ANDOVER ME

ANDOVER ME

Andover Bandstand

Village Common

Built - c. 1890

Andover, Maine was settled by very hardy pioneers who journeyed through the woods and swamps of an area of 200-miles from Massachusetts and their own town of Andover, Massachusetts. These adventurers were taken by the scenic valleys of western Maine with its Ellis River and tributaries flowing through this new town they settled in.

The Andover Bandstand is a very fine example of a Victorian Structure which had prevailed at the turn-of-the-century in New England. It is an 8-sided structure with a platform that measures 16-feet across with charming elaborately detailed balustrades with matching frieze at the top of its eight turned posts. It also sports a 2-foot finial atop the tent-style roof. It is an unusual structure in that the interior ceiling is not left open to the rafters. Metal ties that hold the bandstand together appear to have been masterfully set in place in its early year of construction.

Not until the 1890s was the bandstand built when Andover became a very popular summer resort and stopover to the Androscoggin Lakes.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY:
http://andovermaine.com2/25/05

ATHENS ME

ATHENS ME

Information is currently unavailable on Athens ME bandstand

AUGUSTA ME

AUGUSTA ME

American Legion - Post #205

Eastern Avenue

Information is currently unavailable on Augusta ME bandstand

BANGOR ME

BANGOR ME

Bangor Auditorium Grounds

Built - 1976

The large central Maine city of Bangor has proven that it is a survivor since in its 200 year history, it has overcome periods of siege, war, and staggering wealth and growth to economic depression. The city also resurged from a devastating fire. It has thus weathered the best and worst of times but has set a standard of excellence for the nation to admire. During the best of times, Bangor's ambition, wealth and culture made it a semi-earnest rival to Boston and prompted the famous writer, Henry David Thoreau, to describe the city as a "shining light on the edge of the wilderness."

The "Queen City' was the largest east of the Kennebec River and had a reputation of once being the 'most musical city of its size in America." With this in mind, Bangor still boasts of having the second oldest continuously operating band in the country.

With this long-standing band came a number of bandstands in Bangor. Broadway Park had the earliest recorded bandstand built sometime in the 1890s followed by one in Union Park behind the famous landmark Bangor House which is said to have hosted six Presidents: Grant, Arthur, Benjamin Harrison, McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt and Taft who could have all possibly enjoyed a band concert on this bandstand.

Chapin Park held a bandstand which was considered to be Bangor's "handsomest of them all," along with a bandstand in Davenport Park. The bandstand in Central Park cost $325 and was erected by H. L. Jewel in 1881 and turned out to be the most renowned of all of Bangor's bandstand because of its perfect location, comfortable seats and a plush lawn. It was described as an "octagonal bandstand, the platform on a high base with Italianate Posts supporting a slightly averted pointed roof topped by a finial." The bandstand is believed to have been destroyed in the great Bangor fire of 1911.

Bangor's current bandstand has been strategically built directly in front of the famous Bangor Auditorium to add versatility to the grounds during summer events, especially the Bangor Fair which has its fairgrounds directly behind the auditorium and traditionally attracts thousands of people each summer.

Many weekly band concerts are held on the bandstand during the summer months with local and national bands performing on its stage to the delight of the citizens of Bangor and visitors to the area who always come out in large numbers to enjoy the music and support the various groups.

The bandstand was built by CEDA workers (a Government project) in 1976 and was financed by the local Kiwanis, Lions and Rotary Clubs. In 1998, the bandstand was expanded by the Bangor Parks Staff so the stage could hold a larger number of participants during the concerts and other community events. The bandstand was built for the community during and for our nation's bi-centennial.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY
Frank Comeau, Director

Parks & Recreation Department

"Lest We Forget" - Barbara Merrill Fox, author

BAR HARBOR ME

BAR HARBOR ME

The Bar Harbor Bandstand

Village Green

Built - 1899

The southern Maine coastal town of Bar Harbor has brought multitudes of people over the years to this beautiful resort area that is located at the foot of Cadillac Mountain and the Acadia National Park which brings many hearty campers and hikers in during the summer months and into fall. Since Bar Harbor is a port of entry, many seafaring visitors also flock to the area. There have been numerous famous and wealthy people who have settled on the coast of the island thus lavish estates dot the coastline. The downtown area is busy with people who enjoy its many unique shops and a good lobster dish in many fine restaurants. So Bar Harbor offers something for everyone.

