ABINGTON MA
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Showing posts with label Massachusetts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Massachusetts. Show all posts
GEORGETOWN MA
GEORGETOWN MA
Kiwanis Ice House Performing Arts Pavilion
American Legion Park
Built - 1996
Information is currently unavailable on Georgetown MA bandstand
NORTON MASSACHUSETTS
NORTON MA
Norton Library Park Gazebo
Norton Library Park
Built - 1999
Information is currently unavailable on Norton MA bandstand
AGAWAM MA
AGAWAM MA
Veterans Park
Built - 1992
The southwestern Massachusetts town of Agawam offers a community of small town values although not too far from the sprawling city of Springfield to the north. Agawam boasts a continued taste of New England traditions of farmlands, historic homes and village centers. The town also offers many civic activities and recreational opportunities with its state park and neighboring golf courses.
The town's bandstand in Veterans Park, was built in 1992 and is their first permanent structure. Its design is an original one by a local architect - Mr. Harold Davis, and cost between $4,000-$5,000 with financial aid given to the town by The Home Builder's Association who also provided labor for its foundation. Ruth Bitzas, of the town's Veterans' Department, helped raise the money for the lumber and the labor was provided by Agawam's Building Maintenance Department for the floor, ramps, stairs, etc.
The bandstand turned out to be a great compliment to the unique bell tower war memorial in the park and since 1992 has been extensively used during summer months for concerts sponsored mainly by the Agawam Cultural Council. The bandstand also hosts Memorial Day programs each year and many various local and national bands have played on its stage.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
Beverly Secondo, Librarian
Agawam Public Library
Sylvia Deliso, Agawam Cultural Council
AMESBURY MA
AMESBURY MA
Amesbury Town Park
Built - 1930
The modest farming community of Amesbury began its ascent into American industrial history once the rushing waters of the Powow River were released for the mills which then sprang up along its banks, The new and thriving town, it is believed, then became the site of the first American factory to produce machine-made nails. Shipbuilding and textile mills soon followed in the 19th century. From 1853 until into the 1900s, Amesbury carriages, renowned for their workmanship and style, were the economic heartbeat of the town. Also the Merrimack Hat Factory, during its peak years, produced more head gear than any of its competitors. Amesbury was also the site where the nation's number one candy, for a while, Hoyt's Buffalo Brand Peanut Butter Kisses, was produced.
One of New England's older bandstands still sits proudly in Amesbury's Town Park surrounded by tall pine trees and other vegetation. This structure has withstood the test of time but needs some restoration work, at this writing, and is thus rarely used, deemed unsafe.
Prior to this particular parcel of land being developed for the citizens of Amesbury, their band concerts would be held on their original bandstand built in 1920 but taken apart in 1927 after the wooden structure became unsafe.
This present bandstand's construction began in 1929 and completed a year later with its dedication ceremony held on August 7, 1930. The Park Commissioner at that time, Mr. Tucker, along with Caretaker Mr. Patrick Garland, oversaw the construction of the structure at a total cost of $3,750 with $1,500 going to two contractors and $750 for the design.
The bandstand sports a circular field stone base with a cement deck about 5 feet from ground level with the roof being supported by 7 tall columns which had been covered in copper when new making for a very stunning-looking structure at the onset. The base of the structure also has a side area for storage of benches below the deck. R. G. Watkins Construction Company built the base and E. W. & Paul Currier constructed the roof and columns. The design of the bandstand was done by the firm of Morse and Dickerson of Haverhill. All went well with the building process although contractor Paul Currier slipped and fell from the roof and was slightly injured.
Many hundreds of concerts have been held on the bandstand over the years during the summer months with the very first band being the Amesbury Cadet Band under the direction of Mr. Richard Wingate.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
Lawrence F. Hussey Sr.
Amesbury Historical Commission
ASHBURNHAM MA
ASHBURNHAM MA
Winchester Park
Built - 2000
Halfway between the Atlantic Ocean and the Connecticut River sits the quintessential New England community of Ashburnham. The town is also close to the New Hampshire border and once was part of a Canadian province called Dorchester but the land was awarded as part of a land grant to satisfy claims against the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
In the 19th century, Ashburnham was a renowned furniture manufacturing hub but today is mainly an historic residential community and home to such diverse enterprises as the Frederick Collection of Historic Grand Pianos and the prestigious preparatory school - Cushing Academy which draws over 400 students from all over the world. Ashburnham also touts having the greatest marching band in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts - The Oakmont Overlook Marching Spartans.
