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Riverside Park Bandshell facts for kids

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Riverside Park Bandshell
Riverside Park Bandshell, Murphysboro.jpg
Riverside Park Bandshell is located in Illinois
Riverside Park Bandshell
Location in Illinois
Riverside Park Bandshell is located in the United States
Riverside Park Bandshell
Location in the United States
Location 22nd and Commercial Sts., Murphysboro, Illinois
Built 1938–39
Architect Rudolph Zerses Gill
NRHP reference No. 12000323
Added to NRHP June 6, 2012

The Riverside Park Bandshell is a special outdoor stage located in Riverside Park in Murphysboro, Illinois. It's a place where people gather to enjoy music and community events. This cool concrete structure was built a long time ago, in 1938-1939.

A Place for Music and Fun

The Riverside Park Bandshell is famous for hosting many fun events. Since it opened, it has been a big part of Murphysboro's yearly 4th of July celebration. The very first concert at the bandshell was on July 4, 1939. An amazing 45,000 people came to watch! Ever since then, the bandshell has hosted the opening concert for these celebrations every year.

Music Festivals and Community Events

Besides the 4th of July, the bandshell also hosts annual music festivals. These festivals celebrate different types of music, like jazz, blues, and bluegrass. It's also a stage for many other community events that happen in the park.

Building the Bandshell

The bandshell was built by two groups working together. One was the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which was a United States government program that helped people find jobs during the Great Depression. The other was the Murphysboro Park District. They worked together to create this important community space.

The Park's History

Riverside Park itself opened even earlier, in 1907. It was first known as Buster Brown Park. This is because it was originally owned by the Brown Shoe Company. The park started hosting Murphysboro's 4th of July celebration in 1927. The bandshell became a key part of these celebrations once it was finished.

Who Designed It?

The person who designed the Riverside Park Bandshell was an architect named Rudolph Zerses Gill. He created the plans for this unique outdoor stage.

A Historic Landmark

The Riverside Park Bandshell is considered a very important building. On June 6, 2012, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a special place with historical value.

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