in a more centralized location. Helen had served as Webster Union Cemetery’s treasurer for many years, and Mike and his daughter had also served on the board. In addition, about 40 members of the Sudore family are buried there or have graves there. With so many family connections to the cemetery, Webster Union seemed like the natural choice.
So last fall, family members offered the bell to Webster Union Cemetery president George Baker, who didn’t hesitate to accept the generous donation.
Two weeks ago, the bell was finally hoisted to its new home. The Sudore family hopes it will ring for generations to come, marking special moments and honoring those laid to rest at Webster Union. Beneath it, a plaque installed by the family expresses that hope: “May the music of the bell ring out in honor and memory of your loved one.”
And so the beautiful brass locomotive bell — once a railroad warning, then a dinner bell — begins a new chapter in its long life.
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(posted 10/11/2026)
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