However, in 1947 the town suffered a devastating fire which destroyed much of the downtown area but it was quickly built up again due to the area's popularity. In the downtown area lies the Village Green which has its bandstand located in the center. This structure has now withstood over 100 years of tough coastal New England weather and evidently, the terrible fire.

The Bar Harbor Bandstand was built on land where the former Grand Central Hotel complex until the town bought the land in the 1890s for $45,000, leveled the hotel, cleaned up the lot and a group of townspeople then raised $129 to build the bandstand for the enjoyment of the citizens and visitors to the area. The first concert was played on the bandstand on July 21, 1899.

Written in "A Native's Memories of Old Bar Harbor" by Nan Cole, Down East-Sept 1970 is a description made of the early 1900s band: "local musicians, each pridefully aware both of his talent and his bandsman's uniform. The dark blue suits, trimmed with gold braid was topped by blue-visored caps, and the brass buttons on the uniforms, as well as each man's shoes and band instruments, all were polished to a high degree of luster that gleamed in the lights from the bandstand." Also stated: "The players had entered the stand by means of a ladder which once they were ensconed, was stored beneath the platform until the concert was over."

"When President Taft was to speak from what on such occasions was called the "grandstand." (1910). I was bothered by how the committee would get that portly President up and down the famous ladder without mishap."

During those early days, a very controversial matter had brewed over whether the Boston Symphony Orchestra should play on the bandstand to replace the local band and provide much more quality music to the crowd who attended the concerts. Many local residents who attended this town meeting at the casino felt that local talent should be performing rather than showcase professional talent. A compromise was finally agreed upon setting the local bands playing 4 nights per week and the Boston Symphony the other 3 nights which was what transpired for many years. 30 members of the Boston Symphony would make the trip to Bar Harbor for the concerts.

In 1920, the Village Improvement Association called in the distinguished landscape gardener, Beatrix Farrand, who altered the layout of the Village Green banishing the barberry hedges and had the bandstand moved to its present site. In 1972, the bandstand was refurbished.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
"Lest We Forget" - Barbara D. Fox, author

BATH ME

BATH ME

The Gazebo for the Patten Free Library

Built - 1989

Bath, Maine is located along the Kennebec River and is a typical waterfront community with a very rich nautical heritage. It is also the home of the world-class shipbuilder-Bath Iron Works and the nationally acclaimed Maine Maritime Museum. Its first recorded maritime history began only 12 miles down the river when 400 years ago the first ship was built by settlers in the New World and launched from that point. From then on, shipyards in and near Bath have built vessels whcih have sailed the seas of the world.

Bath's first bandstand was built in 1883 and occupied a prominent position in a newly-landscaped Victorian-style park which had a pond with boulders along the edges, a fountain and rustic bridge. Most New England communities at that time had local band members and carpenters design and build their community's bandstands, but Bath brought in a renowned designer, Frances Fassett, who had designed many public buildings in Maine.

The bandstand was one of the many features of the park which had been planned by John Ramsay, Bath's Superintendant of Cemeteries from 1883 to 1897 and who was a landscape gardener. The property on which the bandstand and park were built was formerly the home of Peleg Tallman ( 1764-1840) who was a naval hero and prominent Maine businessman. The property was enhanced with shade trees which replaced the many fruit trees and the lot of land enclosed with a fence. One account noted that the property had been transformed from "a nature to a beauty spot."

Bath's Patten Free Library was built at the same time as the original bandstand in 1889 and when the library planned a 100th birthday, it was thought appropriate that a new "gazebo" be built on the site left empty when the first bandstand was torn down in 1953.

Financing of the structure was made possible by public funding and volunteer help to erect the magnificent structure as designed by James Edward Stilphen with help from Gary Berger of the library. Mr. Stilphen's design was reminiscent of the earlier style of bandstand but of a much larger size - 34 feet in diameter with double staircases. The builders included Eric Anderson, Gary Berger, Steven Hammond, John Kennedy, John Morris, James Stilphen and William Van Wickler.

