Cherry Grove's Antique Fire Gong: A Steam Locomotive Driver Tire?

This photo taken by my good friend Carole shows her husband Pete and me standing with what is believed to be a gong that was sounded as a fire alarm years ago in Cherry Grove. It was unearthed recently by homeowners working in their garden. I believe that the gong is actually a steel tire that was fitted to locomotive driving wheels back in the age of steam.