University Park, Pa. -- The Old Main bell removal has been rescheduled to Thursday morning, Oct. 8, due to high winds.
AccuWeather currently predicts 22 mph sustained winds with up to 35 mph gusts. For safety reasons the lift, originally scheduled for Oct. 7, has been postponed to the alternate date. The time of the lift will remain the same, between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.
A crane is scheduled to lift the bell from the tower and place it on a truck for transport to the restoration site. Access will be restricted in some areas adjacent to Old Main for safety reasons. The best view of the removal process can be had from the area between Old Main and Schwab Auditorium. Space will be reserved there for members of the news media. Representatives from the class of 2009 and the Office of Physical Plant, which is coordinating the removal, will be available for interviews.
The bell is expected to be returned to campus in time for an April 2010 dedication.
Penn State's class of 2009 voted last year as its gift to the University to have the 138-year-old, 1,200-pound bell removed, restored and placed on permanent display adjacent to Old Main.
For background on the gift and the bell, visit Penn State Live at http://live.psu.edu/story/41873/ online.