Category:West Park (Allentown, Pennsylvania)

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The land was purchased by the City of Allentown in the 1880s with intentions of creating a reservoir. Unused until March 1906 when the city began to move on the creation of the park by acquiring additional acreage. General Harry C. Trexler, a local businessman and philanthropist contributed money to build the park. This included a community bandshell, now home of the Allentown Band as well as local theater and religious groups that perform throughout the summer. More of a town square, this was Allentown's first park and today provides a breath of fresh air in the center of the West Park Historic District. The park includes ornamental trees and walks, and a large central fountain

West Park Fountain

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The fountain in West Park was designed in 1908 by Allentown water department engineer Donald Litchy. The origional fountain featured a recirculating water system to eliminate waste. Four jets shot the water from a lower basin into an elevated bowl.

By 1968, the fountain had begun to show excessive wear and was replaced by a newer version which was more water-efficient. The fountain was replaced by a single large bowl, which was mounted on top of a center pillar. The jets in the lower fountain pond sprayed the water high into the air, landing in the bowl, and then draining back into the pond for reuse. In addition, the walls and center section of the fountain were veneered with brick and given a new concrete poured floor.

The newer fountain did not wear well, and it was again removed and replaced in 1980 by a replica of the original 1908 fountain, although retaining the water-efficiency of the 1968 fountain.

In 2015, the fountain was again repaired and partially replaced with new components.

West Park Bandshell

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The Bandshell in West Park is located in the western portion of the park and faces east. It is the summer home of several local bands.

It was designed by noted Philadelphia architect Horace Trumbauer (who had also designed the bandshell at Willow Grove Park), who designed expansive homes for wealthy clients in Philadelphia. The cost of the bandshell was $3,500

and was dedicated on September 17, 1908 at the opening of West Park. The Allentown Band performed at the dedication ceremony, playing Rossini's overture to Semiramide to an audience of about 3,000 people. Other selections included music from Victor Hubert and Franz Lehar.

The bandshell was named the Goldman Bandshell in 1957 in honor of Edwin Franko Goldman, noted band composer and founder of the Goldman Band. The band gave free concerts at Allentown's Central Park from the 1920s to the 1940s. In 1927 he was named the first guest conductor of the Allentown Band and conducted the band of Allentown High School in the 1950s.

The Allentown Band continues to perform here, drawing about 2500 people on average to some 40+ concerts a year. The Pioneer Band and Marine Band often give concerts here as well.

Media in category "West Park (Allentown, Pennsylvania)"

The following 76 files are in this category, out of 76 total.

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