The Small-Town Bells Of The Prairie Collection Is A Charming Gift From The Past In Nebraska
By Delana Lefevers|Published May 14, 2020
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Delana Lefevers
Author
As a lifelong Nebraskan, Delana loves discovering the many hidden treasures of her state. She has worked as a writer and editor since 2007. Delana's work has been featured on more than a dozen websites and in Nebraska Life Magazine.
Everyone knows that one person who’s been building a collection of something for years and years. Whether it’s your aunt with her ceramic chickens or your coworker with a whole room full of model airplanes, there are some truly dedicated collectors out there. One such collector is Jim Mies, a man who loves to share his hobby with everyone who happens to pass by his home in Elgin.
If you're driving through Elgin, Nebraska on Highway 14, you'll pass right by Jim Mies' house. It looks just like the other residences in the neighborhood with one notable exception: the large display of antique bells and other artifacts that line one side of the driveway.
You're welcome to park and come on up to see "Bells of the Prairie," as the collection is called. Even if you aren't specifically interested in old bells, these vintage objects may end up charming you anyway.
The unusual display contains bells from firehouses, one-room schoolhouses, farms, and churches. Mies acquired them from wherever he could, adding to his collection until he had around 200. Although that number is closer to 150 these days, seeing them all together is quite the experience.
Interspersed with the bells of Nebraska's past are other vintage objects that deserve a closer look. You can spy old promotional items, decorations, and antique steel wheels. There are even an old water pump and gas pump accompanying the main attraction.
While we wouldn't suggest a long road trip just to see the Bells of the Prairie display (unless you're a true die-hard fan of antique bells), it's certainly worth a stop when you're passing through Elgin. If you decide to stop by, please be respectful of the fact that this is a private residence in a quiet neighborhood.
