BOW NH

BOW NH

Bow Bandstand

Built - 2002

The town of Bow was chartered in 1727 deriving its name from its location at the bow in the Merrimac River just south of the state capital of Concord. Farming was the way of life in the beginning of this small settlement until industry became its mainstay due to the excellent local waterway systems where mill sites sprung up.

Bow has never lacked for residents with vision throughout its history. SGT John Ordway, an influential member of the Lewis & Clark expedition and Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science Church, were both born and raised in the town. Also our 14th President, Franklin Pierce, resided in nearby Hillsboro, New Hampshire.

The Quaker-styled Bow Bandstand was built in the spring of 2002 in the open field area at the intersection of Knox Road and Logging Hill Road. It is the first bandstand in Bow's long history of incorporation and was built by the Bow Rotary Club and Bow Men's Club for the purpose of bringing the community closer together where they could have a structure to hold concerts on, which sometimes has over 300 people in attendance, and other community events. The structure was financed through fundraisers and voluntary labor and materials. It was a bit difficult, however, at times to get enough volunteers together at the same time for a project of this size but by May 27, 2002, the structure was completed and dedicated at a special ceremony which featured a Memorial Day parade, flag raising and dedication with a Bandstand Donor Plaque affixed to the structure.

Since that date, many bands have played on the structure including the Freese Brothers Band, Bobby Lynn Cote, Rhumboogie, Stepping Out, Sari Ghose Jazz Trio and UFO along with the Bow High School Band. The bandstand has also served as host for weddings, reunions and boy scout troop meetings to name a few.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Leo Begin, Co-Chairman of Bow Bandstand Committee

Active member of the Bow, NH Rotary Club