The town of Ashburnham's Business Council (ABC) set out on a 2-year project to collect donations and plan the building of their bandstand which they felt was greatly needed to enhance the town's downtown area and develop a locale where the townspeople could enjoy concerts and other summer events. The project began in the spring of 1998 after the selectmen approved the ABC's request. This new structure, upon completion, would become the second bandstand the village had erected, the first one many years prior. Through looking back at the town's history, it has been found that the last concert had been held, before this new bandstand was constructed, over a hundred years prior on the bandstand in Bandstand Common in South Ashburnham. At that time, the village band had put on concerts for the residents in those early days at the turn-of-the-century.
The financing of the new bandstand was done by local individuals, councils and businesses at a final cost of $14,000. One woman donated money with her condition being that people would be able to park their cars nearby which comes from a town tradition of honking car horns at the end of each piece during the concerts.
The bandstand was built in a colonial-style to match the nearby library and town hall with the grassy area in front providing ample space for listeners to spread out. All who volunteered to build the structure did so in their spare time and were pleased with their efforts and the immediate usefulness of it and expect much usage in future years. The bandstand has already served many functions including band concerts, school plays, police and town officials' business, and even for weddings.
INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY:
Scott Foster, past President ABC
Foster Insurance - Fitchburg MA
ASHLAND MA
ASHLAND MA
Stone Park
Built - 1987
The area now known as Ashland was first settled in the early 1700s and later incorporated in 1846. The early development of the town was due to the establishment of the Boston to Albany railroad in the mid 1800s although it remained more of a residential rather than industrialized town until the mid 20th century.
Inventor Henry E. Warren lived in the area and developed the Warren Synchronizing Timer in 1916 which revolutionized the electronic clock industry by keeping alternating current flowing from plower plants at a consistent sixty cycles per second. Mr. Warren went into partnership with General Electric and manufactured electric clocks in Ashland until 1979.
Ashland is mostly being residential once again and is considered an ideal location to live since it is halfway between the cities of Boston and Worcester and has two major highways located in the area. Ashland is known as the "Home of the Electric Clock."
Its bandstand, better known as "The Gazebo." is located in Stone Park and was built due to the fact that the townspeople felt the need for such a structure in 1987 when many exuberant citizens got together to erect the structure from donated labor and materials.
The bandstand has served many functions so far, from weddings, church services, fund raising events, movies and, of course, band concerts. Tuesday evenings during the summer months find many people gathered around their bandstand enjoying many fun events from June through August.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
David Foster, Parks Department
ATHOL MA
ATHOL MA
Uptown Common Bandstand
Uptown Common
Phillips Park
Built - 1912
Athol or "Tool Town" is located on the Millers River near the Tully Mountains. The town was named after the Duke of Atholl, John Murray, a British nobleman during the 18th century. Athol is also noted as one of the stops to see on the famous Mohawk Trail especially during April when the town holds its annual River Rat Race.
Athol's bandstand is located in the center of the uptown business district in Phillips Park which is the eastern half of the common area bisected by Main Street. The park is named in memory of the heroes of Athol who made the supreme sacrifice in the World Wars, and in particular named after Edward H. Phillips of Athol, an Army officer killed in World War 1 action i France.
The Uptown Common was deeded to the town on February 10, 1772 by Seth Kendall and originally used as the site of the Third Meeting House from 1773 to 1827. In this very historic building, the citizens of the area passed all their votes of disloyalty to King George 111 of England and from its doors the young ment of Athol marched for Lexington, Bunker Hill, Bennington, Vermont, Saratoga New York and to Valley Force during the American Revolution.
The Uptown Common Bandstand dates from July, 1912 and was a project of the Highland Common Association and its President, Dr. James Oliver assisted by George H. Dodge. At the same time, through the efforts of Mary Sawyer Bradley, a very generous benefactor, long seats were placed around the common for public convenience, especially during the many band concerts.
The bandstand has undergone several renovations througout the many years of its existence, usually by local service clubs and other volunteers and the citizens of Athol and surrounding communities. All have always taken great pride in the structure and has maintained it well which is why it has stood for almost 100 years as of this writing.
INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY:
Dick Chaisson, Athol Town Historian
ATHOL MA
ATHOL MA
Fish Park Bandstand
Fish Park
Built - 1912
The town of Athol is not only blessed with their bandstand on Uptown Common, but also has their beloved bandstand in nearby Fish Park built 7 years later in 1919. This particular structure replaced an old one built in 1900 which was taken down after being declared unsafe. Its replacement has stood the test of time as the one in Uptown Common has although almost suffering an ill fate in 1952 when it was condemned and faced total destruction in May of 1980 at a town meeting. This bandstand in Fish Park had been left unused and idle for many years while the bandstand on Uptown Common took center stage and was always refurbished and used often during the warmer months since it is situated right in the heart of the city. At that particular town meeting, the members were faced with large repair costs for the Fish Park Bandstand due to its continued vandalism and voted for its demolition. But by 1982, a "Save the Bandstand,' petition, money and supply donations for professional repairs, a benefit auction, and volunteer labor from the Kiwanis Club, Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts combined to save and restore the town's cherished landmark. So today, it still proudly stands and used extensively during the summer months along still with the one in Uptown Common.
The very first band concert on this bandstand was held on June 16, 1919 and continuous entertainment for the citizens of Athol and visitors has resounded from this structure with only an interruption between when it was condemned until its resurgence. Prior to this, it also ceased oepration in 1934 during a remodeling project.
Fish Park is rich in history also. Sally Fish, a wealthy descendent of the town's pioneer Fish family, lived in a house located behind the Pequoig Hotel in an area named for her - Sally Fish Circle. In 1857, she donated five acres of land, which had formerly been part of her cow pasture, and of which became a playground for the neighborhood children through her generosity. The Athol school district took over this piece of land and gave it to the town's parks department in 1920 when the name was then changed from Lower Common to Fish Park.
In the 1850s, the field was used by the town's roundball (early baseball) teams, and until the 1960s by Athol's many baseball and softball leagues. one who pitched baseball on this field was William "Candy" Cummings, the inventor of the curve ball, who lived in Athol in retirement. Tennis courts were also added in 1920 and 1927 when this game became popular.
The park's most famous visitor was ex-President William Howard Taft who, on June 18, 1919, helped welcome the hometown boys back from World War 1. Fish Park has also been used extensively for circuses, carnivals, Chataugqua tent entertainment, high school baseball and football games, field days, ice hockey by temporary flooding and for countless community events. Fish Park continues to be a favorite recreation spot for children and adults to play in and enjoy the wonderful band concerts on their old bandstand.
INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY:
Dick Chaisson, Athol Town Historian
ATTLEBORO MA
ATTLEBORO MA
Capron Park
Built - 1908
The thriving city of Attleboro is best known as the birthplace of the jewelry industry in New England. The downtown area thus has its share of red brick mill buildings and a long history of jewelry and metal fabrication jobs that still makes it one of the major manufacturing emplyment centers in the state.
Many of Attleboro's families have their roots deep in the city since the sense of community has always been strong and the city still has a unique combination of urban and suburban living and a country-like look without the usual hustle and bustle of city life.
In April of 1901, Hartford A. and Everett S. Capron and their sister, Eliza J. Carpenter became heirs of a large parcel of land from their father Dennis Capron and offered it to the city under the condition that it be named "Capron Park" and that initially the citizens of the city vote $2,000 each year for 15 years for its "care, embellishment and maintenance." Soon after that, wading pools, a bath house, shelters and a casino were built on the property.
In 1908 the citizens of the city decided to also erect a bandstand to compliment the other activities going on in the park and money was raised by popular subscription. The bandstand was built with a very sturdy base of wood, fieldstone and cement. The structure was without a roof until the City of Attleboro, in 1922, decided in its Annual Report that the popularity of the band concerts was so resounding, that the bandstand should have a suitable cover. Four years later in 1926, Mr. Samuel M. Stone, a leading jewelry manufacturer and owner of the Attleboro Manufacturing Company, C. E. Eden Company, M. S. Company and the Marathon Company, as well as the Chairman of the Park Commissioners in Attleboro, responded to the long-standing plea and donated the funds for the bandstand's roof.
Over the years, the bandstand has played host to a multitude of local and national groups and has served Capron Park and the city well. The bandstand was joined in 1957 by the Capron Park Music Shell which was built to honor World War 1 veterans and was used by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Octave Chorus among others. The shell was condemned in 1974 and later torn down.
Attleboro also housed another bandstand which is believed to have been located near the railroad station and later taken apart to become the porch of a house.
