RINDGE NH

RINDGE NH

The Smith Pavilion

Rindge Town Common

Built - 1994

The town of Rindge is located in Cheshire County in the Monadnock Region of southern New Hampshire. It has a typical small New England flavor but within its boundaries lies over 40 square miles including 90 miles of roadway and 17 lakes and ponds and is a natural wonderland of beauty and serenity as is prevalent in the pride and joy of the town - The Cathedral of the Pines. This noted area of Rindge has become a national memorial to patriotic sacrifice as well as a place to seek peace and inspiration under the many tall pines that form its natural surroundings. A national memorial for all American war dead is found in the park with the Pine's Alter of the Nation comprised of stones donated from each of our fifty states and four territories from the Officers of America's armed forces symbolizing the unity and strength of grateful people. The monument also is comprised of stones donated as tributes from all United States Presidents since and including Harry Truman. Many visitors remark on its beauty and peaceful splendor and is featured as "Editor's Pick" in the 2001 Yankee Magazine's Travel Guide to New England.

The town is also blessed wih The Rindge Trail which is a wonderful nature walk throug woods, wetlands, across streams and lakes where blueberry picking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, etc., are a favorite pastime for residents and visitors to the area. The town of Rindge is also home to Franklin Pierce College and Annett State Park.

The town's uniquely-domed bandstand was built in 1994 and funded by Mr. & Mrs. Donald Smith who are longtime Lake Monomonac summer residents of Rindge and who most generously donated such monies after the town showed so much commercial growth in the area during that time. Rindge benefitted from other fine philanthropic events that also enabled the town to begin some badly-needed repair projects involving the area's parks and town common where the bandstand sits and other improvements which the town needed.

The bandstand, known as the Smith Pavilion, was modeled after the bandstand in Antrim, New Hampshire and is the town's first with the only other structure prior to this one being built was just a platform that did nothing to enhance the town's common area as the bandstand definitely now does. It is believed that a contractor, Mr. Webber, built the bandstand doing a wonderful job with the intricate details and domed roof.

The bandstand has played host to many local bands and other musical groups that first have to be approved to perform by the town's selectmen. Memorial Day programs, Christmas tree lightings and other community events are also held on the Common on and around the bandstand.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

Ingalls Memorial Library