FITCHBURG MA

FITCHBURG MA

Upper Common Bandstand

Upper Common

Built - 1976

The central Massachusetts city of Fitchburg had been originally known as Turkey Hills when first settled but later named after John Fitch who did much to secure the incorporation of the town in 1764. The river running through the city was immediately a dominating factor in the early development of textile mills and then the opening of the Boston-Fitchburg stage line stimulated even greater growth increasing even more after the Vermont and Massachusetts railroads laid their tracks through the ever-growing town. From that point on, manufacturing plants of machinery, paper and metal products, fabricated steel, plastics, leather goods and textile plants still are in operation employing many in the area. Fitchburg State College is located in the city being established in 1894.

Fitchburg's bandstand was constructed in 1976 with the help of 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students of Project Term which was a bi-centennial project sponsored by the city's Bicentennial Committee. The best location for the structure was decided to be in the west end of the city on the Upper Common. The financing of the bandstand project waas totally by the city and dedicated during our nation's bi-centennial. Also, a plaque was placed next to the structure to mark the spot where Calvin Coolidge visited the Upper Common on November 12, 1928.

This bandstand is the second on in Fitchburg's history the first being erected on the same spot in 1880 and demolished in 1976 to make room for this new one. There is another bandstand "rotunda" in nearby Coggshall Park which is often used also. The Fitchburg Band calls this bandstand their home and performs frequently on it during the warmer months with the concerts and the band being sponsored by local businesses and banks.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Dr. Elizabeth Gardner, Volunteer Researcher

Fitchburg Historical Society

FITCHBURG MA

FITCHBURG MA

"The Crown Jewel of Fitchburg"

Coggshall Park

Built - 1901

The "Crown Jewel of Fitchburg" or the "rotunda" on the edge of Mirror Lake, was erected in 1901 by Henry Coggshall who donated the land and park to the city in 1893. Eighteen years later, Mirror Lake was created as a park for all residents and visitors to enjoy. The flooding of the lake was a pet project of the Fitchburg Park Department in that year. The lake encompasses 8 acres on this 212.7 acre park and is used strictly for recreational purposes.

This first bandstand in Fitchburg was taken down and reassembled in 1930 by funds provided by the city and labor by the Government's WPA Program at that time. This particular bandstand was renovated more recently in 1991 by a million dollar grant and electricity was added.

All local bands have played here, especially the famous and old Fitchburg Military Band and the Fitchburg High School Band as well as many other local bands who also played in the adjoining dance pavilion.

This present bandstand is often called the "gazebo" and is maintained by state and city funds and the Friends of the Coggshall Park, a volunteer group.

There is a summer concert series each year now featuring a big band sound and funded by the Friends of Coggshall, Fitchburg Savings Bank and the Massachusetts Cultural Council which is administered by the Mayor's Council on the Arts. Some of the orchestras who have appeared on the bandstand have been "Magic Rainbow," "Jolly Kopperschmidts,""Frank Mangan," and "Crossroads," along with the U. S. Air Force Band.

In 1998 the Fitchburg Military Band had a special performance on the bandstand in celebration of its 130th year of existence with its first band concert being held on May 27, 1868.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY:

Elizabeth Gardner, Volunteer Researcher

Fitchburg Historical Society

WEST FITCHBURG

WEST FITCHBURG MA

Stanley Park Bandstand

Stanley Park

Built - 1981

In 1981, the Stanley Park Bandstand was built in West Fitchburg by the students of Project TERM in a city program to decorate the park for peoples' enjoyment. The bandstand was supported and financed by local merchants of West Fitchburg who saw the need for this outlet in the park.

Years ago in 1882, Stanley Park was bought by James Phillips who owned the Bioli Woolen Mill and the land was used to dispose of the ashes from the mill boiler room. After the land was developed, the mill men would eat their lunches there and Mr. Phillips then decided to build a bandstand for them in the park which was later moved to Coggshell Park in 1901. The bandstand was also built to house the Fitchburg Military Band which was one of the best bands in the state.

The previous bandstand, over the years, had been used by many other local bands and also in the 1890s for political campaigns and historic mockups called "McKinley Cruisers."

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Betty Gardner, Researcher

Fitchburg Historical Society