Historical June 1981 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Summer. Sunday afternoon, late 1950’s.
A group of musicians have canoed over to The Bandstand in front of Muny Opera and are playing a concert for the weekend parkgoers.
The physical charm of this structure on an island in the middle of Pagoda lake, a small pond meant to set off The Bandstand, makes for an eyepleaser. Its 32 foot copper dome dominates the view. Bronze lampposts and guardrails border the edges of the limestone structure.
A pressed plaster ceiling and a mosaic floor are the finishing touches of the interior.
In the evening, spotlights show off the designs, the materials and the musicians.
Since the 1960’s The Bandstand has been the victim of vandalism and economics. Maintenance funds have been scarce and The Bandstand began deteriorating at a rapid rate. Today it is in danger of collapsing altogether, or at least being in a state beyond repair.
No concerts have played there in nearly 20 years.
Various people have begun to investigate the possibilities of restoring the structure and again scheduling concerts in the park.
Everyone now involved believes the task is feasible and reasonable, especially if St. Louis and St. Louis county organizations and individuals participate in even a small way.
The present estimate is that structural and aesthetic renovation could be completed with $100,000, but that courtesy participation by some construction firms could cut that figure in half or even in fourth.
The Muny, according to spokeswoman Barbara Mahon, will design the lighting for The Bandstand and also pay for the materials and installation involved, when the money for structural renovation has been raised.” Suzie Yoder and Mary Bartley have volunteered to coordinate or provide assistance to any group planning fundraisers for The Bandstand project.
They can be reached by calling the Central West End Association between 1 and 4 p.m.
On a summer Sunday afternoon in 1981 a group of musicians could canoe over to The Bandstand in front of the Muny and play a concert for the weekend parkgoers.
Live music would be heard for a good distance.
Originally published in The Paper, June 1981.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1981_06.pdf, printed page(s) 8; PDF page(s) 8.
