Kohler
The Nature Theater, at "The Bowl", Ravine Park
Ravine Park, covering 18 acres, was Kohler Village's first Park and was established in 1919. The north end of the Park's natural hillsides formed an amphitheater and was called by residents "The Bowl" or Nature Theater. Not only was there the stage, but a large paved area was created in front of the stage. A creek that ran through it was diverted to a culvert underneath the structure.
According to KOHLER VILLAGE remembers, 1912 - 2012, a publication written by the Centennial Book Committee, the Park was dedicated in October of 1919 with a concert by John Phillip Sousa (know as the "American March King") and his famous band to an audience of 8,000 to 10,000. Mr. Sousa returned in July 1925 in his final performance tour - more than 17,000 attended and afternoon concert and another 15,000 an evening one. At the end of both concerts, Mr. Sousa invited the Kohler Band to join his 75-piece band to play "The Stars and Stripes Forever".
From The American Club History:
The spirit of American patriotism was a constant at The American Club® . In addition to the celebrations for new citizens, there were other occasional joyful outbursts. Walter Kohler brought John Phillip Sousa to the Village of Kohler for rousing performances in 1919 and 1925. Sousa’s special train pulled up at Kohler Co.’s freight siding, while streetcars hurried back and forth from Sheboygan bringing people from all over the area. Ultimately, 10,000 people came to the 1919 concert. But the concert that never made the headlines was held on The American Club lawn at noon. John Phillip Sousa, in a magnificent gesture, came over to lead the Kohler band during one of its noontime concerts for employees.
In 1927, the bandstand was renovated and a canvas top was added which could be decorated. At some time prior to 1957, the top was changed into a permanent roof, but no information is available as to the exact time.
According to KOHLER VILLAGE remembers, 1912 - 2012, a publication written by the Centennial Book Committee, the Park was dedicated in October of 1919 with a concert by John Phillip Sousa (know as the "American March King") and his famous band to an audience of 8,000 to 10,000. Mr. Sousa returned in July 1925 in his final performance tour - more than 17,000 attended and afternoon concert and another 15,000 an evening one. At the end of both concerts, Mr. Sousa invited the Kohler Band to join his 75-piece band to play "The Stars and Stripes Forever".
From The American Club History:
The spirit of American patriotism was a constant at The American Club® . In addition to the celebrations for new citizens, there were other occasional joyful outbursts. Walter Kohler brought John Phillip Sousa to the Village of Kohler for rousing performances in 1919 and 1925. Sousa’s special train pulled up at Kohler Co.’s freight siding, while streetcars hurried back and forth from Sheboygan bringing people from all over the area. Ultimately, 10,000 people came to the 1919 concert. But the concert that never made the headlines was held on The American Club lawn at noon. John Phillip Sousa, in a magnificent gesture, came over to lead the Kohler band during one of its noontime concerts for employees.
In 1927, the bandstand was renovated and a canvas top was added which could be decorated. At some time prior to 1957, the top was changed into a permanent roof, but no information is available as to the exact time.
|
In 1999, at its annual 4th of July Sousa concert, the American Society of Landscape Architects awarded the Park with the Centennial Medallion, recognizing Ravine Park as a National Landmark for Outstanding Landscape Architecture. The Park was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, sons of Frederick Law Olmsted. The award is posted on one of the columns of the bandstand. |
The Bandstand hosts an annual 4th of July Sousa concert
with the Kiel Community Band playing..
with the Kiel Community Band playing..
Since 1927, it also was traditionally used for Scroll Night, an annual event in which Kohler High School seniors, led by the high school band to the Park, cross the bandstand, and "sign" a scroll (ledger).
Other events over time also included an annual Maypole dance and weekly ice cream socials (along with grilled brats and hamburgers available) with the Kohler band playing concerts. Occasionally there was a movie played after the concert. It was reported in KOHLER VILLAGE remembers 1919-2012, that in 1939 (pre-TV and no movie theater in the Village), "Night of the Zombies" was played. It received highly negative ratings - one woman fainted, children cried, and many walked out! Other more family friendly movies, such as those featuring Shirley Temple, also were shown.
Other events over time also included an annual Maypole dance and weekly ice cream socials (along with grilled brats and hamburgers available) with the Kohler band playing concerts. Occasionally there was a movie played after the concert. It was reported in KOHLER VILLAGE remembers 1919-2012, that in 1939 (pre-TV and no movie theater in the Village), "Night of the Zombies" was played. It received highly negative ratings - one woman fainted, children cried, and many walked out! Other more family friendly movies, such as those featuring Shirley Temple, also were shown.
Location |