LEXINGTON MA

LEXINGTON MA

Bicentennial Bandstand

Hastings Park

Built - 1979

Ten miles southeast of Boston, the very historic town of Lexington is located. The town is traditionally regarded as the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War against England and where the famous Lexington Green (sometimes called "Battle Green") is located. This is where those heroic Minutemen fought and where Captain John Parker said to his men "Stand your ground, don't fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have war, let it begin here!!!"

How fitting then is the fact that the town of Lexington built their bandstand some two hundred years plus later on their common area to celebrate our nation's bi-centennial which actually was initially brought about here in Lexington. Thus the fitting name for the bandstand is the Bicentennial Bandstand in Hastings Park where not far from this location the "shot heard round the world" was fired to start the American Revolution.

The town built their sturdy bandstand through underwritten costs by the Lexington Rotary Club with helping private subscriptions. The Rotary Club dedicated this bandstand to the town of Lexington also in honor of the club's 50th anniversary in the town.

The architect of the structure was Merion Stewart Barrows who lives in Boxford and did such a great job in the design work which also has an added feature of an elevated floor/storage area for folding chairs and other equipment under the structure.

The construction of the bandstand went well enough but prior to the initial building of it the Rotary Club had problems with the Battle Green Historic District since the site was within its boundaries and a hearing had to be held. Originally, the Rotary Club suggested that the bandstand be built on the grounds behind the historic Buckman Tavern which faced the Battle Green. However, this site was disapproved of by the Historic District's Commission and a suggestion was made for it to be erected in Hastings Park which is a town-owned piece of property and is adjacent to a recreational complex which has playing fields, swimming pool, tennis courts and an oval track. This site was eventually adopted and seemed to be a fitting location due to all of the recreational activity in the area.

In September of 1979, the dedication took place before the new season began and the Bicentennial Band played for the community on their new bandstand. The band is composed of musicians from the community who rehearse and perform once a week normally on Tuesday evenings. Many residents attend their concerts and spread themselves out on the grass surrounding the bandstand and totally enjoy the music resounding from the stage, have their picnic suppers and listen to the wonderful music during the warm summer evenings. The Bicentennial Bandstand is the first one in Lexington and built so well, that the town anticipates it lasting for many more years to come.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
S. Lawrence Whipple, resident