Today, October 29, 2018, the Stetson School, an affiliate of Seven Hills Foundation, rededicated a Barre landmark that goes back to the early days of Stetson before 1900. The Pevear Bell Tower, which graced the original building of the Stetson Home for Boys – today the Stetson School – now resides atop a new foundation situated on the spot of the original building at the heart of the Stetson campus. The historic structure has been restored with a fully functioning clock. Barre residents and local officials, and Stetson students attended the dedication ceremony.

“The preservation of this historic structure is another example of how important Stetson School’s history is within the Town of Barre,” said Dr. David A. Jordan, President of Seven Hills Foundation and Affiliates. “Our students and staff continue to find ways to connect with and give back to Barre and its citizens. The students’ volunteer work, fundraising, and donating grants to the community make Stetson unique. Our ability to once again make the Pevear Clock Tower the centerpiece of our campus shows our commitment to continue Stetson’s rich 120-year history in Barre.”

“Learning about the genesis and history of Stetson can provide our kids a renewed appreciation for the school itself, and for the men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping boys and young men,” said Joseph Allred, Vice President of Stetson School. The Stetson story is also told through murals located in the administration building, which illustrate the Stetson timeline since its founding in 1899 as an orphanage for boys by philanthropist Henry Augustus Pevear, of Lynn, MA.

The newly sited Bell Tower was made possible by the generous donations and expertise of Benoit Tree and Landscape, PM Benoit Masonry, Sherwin Williams – Worcester, Rossmore Painting LLC, Kitchenmakers, Rosa Electric, Masiello Construction Co., Inc., Inishowen Contracting LLC., and RJ McDonald, Inc.

The Stetson School enjoys a long history of helping youth in need of guidance and nurturing. Stetson is a nationally accredited, fully licensed, Chapter 766-approved Residential and Education Treatment Program for male youth and young men currently from Massachusetts and 10 other states.