Westerly in Washington County, Rhode Island — The American Northeast (New England)
Bandstand
Historic Wilcox Park
— Westerly, Rhode Island —
The Bandstand
The Wilcox Park Bandstand was commissioned by the Memorial and Library Association as a performance space for the Westerly Band. It was designed and built by R.A. Sherman and Sons in 1902 and restored in 2017. The structure is the only one of its kind, with an octagonal shape and funnel ceiling. The ceiling acts as an acoustical diffuser designed to deliver a balanced sound in all directions.
"The Westerly Band's first concert in Wilcox Park last night was a success. An estimated 2500 to 3000 people assembled on the park grounds or listened from the piazza on Grove Ave. and adjacent streets. Grove Ave. was lined with carriages the whole evening."
(Westerly, Sun, July 24, 1902)
The bandstand is used in a variety of community events including Westerly Band concerts, children's story times, poetry readings and wedding ceremonies as well as other unique events.
Westerly Band
The Westerly Band was established in 1852, and is the nation's oldest active civic band; they played at both the 1902 and 2017 ribbon-cutting.
1902 - Bandstand construction.
2017 - Bandstand restoration.
Erected by Rhode Island Foundation
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is July 24, 1902.
Location. 41° 22.713′ N, 71° 49.722′ W. Marker is in Westerly, Rhode Island, in Washington County. Marker can be reached from Broad Street (U.S. 1) east of High Street, on the right when traveling east. The marker stands on the grounds of Wilcox Park to the north of the bandstand. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 44 Broad Street, Westerly RI 02891, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wilcox Pond (within shouting distance of this marker); Comfort Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Historic Wilcox Park (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Granite Industry (about 400 feet away); South County Public Service Co. Building (about 400 feet away); Samuel Coy House (about 400 feet away); Spanish American War Monument (about 400 feet away); Commercial Block (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Westerly.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 59 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
