Historical investigator lauds Brandon Park bandshell rehabilitation plans
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The Brandon Park bandshell in Williamsport is about to undergo renovations and accessibility additions and a city historical investigator is glad to see such preservation happening.
Bruce Huffman told the City Council that perhaps no other building was as deserving of such preservation and rehabilitation.
The bandshell is where the city has long held many special events and concerts, and it provides a stage for Festival of Lights in winter and Arbor Day in spring.
It is the only structure in the city whose idea and original purpose was conceived by a Williamsport pastor, the Rev. William C. Rittenhouse, a senior pastor of St. John's Reformed Church, who proposed to erect a building from which suitable religious services and secular services may be held, Huffman's research indicated.
Construction of the project concluded in November 1913. However, it was not dedicated until June of 1914 at a special ceremony.
The ceremony yielded the presence of a crowd estimated at over 8,000 people.
Originally, construction costs for the bandshell came from hundreds of contributions from citizens, organizations and businesses.
These contributions were the result of "urging" by the Gazette and Bulletin, the city newspaper in that era.
The bandshell design was done by a Williamsport architect.
In the 1940s, a Community Sing was started during the war years.
During the first show, August 1940, nearly 8,000 residents sang together.
In the 1980s, the bandshell was the site of many musical concerts, including trumpeter Chuck Mangione, among others.
Former Mayor Gabriel J. Campana also re-energized the Community Sing but the bandshell was wearing out and in need of repair.
More recently, the stage and structure was considered hazardous as mold and mildew damage were seen.
Former city engineer Jon Sander oversaw efforts to get the design and construction bids before council for the upcoming renovation. First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania has been a partner in the effort, Sander said.
Mayor Derek Slaughter and his administration, with assurance from council toward cost for design and construction, has placed the parks and recreation upgrades and improvements at the top of his priority list.
He has expressed wanting to ensure the bandshell -- named after the late surgeon, arborist, horticulture lover and park caretaker, Dr. Kenneth Cooper -- will retain its original purpose and provide enjoyment for the residents and guests for years to come.
Nearly 110 years after the dedication, the bandshell, hopefully, will be available for the benefit and enjoyment of many people, Huffman remarked to council, also appreciative of the mayor, administration and council and others for their efforts in the upcoming restoration effort.
It is a "true and enduring community treasure," he said.