The new bandstand has often been used as a home to the Bath Municipal Band which was formed in 1961. The band has attracted musicians from 20 or more of the surrounding towns and owns its own building now with a rehearsal hall, kitchen and a library and also a portable bandstand.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY:

Barbara Esmond, Bath Historical Society &

"Lest We Forget" - Barbara Merrill Fox, author

BELFAST ME

BELFAST ME

City Park

Built - 1989

Information is currently unavailable on Belfast ME bandstand

BINGHAM ME

BINGHAM ME

Information is currently unavailable on Bingham ME bandstand

BOOTHBAY ME

BOOTHBAY ME

Boothbay Common

Built - 1994

Boothbay is a bustling New England seacoast town which boasts having one of the best harbors on the Maine coast. Not only, by boat is it easy to enter the harbor but it is large and well protected. This is the reason why the town bustles during the summer months. Many visitors chose Boothbay and its harbor due to the many shops and restaurants there and also to take part in "Windjammer Days" which involves activities in the harbor as well as arts and crafts, fairs, Rotary Club auctions, Children's Festivals and during July 4th, a spirited celebration. Memorial and Veterans Day activities are also a draw during the off-season.

Boothbay's well-built bandstand sits on Boothbay Common being built in 1994 by Wood Visions Inc. The structure was financed by the Boothbay Civic Association, Town of Boothbay, and many fund raisers. The structure is built on a granite foundation and is 8-sided with a ceiling, cupolas and brick veneering and has been built sturdily and will last for years. It is the first structure the town has had during its long history.

Many bands have performed on its stage including the Boothbay Community Band, Clarion Steel Band, the Gardiner Band and the Lincoln Arts Choral Group, to name a few. Also the bandstand has played host to many individual performers, weddings, church events, gatherings, etc. Many of the town's community events which included the mentioning of arts and crafts fairs, auction and holiday celebrations are either on the structure or around it on the Boothbay Common.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY:
Martha Reed. Town Clerk

BRUNSWICK ME

BRUNSWICK ME

The Brunswick Mall

Built - 1986

The town of Brunswick, Maine is located halfway between the cities of Portland and Augusta on the Androscoggin River. The first years of the town's history during colonial days saw the inhabitants of the area living in hardship and poverty-striken conditions but the second half of the 18th century, the area started to develop into a thriving industrial center with saw and cotton mills dotting the shoreline of the river followed by grist and paper mills a hundred years later.

During the Civil War, Brunswick produced two significant figures of the period: Harriet Beecher Stowe, who is said to have begun the great war between the states after her book, "Uncle Tom's Cabin,' was published. Also, Joshua I. Chamberlain was a native son whose extraordinary military career included the acceptance of the Confederate Army's surrender at Appomattox which ended the War Between the States. No other city or town in Maine retains more evidence of that conflict than Brunswick in the buildings on the Bowdoin College campus, the First Parish Church and the Joshua I. Chamberlain Museum.

Not only is the town very proud of its illustrious history, but is also proud of its unique bandstand built on what's called the Brunswick Mall which is a long expanse of greenery near the center of town. This bandstand was built in the mid-80s on a black granite base imported from Vermont with 8 solid beams supporting its triangular roof. In the center of the floor is a large round dedication plaque.

The bandstand stood on the northern side of "The Mall' until moved to its now opposite end where there is a larger expanse of grass capable of holding more people during summer concerts and other events and is now more of a focal point on the common area. It is believed that Brunswick's bandstand is the third one that the town has had.

Not only does the structure play host to Wednesday evening summer concerts, but also is used during Veteran's Day exercises sometimes holding some of Maine's political figures - once the then Governor King. Other events in the past have included the R. B. Hall Band Day in the 1980s and the town's celebration of its 250th anniversary. It is also the summer home of the famous Brunswick Band which was originally formed in 1844 and still going strong.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
Jarrod Diels-Roll, Curator
Pejepscot Historical Society - Brunswick

CALAIS ME

CALAIS ME

Memorial Park

Built - c. 1900

Calais is located on the St. Croix River just across from St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada nestled in an area of many small villages and towns scattered on many lakes and features some of the most unspoiled scenerey in Maine.

