The community originally had three school buildings. This bell sat atop the large two-story, eight-room brick building that was first the high school and later became the grade school. The schools operated from 1907 to 1966. The tower was constructed by John Nepote, Ray Hamblin, and many volunteers, with funding donated by General Joe Scepansky of Houston, Texas, Antoinette (Folker) Blazic of Warren, Michigan, and John and Coleen Nepote of Frontenac, Kansas. The bell was donated by Scotty and Phyllis (Liposek) Bitner in memory of all the students who attended Franklin Schools.