Owen Park Bandshell
Sarge Boyd Bandshell is located in Wisconsin
Sarge Boyd Bandshell
Sarge Boyd Bandshell is located in the United States
Sarge Boyd Bandshell
LocationOwen Park
501 First Avenue
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Coordinates44°48′19″N 91°29′58″W / 44.80528°N 91.49944°W / 44.80528; -91.49944
Arealess than one acre
Built1938
ArchitectAlexander Garnock
Architectural styleArt Deco
NRHP reference No.03000896[1]
Added to NRHPSeptember 02, 2003

The Sarge Boyd Bandshell of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States, as home to the city's oldest community musical organization, has played a significant role in the cultural development of the entire Chippewa Valley. The structure was designed by city engineer Alexander Garnock for the purpose of showcasing the Eau Claire Municipal Band. Although its official name is the Donald I. "Sarge" Boyd Bandshell, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003 as the Owen Park Bandshell.

History

Built in 1938, it was a project of the Works Progress Administration costing $10,000 and taking 111 man months to complete.

In addition to the Municipal Band concerts, the historic bandshell, which has often been described as the "centerpiece" of Owen Park, has been used for weddings, church services, speeches, plays, movies, festivals, fairs, and other types of public gatherings. Since 2009 the Chippewa Valley Blues Society has hosted the Tuesday Night Blues concert series at the bandshell from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 1992 it was dedicated to master showman Donald I. "Sarge" Boyd whose half century of musical contributions to the city have had a profound impact on virtually everyone who worked under his direction.[2]

The Municipal Band's free weekly concerts at the Sarge Boyd Bandshell in Owen Park have been a major summertime attraction for many years.

Notes

  1. ↑ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. ↑ Tim Stein (August 6, 1992), "Bandshell to be Dedicated to `Sarge' Boyd," Eau Claire Leader-Telegram, Page 24
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