Seymour
Nagel Park Gazebo/Bandstand
7/26/2017
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 7/26/2017
The Gazebo/bandstand is located in Nagel Park which also houses the History Museum, Railroad Museum, a Veteran's Memorial, and the famous Hamburger Charlie Statue. Nagel Park is named in honor of Lee and Pat Nagel who generously donated the land for the Park to the City.
On June 22, 1998, the City of Seymour authorized the construction of the Gazebo on Depot Street. It was to be a community project, fundraising could begin, and it was to be completed in two phases with the foundation first and the building second as funds were collected. A plan designed by Seymour Lumber Company was presented by local historian Rita Gosse - the estimated cost of the material was $14,200, without electricity. Schuh Construction and Leon Samson worked on the plan for excavation of the property and construction of a concrete base with a cost of $7,800. |
 10/29/2011; The photo shows the wall with donor names in the bricks being moved in 2012 to make room for the new history museum; courtesy of Seymour Community Historical Society
According to Bill Collar, President of the Seymour Community Historical Society, a fundraising campaign was launched around 1998 to build the Gazebo. People could purchase commemorative bricks to build a wall that was built in the garden adjacent to the Gazebo. |
9/30/2013; The new Seymour Community Museum; courtesy of Seymour Community Historical Society
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Summer concerts have been held over the years on Wednesday evenings from mid June through late August
with 300 to 400 people usually attending.
with 300 to 400 people usually attending.
From the Seymour History Bulletin, Fall 2015:
Everyone Enjoys Music in the Park
The summer Music in the Park program concluded on Wednesday evening, August 27, with Bernie’s Polka Band and an audience close to 400. The crowd was treated to free hamburgers and fries by volunteers from the Home of the Hamburger, Inc. Rick Kraupa, president of HOTH and his crew prepared the treat. The color guard from Kraft-Krause Post 106, presented the colors. It was another successful summer as over 3,000 people enjoyed the eleven concerts in the park. Members of the historical society extend a sincere “Thank you” to Seymour area merchants who make the music possible. It takes many volunteers to organize and produce the summer long program. A huge thank you for the members of the historical society who contributed their time, popping popcorn, filling coolers, selling concessions, distributing raffle tickets, organizing the programs, and preparing the site for the performances. Special appreciation is extended to host Mike Keyzers and John and Lynn Koenigs who lined up the music. The following merchants helped sponsor the music program and /or provided prizes for the free raffle. Be sure to thank them when you patronize their businesses....(merchants listed).
Everyone Enjoys Music in the Park
The summer Music in the Park program concluded on Wednesday evening, August 27, with Bernie’s Polka Band and an audience close to 400. The crowd was treated to free hamburgers and fries by volunteers from the Home of the Hamburger, Inc. Rick Kraupa, president of HOTH and his crew prepared the treat. The color guard from Kraft-Krause Post 106, presented the colors. It was another successful summer as over 3,000 people enjoyed the eleven concerts in the park. Members of the historical society extend a sincere “Thank you” to Seymour area merchants who make the music possible. It takes many volunteers to organize and produce the summer long program. A huge thank you for the members of the historical society who contributed their time, popping popcorn, filling coolers, selling concessions, distributing raffle tickets, organizing the programs, and preparing the site for the performances. Special appreciation is extended to host Mike Keyzers and John and Lynn Koenigs who lined up the music. The following merchants helped sponsor the music program and /or provided prizes for the free raffle. Be sure to thank them when you patronize their businesses....(merchants listed).
OTHER PARK FEATURES
From the Seymour History Bulletin Special New Museum Edition A quarterly publication of the Seymour Community Historical Society Inc., November 2012:
....The front of the museum is dedicated to Seymour as the Home of the Hamburger. Look around and you will notice a wide variety of hamburger related items and evidence verifying that Seymour is the original Home of the Hamburger. The dominant feature of the burger display is the life-sized statue of Hamburger Charlie. Notice that Charlie’s face lacks color and character. Follow the directions to “Picture Yourself as Hamburger Charlie” and you will see your features on Charlie’s face. The large picture on the wall shows Hamburger Charlie and his crew at the Seymour Fair in 1941. The documents on display prove that Seymour is indeed the original “Home of the Hamburger.” Evidence presented includes several newspaper articles, a poem by a employee of Charlie, an interview with a former worker, and several pictures. Look closely and you will see Hamburger Charlie’s guitar, his spatula, lucky horseshoe, and his butter pot. Hamburger Charlie’s Kids Corner Kids of all ages are fascinated with the homemade spinning top game, talking hamburger, and manual typewriter. Children are encouraged to spin the top, type their name, and pull the Fisher-Price toys. The acrylic painting of “Hamburger Charlie” at the first Seymour Fair was painted by Seymour teenager Brooke Schuh. Her work captures the agricultural spirit of the event. The “Kid’s Corner” is sponsored by the Seymour Lions Club. Service organizations have played important roles in the history of Seymour. During the early years the International Order of Odd Fellows was popular. More recently the Lions Club has been very active with community projects. Additional organizations include the Masonic Lodge, Flying Club, Woman’s Club, Scouts, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, VFW, American Legion, Home of the Hamburger, Firemen, Seymour Community Historical Society, Model Railroad Club, youth, religious and business groups.
An annual Burger Fest is held in August to celebrate Seymour as Home of the Hamburger.
....The front of the museum is dedicated to Seymour as the Home of the Hamburger. Look around and you will notice a wide variety of hamburger related items and evidence verifying that Seymour is the original Home of the Hamburger. The dominant feature of the burger display is the life-sized statue of Hamburger Charlie. Notice that Charlie’s face lacks color and character. Follow the directions to “Picture Yourself as Hamburger Charlie” and you will see your features on Charlie’s face. The large picture on the wall shows Hamburger Charlie and his crew at the Seymour Fair in 1941. The documents on display prove that Seymour is indeed the original “Home of the Hamburger.” Evidence presented includes several newspaper articles, a poem by a employee of Charlie, an interview with a former worker, and several pictures. Look closely and you will see Hamburger Charlie’s guitar, his spatula, lucky horseshoe, and his butter pot. Hamburger Charlie’s Kids Corner Kids of all ages are fascinated with the homemade spinning top game, talking hamburger, and manual typewriter. Children are encouraged to spin the top, type their name, and pull the Fisher-Price toys. The acrylic painting of “Hamburger Charlie” at the first Seymour Fair was painted by Seymour teenager Brooke Schuh. Her work captures the agricultural spirit of the event. The “Kid’s Corner” is sponsored by the Seymour Lions Club. Service organizations have played important roles in the history of Seymour. During the early years the International Order of Odd Fellows was popular. More recently the Lions Club has been very active with community projects. Additional organizations include the Masonic Lodge, Flying Club, Woman’s Club, Scouts, Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, Jaycees, VFW, American Legion, Home of the Hamburger, Firemen, Seymour Community Historical Society, Model Railroad Club, youth, religious and business groups.
An annual Burger Fest is held in August to celebrate Seymour as Home of the Hamburger.
7/26/2017
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7/26/2017; Hamburger Charlie Statue
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7/26/2017
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