Derby-Hall Bandstand facts for kids
The Derby-Hall Bandstand is a special spot in Oyster Bay, New York. It's a copy of an old bandstand that used to be right here. Famous people, like President Theodore Roosevelt, stood on the original bandstand to give speeches to the public. The first bandstand was removed in the 1930s. A new one, looking just like the old one, was built in 1981. This location is also part of the Oyster Bay History Walk, an audio tour that tells you about the area's past.
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History of the Derby-Hall Bandstand
The first Derby-Hall Bandstand was a popular place for public speeches. President Theodore Roosevelt often used it to talk to people. After the original structure was taken down in the 1930s, people wanted to bring back a similar gathering spot. So, in 1981, a new bandstand was built. It became a fresh platform for speakers and a central meeting place in the village.
Why the Bandstand Was Built
The new bandstand was first planned to honor Ethel Roosevelt Derby. She was President Theodore Roosevelt's daughter. Her godson, Leonard Wood Hall, helped organize the project. Leonard Wood Hall was from Oyster Bay. He was a New York Congressman and also led the Republican National Committee in the 1950s. Sadly, he passed away before the bandstand was finished. Because of this, the bandstand was dedicated to both Ethel Roosevelt Derby and Leonard Wood Hall.
Buildings Around the Bandstand
From the bandstand, you can see two buildings that look quite similar. These are the Town Hall and the U.S. Post Office. Some older residents remember when the Town Hall East building was once the Lyric Theatre. Many generations of Oyster Bay residents enjoyed watching movies there.
Cannons at the Bandstand
Three old cannons stand around the bandstand. Each cannon has an interesting story from history.
The USS Maine Cannon
One cannon faces the Town Hall. Its base has a special metal tablet. This tablet was made from metal found in the wreckage of the USS Maine. The USS Maine was a ship that sank in Havana Harbor on February 15, 1898. Many sailors lost their lives when the ship exploded. While most historians now believe the explosion was an accident, it caused a lot of tension. This tension helped lead to America's decision to start the Spanish–American War in 1898.
The cannon itself is a Civil War-era Dahlgren gun. It was named after its inventor, Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren. This type of gun has a unique "soda bottle" shape. It was made in many sizes and became a standard weapon on Union Naval ships after 1856.
The USS R.R. Cuyler Cannon
Another cannon is located at the bottom of the bandstand's stairs. This is a Civil War "trophy gun" from around 1861. It came from the USS R.R. Cuyler. The R.R. Cuyler was a large wooden steamship. The Union Navy used it to help block the coast of Florida during the Civil War. This cannon is a 30-pound Parrott gun and weighs about 3,510 pounds (1,592 kg). The Navy gave this cannon to Oyster Bay. President Theodore Roosevelt himself unveiled it in 1903.
