Asheville’s Historic Chimes Whisper of Peace and Melody to New Generations

In the heart of Asheville, North Carolina, a set of storied chimes have been whispering their tale to generations. These chimes, some 90 years old and housed atop Asheville City Hall, carry a rich history and signify a pivotal part of the city’s cultural heritage. Now, they stand on the verge of a new chapter, ready to charm future generations.

A Musical Giant in the City Skyline

Visible from the bustling city streets below, a brass giant looms over Asheville City Hall. This giant, until recently, had been relatively quiet. However, that may be about to change. Local musicians and officials see the untapped potential of these chimes as a public instrument contributing to Asheville’s vibrant public spaces.

The importance of these chimes is profound, according to local composer and musician, Michael Luchtan. “The chimes are really important because music in the public space is really important,” he stated.

A Story of Community Effort

The chimes weren’t always silent. In fact, they were added to the Asheville City Hall in the early 1930s as part of a community fundraising effort led by the school children of Buncombe County, and the then-mayor. The city had hoped for 20 chimes, but financial constraints resulted in a 10-note model instead.

For a time, the sound of what are known as the “Peace Chimes” tolled regularly in Asheville. “People decades ago would have been very familiar – the fabric of their day and the pattern of their day would have been shaped by the regularity of this instrument,” noted area musician Andrew Fletcher.

Whispering Their Melodies Again

Despite their silence since the 1960s, local musicians are seeking ways to refurbish the chimes. Once returned to their full glory, the chimes could be played manually from a keyboard on the fifth floor, or automatically through a player mechanism similar to a player piano.

This effort, however, requires careful calibration and understanding of the intricacies involved. “There are two sides of it: One side of it is the mechanical side of making sure the instrument is ready to play,” explained Fletcher.

A Call to Peace Through Chimes

Beyond the logistical challenges, there’s also an emotional importance attached to the historic chimes. They were originally dedicated as a memorial to those who died in World War I and thus named the “Peace Chimes.” Composer Michael Luchtan has sought to honor this legacy with a new composition titled, “While There’s War, We Ring for Peace.”

The idea behind this piece is that the chimes would ring to acknowledge conflict somewhere in the world, a poignant reminder of the continuous need for peace.

Preserving Heritage for Future Generations

As the city crafts its public use policy for the chimes, musicians are finding ways to bring mountain melodies more frequently to the people of Asheville. Implementing new scrolls for the instrument is just one innovative idea being explored.

These historic chimes echo more than just music. They are a testament to Asheville’s unique history, weaving together tales from the past while inspiring hope and peace for the future. As future generations hear the whispers of these chimes, they will be reminded of their city’s vibrant past and the legacy left for them to continue.