The Capron Park Bandstand has lasted over 100 years now since it was built so sturdily initially with its 7 foot fieldstone and cement piers which graduate in width from 4 1/2 to 3 feet and support square columns which rise to bracketed roof supports. The walls were originally wooden but have been replaced by decorative concrete blocks painted light yellow. The ceiling of the bandstand is wooden and has been painted a sky blue. The hip roof is protected by asphalt shingles.
INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY:
Kathleen A. Hibbert, Reference Librarian
AUBURN MA
AUBURN MA
Memorial Field
Built - 1984
The town of Auburn dates back to the year 1837 when incorporated. It lies in an area where countless relics of the past have been found from colonial houses and cemeteries to museums which have been set up that contains many of these artifacts found. The town has grown residentially and commercially since it was founded and maintains a magnificent landscape of farmland and scenic views.
Auburn's bandstand does not have a name associated with it and is just known as the bandstand at Memorial Field next to the Auburn High School. The cost of the construction of the structure was donated by the local Rotary Club of Auburn. It has been used extensively for summer concerts and band programs as well as for Augh High School graduations.
In 2004, during the beginning of construction of a new Auburn High School, the roof and supports of the structure were separated from the base and moved to the Senior Center property located nearby. The base was then demolished during the construction and a new one took its place with the remainder of the structure being placed on this new base and will remain at its current location.
INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY:
Ellen C. Gaboury, Town Clerk
AVON MA
AVON MA
Moses Curtis Park Gazebo
Moses Curtis Park
Built - 1976
Avon, Massachusetts is a quiet town located south of Boston and was first settled in 1700 when originally known as East Stoughton. 200 years later the people of the area disapproved of how they were treated and voted to separate and form their own town of Avon which was named for the River Avon in England and became officially incorporated in 1888. The town adopted a seal with the bust of William Shakespeare who was from Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
The town has its gazebo/bandstand situated in downtown Avon in Moses Curtis Park. Mr. Curtis was the individual who was the first settler in the town. The bandstand is a very striking structure with a pointed roof and intricate carpentry work done by hand when built in 1976 by skilled craftsmen - James H. Sullivan, Curtis Weir and Edward Oman. The bandstand also includes special jigs and custom designed roof trusses. It was built to beautify and help create the town's park reflecting the simple charm and beauty of Avon.
The bandstand not only serves as a useful purpose for the citizens of Avon for summer concerts, visits from Santa at Christmas time but is also a favorite sport for prom pictures.
The bandstand cost $5,000 to build in 1976 of which funds were appropriated through the town's special allocated funds.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
Anne Cook, Library Technician
BARRE MA
BARRE MA
Harding Allen Memorial Bandstand
Barre Common
Built - 1931
The town of Barre is a small rural community located almost exactly in the center of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The community was originally dotted with many operating farms but as time went on, these farms became fewer leaving many unsown fields now in the area.
Therewas an old saying that "all roads lead to Barrre," during colonial times when the town had been an important stopover on the Old Stagecoach route which had connected central and western Massachusetts and parts of southern Vermont. This old saying still remains true today since there are still many scenic or commercial roads which pass through or near the town. The town was named after Colonel Isaac Bare who was one of the fiercest defenders of our American automony in the British Parliament.
During the Industrial Revolution, Barre became renowned for the production of farming equipment and palm leaf hats. During the Civil War, the town also did its part by supplying much of the gunpowder used by the Union Army.
Barre is built around a common area which its residents consider to be one of the loveliest in Central Massachusetts with band concerts being held for many years on the town's 2 past and 1 present bandstand structures. The town had the distinctive title of being "the band concert town of New England" due to its having these three bandstands during the past 130-odd years. Its first bandstand was a raised platform supported by four posts with no roof. The bandstand was approached by steep steps and was surrounded by patterned railings.
In 1882 the townspeople deemed the platform too high although it had served multiple purposes. Besides it being a stage for local bands, it was used as a pulpit for speeches and as a judge's stand during parades and cattle shows when fairs took place right on the common.
The townspeople then decided that a new bandstand be built which would provide protection for performers and add more charm to the common area. Funding for the new bandstand was done by public subscription but a few donations were withdrawn since a number of people objected to the placement of the new structure.
In keeping with the fashion of the day, the new bandstand was designed and built with a "pagoda roof" which, to this day, is used almost universally as the common style to be used.
