New Band Stand in Square-September 1937

BAND STAND

Posted By: Pat Ryan White (email)
Date: 9/26/2013 at 19:11:29

FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT NEW BAND STAND IN SQUARE

“Fools and children should never see unfinished work,” is an ancient Chinese proverb.

It may well be applied to the new municipal band stand now nearing completion at the southwest corner of the square.

The fine structure is dedicated to the memory of the Pioneers. On a stone surface on the northeast corner of the structure, is chiseled this sentiment:

Erected In Memory
Of the
Pioneers, whose faith and vision established this community
1835 – 1937

The following are some facts regarding the structure. The band stand, at the ground level, is twenty four feet square, and built on a solid foundation of reinforced concrete.

It will, when completed, stand thirty four feet above the ground level. In its construction the tower tapers from the ground dimension of 24 x 24 feet by recessing to a top dimension of about seven feet square.

About twenty-five feet from the ground level will be installed a town clock operated by electricity, and with four faces, two feet in diameter. These clock faces will be illuminated beautifully with circular neon electric lights, rimming the faces.

Just below each clock face is an opening in the stone work, for an amplifier. These amplifiers are connected with three microphones on the band stand floor and will be adapted for band concerts, pubic speaking, radio and transcribed records. Indeed there is no limit to the public possibilities of the band stand sound equipment.

Later a smaller clock will be installed with a striking attachment which by amplification will sound the passing of the hours over a large section on the town.

The clock is here ready for installation. Indeed everything is here aside from the smaller clock and striking mechanism.

The structure is built of Bedford lime stone, most of which came out of the Seeley Memorial High school. Suitable walks will surround the band stand, and foundation plantings put in during the spring.

The band stand will be maintained by the city as a public institution where freedom of speech will be preserved. Any person or organization can use the facilities of the band stand by making arrangements with the city authorities. It is built for and will stand as a monument to “Freedom of Speech.”

[“The Daily News”, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Saturday, September 25, 1937]