Each year, Calais and St. Stephen join together to celebrate the friendship between our two countries and communities with a week-long international festival which is held every August. Activities abound on either side of the border.

After over 100 years of service, the grand Calais bandstand in Memorial Park still hosts countless concerts during the summer months and plays a big part in the two countries' festivities. The structure is one of the largest in the state of Maine which was actually built this size out of necessity since the city hosted international bands with representatives from St. Stephen and Milltown, New Brunswick as well as several from Calais. The city was so in love with music in those early days during the turn-of-the-century, that it once boasted having 8 bands with some numbering from 30-40 musicians.

The bandstand has been renovated several times over the years and was even resurrected after a fire. The city still holds their prized bandstand in high esteem after these many decades.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:

"Lest We Forget" - Barbara Merrill Fox, author

CAMDEN ME

CAMDEN ME

Camden Library Grounds

Information is currently unavailable on Camden ME bandstand

CAPE ELIZABETH ME

CAPE ELIZABETH ME

Fort Williams Bandstand

Fort Williams Park

Built - 1937

The promontory of Cape Elizabeth remained unnamed for 75 years after initially being chartered by the French explorer Samuel de Champlain. Not until John Smith arrived was the area named in honor of Princess Elizabeth, the sister of King Charles 1 of England. From that point on, the very beautiful area on the coastline of Maine began to thrive with settlers who established a fishing and trading post. These early citizens of the town, however, encountered many problems with immigrants to the area, the local Native Americans, and occasional pirates in the local waters. For many years the area maintained its status quo until, after 250 years, many of its citizens started commuting to nearby Portland for their livelihood and the town then had only a few farms and little, if any, fishing boats.

The town of Cape Elizabeth is the birthplace of the legendary movie director John Ford and also the home of Joan Benoit Samuelson who was the first winner of the women's Olympic marathan. Fort Williams also houses the most photographed lighthouse in the world - the Portland Head Light along with the town's bandstand.

For Williams is a 14-acre parcel of land in town which once housed a fortification and sub-post called Fort Preble located at Spring Point within Fort Williams, which was built in 1872 and used as a harbor defense post initially. Years later, the fort was renamed Fort Williams and used as a logistical nad administrative support installation for Maine's military and personnel units during the war and was finally closed in 1962 then falling into building shells as they are today.

The fort and area is now known as Fort Williams Park which plays host to many picnics, concerts and other special events by the town which has been enjoyed by countless thousands over the years since opened up to the public.

Fort Williams Bandstand was built in 1965 and is the third one the town has had. It has replaced the original bandstand built in 1909 and is located near the high point of Portland Head Light and is weighted down with four large concrete slabs and protection from the nasty weather and high winds that often comes off the water during the winter months.

As a part of the Fort's original plan, the bands members of years during the early 20th century were housed in their own barracks on the fort with the group's popularity in those days bringing about the construction of a second bandstand in the northeast part of the park in 1911. Concerts by these Coast Artillery Bands were very well-attended events.

In 1937 at the height of the Great Depression, Fort Williams served as an induction center for the Civilian Conservation Corps who were given federal funds and built a third bandstand, a simple, round concrete-walled paltform that still exists in the park.

The present bandstand was used by Governor John H. Reed in 1965 who spoke from the stage and honored Cape Elizabeth on their Bicentennial. Since the bandstand was used quite often during the summer months, and still is on those occasional concerts, it was reconstructed with roof improvements in 1979 at a cost of $25,000.

CHERRYFIELD ME

CHERRYFIELD ME

Information is currently unavailable on Cherryfield ME bandstand

CORINNA ME

CORINNA ME

Information is currently unavailable on Corinna ME bandstand

CORINTH ME

CORINTH ME

East Corinth Cemetary

Built - c, 1900

Since bandstands had become such a focal point during Memorial Day from 1868 and onward, many were built in cemetaries where solemn dedications were made from the structure, Rolls of Honors were read from the structures and graves decorated and in Maine especially, such shelters became the focus of raising the flag, playing taps and saying prayers. Children would also put lilacs in canning jars and proudly visit ancestors that they had heard about since they were young. Afterwards, the day continued with picnic lunches and band concerts. Thus cemetaries did not conjure up thoughts of frightening images but in those early days, were considered to be friendly places where relatives would meet to honor their dead and enjoy the normally scenic surroundings.