This second bandstand stood proudly for more than forty years until public opinion indicated that the time was right for a replacement. A committee, the Barre Public Amusement Association - chaired by Mr. Martin Smith, was formed to discuss and initiate the building of a new and larger bandstand. At those meetings, it was decided that the bandstand would be a memorial to Mr. G. Harding Allen, one of the most prominent citizens of Barre, who had died the previous autumn.
Popular subscription was accomplished once again to fund this new bandstand keeping with an expression of community involvement. Interestingly, children of the town were urged to take part in the fund raising contributing quarters, dimes and nickels which would demonstrate their youthful importance to the community and as a learning experience in carrying out community projects.
A Boston architectural firm of Blackwell, Clapp, Whitman and Clark was selected to insure "a substantial, dignified bandstand" with the intent of having the structure designed and completed by the summertime. Slight delays interfered with the goal and the building contract was not warded until June. The E.J. Cross Company of Worcester was hired to construct the bandstand with the stipulation that Barre labor "shall be employed as far as possible." Also a further item to be dealt with was the fact that the commission required that the stonework base "match the ornamental stonewall bordering the Allen Estate" which was nearby within view across the street.
By late July of 1931, the bandstand was built and became the new centerpiece of the common with August 6th marking the dedication in memory of Harding Allen. The event was a huge one for the town and before noonon that day, automobiles were being parked in "best-view' places all around the common. The estimation by the beginning of the ceremonies was that over 2,000 cars were lined up on every street leading into town.
Doing the honors as the Master of Ceremonies was Mr. Robert G. Williams with the Reverend Michael Mulhane, pastor of St. Joseph's Church offering the main address. Their speeches were followed by brief remarks by town officers and the committee then a rousing concert was given by the famous Worcester Brass Band. All agreed that this fine new structure was a great example of "achievement through cooperation."
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
Linda J. Payne, Library Assistant
Woods Memorial Library, Barre
BELCHERTOWN MA
BELCHERTOWN MA
Belchertown Common
Built - 1878
Atop a hill overlooking the Connecticut Valley sits the town of Belchertown with its church spires visible for miles in all directions on a clear day. At one time this typical New England town was reputed to be the best hunting ground anywhere and brought many Indian tribes and new settlers from miles away to hunt the deer and other game which were in great abundance at that time. Many of these early frontiersmen set fires in the area to make the hunting easier and destroyed many of the original forest leaving wild thick grass to grow in place of the trees. The land soon then became excellent for the pasturage of cows thus dairy farms began springing up in the area. The land also once provided candlewood and pine trees for turpentine which became an early industry in the region. The Old Bay Path through Belchertown became quite heavily traveled by coaches and horsemen traveling from Boston to points went and resting places were built in the town.
Belchertown's bandstand was erected in 1878 for the Farmers and Mechanics Club who were in charge of the Belchertown Fair held every October 12th. Quoted from the Belchertown Sentinel on February 25, 1938, "Built by the Farmers and Mechanics Club. Voted to build according to the plans of Henry Hoag. A committee met with the Selectmen and Congregational Society who was favorable." Building was to be finished by October 10, 1878. If it was finished by that date it was probably used for the first time in 1878. The bandstand was supposedly owned by the club until it disbanded in the late 1970s. It is said to have been built when Dwight Shumway was President of the club. Myron Walker, who lived across from the Common, is said to have provided the funds for its construction and laid a gas pipe from his house to the bandstand. Mr. Hoag was a local builder and is said to have built Westview, the home of Myron Walker.
The central portion of the Common was given by Elijah Dwight in 1789 as part of the lot for the Congregational Church. The northerly and southerly portions were given by Dr. Estes Howe and his second wife, the widow of Elijah Dwight. The Common is said to have been used as the training ground for the local militia from the period of the American Revolution up through the Civil War. Town reports as late as the 1870s, show receipts of cash paid by local farmers for the grass standing on the Common. In the late nineteenth century, a park association was organized and the Common, as we know it today, was formed. It was laid out to create a half mile circumference utilized for horse races on fair days. Shade trees were planted and an iron post and chain fence encircled its perimeter.
In 1881, one of the biggest events held on the Belchertown Common was the reunion of the Tenth Massachusetts Regiment under the auspices of now Senator Myron Walker. A large tent was erected to serve the dinner on the Common of which thousands attended including the then Governor of Massachusetts and the event was a great story in itself. Myron Walker had been a drummer in the Tenth Regiment during the Civil War.
