Band Shell
Organized music dates back over a century in Mt. Morris. In fact as early as 1845, just six years after the Village was formed records show the formal organization of a brass band. Mt. Morris received much acclaim for its band. Many Mt. Morris musicians went on to become nationally known musicians, composers and bandleaders. People flocked from all over Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin at the turn of the 20th century to the famous concerts held in Mt. Morris on Saturday nights. News reports talk of buggies lining every street within walking distance of the campus.
Well such a renowned band needed a place to play. The Village erected an octagon shaped bandstand at the corner of Wesley Ave and Center St. That bandstand was then moved North down Wesley to the intersection of Wesley and Front. In 1917 the band could no longer all fit into the small bandstand. Herlock Longman a Village resident solicited funds for a new bandstand. He succeeded in raising the $500 dollars necessary to build a new and larger bandstand.
The second bandstand had a short existence as a bandstand. The bands popularity caused it to out grow its second home in just 5 years. So in 1922 the present band shell was built. Band shell I say, why did it become a band shell instead of a bandstand. Well the third home for the band was actually built with the rear wall of the stage area in a “clam shell” shape. This was prior to outdoor amplifiers and modern electronics. The clam shape naturally reverberated the sound out towards the crowd. Thus the clam shape came the name band “shell” The band shell cost a whopping $3,000 when built. This was a sizeable amount of money in the day but shows the commitment the community had to the band. The new shell was 45 feet in length, 20 feet deep and 26 feet high. The construction was performed by Frank McPherson and was superintended by Herlock Longman and Willis Mumma. The band shell has received minor alterations over its almost century of existence. Adding a block and concrete area out in front of the original stage allowed more seating. The rear wall was reshaped and the ceiling angle changed slightly and of course electric lights and sound were added. Yet overall the band shell remains basically the same today as when it was erected. The band shell is still the center of activity for the small Village of Mt. Morris. Several concerts and special activities are held there each year. Every Wednesday evening in the summer months the campus comes to life with the sounds of the Kable Concert Band. So bring your lawn chairs and a couple dollars for the ice cream social and enjoy our little piece of heaven in Northern Illinois.
Notice I never told you what happened to the second bandstand. Are you a true Mt. Morris historian? It’s still in use; it’s changed rolls but still is a part of our community. Do you know where it is today?
The Kable Band will be playing here for their 107th year.
The band plays every Wednesday night at 8pm throughout the summer months.