In the beginning, the bandstand's importance was undisputable but a great movement soon came about towards building granite war memorial bandstands after World War 1 and many of our basic bandstand structures were either moved or destroyed to make way for these grand monuments to honor our war dead. These new structures were very expensive with the basic bandstands being much more affordable.
Bandstands also were soon built with one or two sets of stairs and on the newer ones, 3 or 4 were added. Handicapped accessible ramps soon became a must being written into legislation. The older structures had no exterior stairwells but only a stage-level trap door which was built to ensure a solid floor. Many of these bandstands that are still around just sit idly since many stringent handicap access laws have been established and enforced.
Bandstand railings were also an essential part not only as a protection for bandstand participants but also gave the structure a finished look. Most of these railings are designed to be in harmony with nearby churches or other buildings. Many are built with simple styles while others have alternating uprights and decorative crossed stitched lattice work, and ornate spindles with imaginative designs. Many examples of such roofs and railings can be seen in the many bandstand pictures I have included on my sight.
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