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Current view of Estes Park Band Shell Courtesy
of the Iowa Falls Historic Preservation Commission |
The Estes Park Band Shell is an unusual example of Spanish Colonial Revival design.
The designer of the Estes Park Band Shell was L. L. Klippel, a man with family
ties to Iowa Falls, who appears to have spent some time in California. The Spanish
Colonial Revival was popular in California and the southwest in the early years
of the 20th century, and drew inspiration from the Spanish missions located throughout
that region. Hallmarks of the style include the use of stucco for the exterior,
red tile for the roof, round arch fenestration, and wrought iron gates and balconies.
Following World War I it became widely used for hotels, resorts, and grand movie
theaters. There are relatively few examples of the Spanish Colonial Revival style
in Iowa, the majority of which were recreational facilities. Articles first
appeared in the Hardin County Citizen about the need for a band shell in
Estes Park in May 1930. A committee raised $3,622 for construction, and the band
shell was dedicated in the late summer of 1931 by three bands. The business community
recognized the advantages of the new facility and scheduled fashion shows for
September 10, 1931. A children's show took place after school and the regular
adult show in the evening. In 1940 the Republican Party held a gigantic rally
to hear presidential nominee Wendell Wilkie speak at the band shell.
Historic view of Estes Park Band Shell Courtesy
of the Iowa Falls Historic Preservation Commission |
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The Band Shell is a single-story building measuring 18 by 44 feet. It
is located on the south edge of the park, with the stage opening to the north,
toward the center of the park. Typical of the Spanish Colonial Revival style,
the exterior walls are finished in highly textured cream-colored stucco with brown
trim. The red clay tile roof and round arch openings are also regular features
of this style. The north elevation is symmetrical, with the stage flanked by projecting
bell towers. The stage area was designed to hold between 50 and 60 musicians at
one time.The Estes Park Band Shell has continued to be a focal point of community
activities. Band concerts are held on a regular basis, teen dances are sponsored
during the summer, with Big Band dances for the adults. The River Bend Rally over
the 4th of July makes extensive use of the facility for all sorts of entertainment
activities. The Estes Park Band Shell is located in Iowa Falls, in Estes
Park within the central business district, between Main and North Stevens Sts.,
to the west and east respectively, and West Rocksylvania St., to the north. The
Band Shell is accessible 24 hours a day for external viewing only.
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