Pieces of Hilltop History to Be Preserved for Future Generations

CEDAR SPRINGS — As the Hilltop building approaches demolition on the 100th anniversary of its construction, two familiar pieces of its history will be saved and preserved for the community.

Cedar Springs Public Schools has agreed to donate a hand painted Red Hawks sign and the school’s longtime recess bell to the Cedar Springs Historical Museum. Both items hold special meaning for generations of former students who passed through the doors of the building, which first opened in 1926.

The Red Hawks sign, believed to date back to the late 1940s, once hung inside the building and became a fixture for students and staff for more than 70 years. Though worn with age, the image of the school’s mascot remains recognizable. The identity of the local artist who painted the sign has been lost over time.

The original recess bell, hung outside over the gymnasium doors, also carries deep roots for the school. For decades, its ring marked the beginning and end of the school day and called children in from recess. Its sound became a presence in daily life for countless families.

"Even though the building is coming down, we can still preserve some pieces of its history," said Nancy Starr, Cedar Springs Museum Treasurer. "Every alumnus who walked those halls remembers hearing that bell, and nearly everyone who ever played in that gym remembers the sign. It felt only right to make sure they survive, even if the building doesn't."

Earlier this year, district officials announced plans to demolish the Hilltop building, citing structural concerns and the high cost of restoration. The decision stirred strong emotions throughout the community, where the building has long stood as a landmark.

Now, museum officials say the preserved artifacts will help keep the building’s story alive. The museum is in the early stages of writing a book documenting the story of the Hilltop building, including the stories of those who spent time there.

The donations are greatly appreciated, says Museum Director Sharon Jett. "The Cedar Springs Historical Museum is in the early stages of writing a book about the Hilltop building, chronicling its life from construction to its demolition. These donations ensure that, while the Hilltop building itself will soon be gone, its legacy and the memories it holds will continue to live on in Cedar Springs for generations to come."

Museum staff is asking anyone who may know more about the sign's artist to reach out to them either through Facebook or their email address, cedarspringsmuseum@gmail.com