Whitehall
Bandstand
In 1915, the Chautauqua Committee, composed of six local women, applied $300 of the $700 needed towards the construction of the bandstand in Whitehall. It is described in the April 1, 1915, Whitehall Times newspaper article.
8/16/2005; a plaque located at the base of the bandstand.
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Photos and article from the Whitehall Times, 4/1/1915
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In 1955, the pagoda roof was so deteriorated that it was removed and replaced with a flat roof. In the 1980s, roof was replaced once more.
Whitehall Times, 6/9/1955
The Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce spearheaded another renovation of the bandstand. In 2018, plans were made and presented to the City to restore the it to its original 1915 style including the pagoda roof. In December 2021, native Dave Wood and his wife Ruth Wood donated $40,000 for the renovation. Dave’s Great Uncle, A. E. Wood, was the contractor who built the original bandstand.
The Chamber thought this gift was sufficient, but unfortunately costs had increased substantially to $61,000 from the original 2018 cost estimate of $40,000. It solicited contributions from its members and in July 2022 a $5,000 gift was received from First National Bank & Trust along with other smaller gifts. Other members expressed interest in making donations and a grant was applied for by the Chamber which is also requesting community donations to complete the renovation.
Renovation began in the fall of 2022. The architect is Vince LaBarbera, AIA, Groth Groth Design Group, Milwaukee.
Trempealeau County Times, 7/27/2022
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Trempealeau County Times, 7/27/2022
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2022 drawing of bandstand by architect Vince LaBarbera, AIA, Growth Groth Design Group, Milwaukee
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2018 drawing by architect Vince LaBarbera, AIA, Growth Groth Design Group, Milwaukee
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Currently the centrally located bandstand is the site of some community events.
In 2015, there was a 100 year celebration and after that, more events were encouraged to be held there.
A Burgers & Brats fundraiser is held at the site by the Lions Club on Fridays during the summer.
The 1914 depot is located directly across from the bandstand and was historically restored a few years ago.
In 2015, there was a 100 year celebration and after that, more events were encouraged to be held there.
A Burgers & Brats fundraiser is held at the site by the Lions Club on Fridays during the summer.
The 1914 depot is located directly across from the bandstand and was historically restored a few years ago.
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