Sarge Boyd Bandshell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Owen Park Bandshell
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The Sarge Boyd Bandshell in Owen Park.
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | Owen Park 501 First Avenue Eau Claire, Wisconsin |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1938 |
| Architect | Alexander Garnock |
| Architectural style | Art Deco |
| NRHP reference No. | 03000896 |
| Added to NRHP | September 02, 2003 |
The Sarge Boyd Bandshell is a famous outdoor stage in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. It is a special place for the city's oldest community music group and has been a center for fun and culture in the Chippewa Valley for many years.
The bandshell was designed by the city's engineer, Alexander Garnock. It was built specifically for the Eau Claire Municipal Band to perform in. While most people know it as the Donald I. "Sarge" Boyd Bandshell, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 with the name Owen Park Bandshell. This means it is recognized as a historically important site in the United States.
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History of the Bandshell
The bandshell has a rich history as a gathering place for the community. It was built during a tough time in American history and was named after a beloved local musician.
A Project for the People
Construction on the bandshell finished in 1938. It was a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA was a government program during the Great Depression that gave people jobs. These jobs involved building public places like parks, roads, and buildings.
The bandshell cost $10,000 to build, which was a lot of money back then. It took a team of workers 111 months of labor to complete the project.
The Heart of Owen Park
The bandshell is often called the "centerpiece" of Owen Park. For many years, the Eau Claire Municipal Band has held free weekly concerts there during the summer. These concerts are a popular tradition for families in the area.
But it's not just for band concerts! The bandshell is also used for many other events, including:
- Weddings
- Church services
- Speeches and plays
- Outdoor movies
- Festivals and fairs
Since 2009, the Chippewa Valley Blues Society has held a Tuesday Night Blues concert series at the bandshell every summer. The 2020 season was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the music has since returned.
Who Was "Sarge" Boyd?
In 1992, the bandshell was officially dedicated to Donald I. "Sarge" Boyd. "Sarge" Boyd was a very talented and well-known band leader in Eau Claire.
He led musical groups in the city for 50 years. He had a big influence on the many musicians who played for him. Naming the bandshell after him was a way to honor his amazing contributions to the city's music scene.