The bandstand in East Corinth Cemetary served that same purpose being built right at around the turn-of-the-century and used for many years but now is just a boarded up relic of the past. There had been a previous "Summer House" in that cemetary built in c.1870 until it was believed to have possibly been burned in the town's fire in 1889.

CORINTH ME

CORINTH ME

Information is currently unavailable on Corinth ME bandstand

DEXTER ME

DEXTER ME

Information is currently unavailable on Dexter ME bandstand

DIXFIELD ME

DIXFIELD ME

The G. Dana Holt Gazebo

Dixfield Village Green

Built - 1998

Dixfield was originally named Holmantown after its founding father, Jonathan Holman on June 21, 1803. Years later the name was changed to Dixfield after the town's prominent physician who promised to build the first library if the town was named after him, of which it became so. However, the Doctor reneged on his promise and moved out of town only later just mailing the citizens a few dusty boxes of medical books, and in German yet, for the library he never built. The town's name was kept though and the library was built later in 1935 from funds received from Verdurina Ludden, a wealthy benefactor.

Dixfield's relatively new bandstand, built in 1998 and dedicated a year later, was the project of many volunteers building the 18-foot octagonal Classic designed structure that was purchased as a kit and placed on a pre-constructed cement pad. The town decided to finance this bandstand by a cookbook project that raised most of the money with the balance received through donations. The structure was built since the town needed a special place in which to hold various events since other bandstands the town had that were built at the turn-of-the-century, had long been torn down.

The well-constructed and electrically hooked up "gazebo' has been since used extensively during summer concerts and lit up during Christmas time. Its special dedication was held on June 22, 1999 and dedicated in G. Dana Holt's name who was a famous band leader and musician from Dixfield in the early 1900s. Aubrey Kilbreth, one of the original band members, cut the ribbon with balloons then released with "Good Will" messages inside them.

Some importatnt events, other than the dedication ceremonies, have been the Bicentennial Birthday Party for the town on June 21, 2003, the Open Air Market Day celebrations and many concerts and a number of weddings on and near the structure.

The G. Dana Holt Gazebo is located on the Dixfield Village Green and is surrounded by brick walks. An American Liberty Elm was planted near the structure by Charlotte Collins who won it from Elm Institute of New Hampshire. At the beginning of the Green stands the statue of "Bullrock," Dixfield's moose which was erected in memory of a moose of local legend who had wandered into twn from the backside of Dixfield's Sugarloaf Mountain. As this moose approached a rock formation, now known as Bull Rock, he became so enamored with the beauty of the valley below, that he lost his footing and fell over the edge.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
Charlotte M. Collins, Secretary/Deputy Treasurer

DOVER-FOXCROFT ME

DOVER-FOXCROFT ME

Kiwanis Park

Built - 1989

Dover-Foxcroft is the "shire" town or county seat of the Piscataquis County located in the middle of the state of Maine. It is also the county's largest town. It was originally two separate towns that were consisted of Dover & Foxcroft that were separated by the Piscatquis River but in 1922 the two merged into a single town.

Construction of the town's cantilevered designed bandstand was started on May 9th of 1989 by the Charleston Correctional Facility Building and Trades students which involved the teacher, Thomas Sands, and 6 unskilled students that learned a modified timber framing technique. These 6 studentw were raw recruits and a lot of instruction time was put into the project. Each one learned not only construction techniques but also safe work habits and tool use. The sense of pride upon completion, and their dedication in such an accomplishment, showed that it was a self-esteem builder for all.

At that time, a playground was being built so the town decided to erect this bandstand to bring people to Kiwanis Park. In 1989 there was also a State wide initiative caled "Maine Street 90" which involved the beautifying of Maine towns.

The funding of the bandstand came from Kiwanis fund raisers such as auctions and other events put on by members. At that time, it was decided the structure's design allow for an open floor space to accommodate a band or other performances without any obstruction. The only problems in the phases of operations were the heavy green hemlock 8x8s. They were a challenge to put into place because of their weight and size all done by hand.

INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY:

Thomas Sands - Industry Mgr for CCF

Sheila Bragg - Deputy Town Clerk