The bandstand, typical of many placed on New England village greens during the Victorian era, was the scene of concerts by the Belchertown Brass Band, and was utilized by early Memorial Day speakers and other town organizations as a central site for various events held on the Common. Of course, it was used on Fair Day by the club. It is still used by the Belchertown Fair Committee during the three-day event held usually the last of September. This group of young townspeople took over the fair after several groups tried to keep the fair going and have brought back the old-time flavor of the event during the past 5 or 6 years as of this writing. 1999 saw the 142nd Belchertown Fair. The 4H Clubs decorate the bandstand during the Christmas season. The upper part of the bandstand is little used these days. The front of the structure is usually the site of the current Memorial Day events. Band concerts are still held during the summer months but the band contains over 40 members, and needless to say, too many to fit into the bandstand.
New England town commons have long been considered to be of significant cultural and historical value to the communities that possess them. They are also a unique feature of the region, and as such, are deserving of special notice. Many of them, such as the one in Belchertown, have been the continuous hub of community activities from their creation to the present day.
There is a great deal more history about the Common, the Park Association, the Belchertown Fair and the many events that have utilized the bandstand over the years but little is noted of specific events on the structure.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
Doris Dickinson, Curator
Stone House Museum - Belchertown
BELLINGHAM MA
BELLINGHAM MA
Bellingham Town Common
Built - 1997
The southeastern Massachusetts town of Bellingham has often been described as the typical "bedroom community" but in its long history has been shown to have shouldered the workload when needed and provided soldiers during times of war.
In the spring of 1997, the town decided, through public and private funds and state reimbursements, to build a 28-foot diameter Victorian bandstand in the very center of their beautiful common area. The bandstand, upon completion, seemed to be the final finishing touch within their lush and green park and fit in perfectly with this landscaped plot of land for all to enjoy. Many concerts, weddings, plays and awards ceremonies have since been held on the town's structure and immediately became a tremendous asset to the town.
The bandstand is the second one in Bellingham with the first demolished in the 1800s with the area it stood on replaced by a combination police/fire station in the center of town.
INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
G. Stevens Scheffor, Chairman
Town Common Trustees
BEVERLY MA
BEVERLY MA
Beverly Common
Built - 1998
Beverly had originally been part of Salem but in 1668 became an independent town which offered its new settlers a combination of farmland and a wonderful port for seafaring vessels to enter. The "Old Planters," including Roger Conant and John Balch, established their homes in Beverly and the 1636 Balch House is still standing and is the oldest frame house in the United States. Also the witchcraft delusion of 1692 began and ended in Beverly and the Hale House still stands where the first owner, the Reverend John Hale, was an active member of the witchcraft trials.
During the American Revolution, General George Washington established a naval and army post in Beverly and of which would be the only Massachusetts Bay town outside of the Boston area which would have one housed within its town limits. Private merchant ships were converted into armed vessels at the naval post since Beverly Harbor was located in a prime area. Today, Beverly Harbor is a favorite spot for pleasure boats of all sizes and continues its importance to the area.
Beverly also became an important part of America's industrialization when a well-known and successful family, the Cabots, built the first cottom mill. Along with industry entering into the town, in the 1890s Beverly was named the "Garden City" of the North Shore since many wealthy Boston families built large and beautiful summe estates inland and along the shoreline.
Beverly was also the summer home to the White House for President William Howard Taft and his family in the area now known as Lynch Park which has a beautiful Italian classical garden and is a favorite wedding location in the summer months. The David S. Lynch Memorial Shell is also located in the park. The city is still known as the "Garden City." with garden tours, public gardens area and many other beautifully landscaped areas in the city.
In keeping with its image, the Beverly Rotary Club raised money to build a bandstand in conjunction with the city's plans to improve the Beverly Common which had been neglected for a long time. In 1997 the construction began with an expected total cost of $100,000 with the Rotary Club coming up with the first $25,000 and Simsbury Associates, who was the developer of the neaarby former Briscoe School Building, financing the rest.
Since the completion of the bandstand in 1998, a scrolled archway, brick walkway, park benches, historic-looking black lampposts and flower gardens have been added which has turned the Beverly Common as a must-see by all interested in visiting the Garden City of Beverly.
The Beverly Common has thus once again been extensively used for concerts and is a favorite spot for wedding ceremonies and pictures and other community affairs.
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