Tomah
Gillett Park Bandstand
Gillett Park is the home of a bandstand which was built in 1890s. The park is named after Tomah's founder Robert E. Gillett, who donated the land to the city. Mr. A. L. Butts, then head of the Park Commission, worked tirelessly to landscape the park with its archway, fountain, and bandstand.
It appears that the current bandstand was built after the old one was demolished. A new one was donated to the City of Tomah on July 1, 1983.
It appears that the current bandstand was built after the old one was demolished. A new one was donated to the City of Tomah on July 1, 1983.
"Americana Music in the Park" Concerts are held bi-weekly on Wednesday evenings during the summer months..
"Americana Music in the Park" Concerts are held bi-weekly on Wednesday evenings during the summer months..
FROM A POST CARD: Top left - The "Maiden of the Mist" fountain to the left erected 1902 with the original bandstand at the center; top right - the Post Office, 1928-1955; lower left - Railroad Depot, 1889; lower right - The fountain on Superior Ave. and Monroe St donated by the Women's Civic Improvement Club
OTHER PARK FEATURES
The Little Red Schoolhouse museum, adjacent to the bandstand, was originally known as the Watermill School and was built in 1864. It was the first school in the area to supply free textbooks, starting in 1912. The school closed in 1965. It was located elsewhere but moved to the park. A Little Free Library is located in front of it.
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SESPUICNTENNIAL VAULT located at the base of the bell
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Frieze located at the base of the bell reads:
MEMORIAM; USS MAINE, DESTROYED IN THE HAVANA HARBOR, FEBRUARY 15TH, 1898; THIS TABLET IS CAST FROM METAL RECOVERED FROM THE USS MAINE
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