BICENTENNIAL
BROAD STREET
LANCASTER, OH 43130
T14N | R18W | S1 | PARK
LANCASTER HISTORIC DISTRICT
LEAVING A LEGACY
Julia and Joe McFarland
The Far-Land Legacy
The Publishing Legacy Company
Monday, July 3, 2023
BIOGRAPHY
LANCASTER – Walking through a town as old as Lancaster it’s hard not to notice history’s surrounding presence, especially walking along the streets of East Main, High, and Broad. Of course, there are more ways to wander throughout the city within the first thirteen squares established by the pioneers. Historical monuments, memorials, museums, and mansions all showcase Lancaster’s deep, rich history as they line the streets and escort the pedestrian to the past. Among the numerous treasures, some parts of more recent history still elude residents as they rest hidden in plain sight and the intricate part of the downtown experience often remains taken for granted. One of those local treasures holds commencement ceremonies, Friday night music, evening cinema, and echo announcements proudly presenting the participants in the parade, for both the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving Day, as they flow through downtown’s East Main and Broad Streets. Once a year the downtown Bicentennial Bandstand invites all its residents to take part in the Christmas tree lighting.
THE BANDSTAND
The octagon shape stands proud upon the heart of the city and welcomes everyone from all directions to share in its rich history. Positioned on the very soil that Colonel Ebenezer Zane first traveled and received for the contribution of charting the way for the early pioneers to Fairfield County, the structure stands confident with its eight fluted columns holding up its 28-foot roof and presents an unobstructed view of Zane’s Park.
In an effort to leave a legacy to Lancaster, the Fairfield County Bicentennial Commission set out on its most ambitious feat to raise funds for a new project to recognize the nation’s 200th year anniversary of being independent. All thirteen townships contributed through various means to generate funds toward this new symbolic structure, as well as many individuals who donated time and money, talent and energy to ensure the community obtained this patriotic symbol. Owner of Lancaster Book and Office Supply, Len Hajost, gained recognition for his overwhelming enthusiasm focused on the completion. The downtown bandstand became a fitting symbol and a memorial placed at Zane Square, where Lancaster and Fairfield County first officially began by the fearless feats of Ebenezer Zane, his son, Jonathan, and son-in-law, John McIntyre.
After the city park board approved the bandstand to be erected in the northeast section of Zane Park, the Diamond Power Specialty Corp. issued its service group, comprised of engineering management personnel, Diamond Unity Club, who volunteered in the development and design, and carried out the responsibilities entailed to execute the major construction project. The committee of specialists consisted of Robert E. Chappell, John C. Singleton, Leroy S. DeMart, Richard E. Sullivan, Jean Raas, John C. Goeller, and William F. Cantieri, which completed the major parts of the drawings inspired by other bandstands positioned around the country. Prior to construction, replicas of bandstands were provided by Jean Raas of Diamond Unity Management Club, Wayne McCandlish of Bremen, and Lynn Kessler, a local artist. Raas demonstrated top talent by erecting an accurate to-scale model of the bandstand which also included intricate, delicate railing. McCandlish designed a model of the future bandstand to replicate the one Perry Como used for his show in Mexico in 1975, using thousands of toothpicks locked and linked together. Kessler captured the essence on canvas with watercolors expressing the feel of the bandstand.
The plans consisted of a 26-foot diameter octagon with an entrance facing East Main Street and the exit to face the north. A cast iron railing to surround the bandstand, which serves as a replica of the Mumaugh Memorial, was supplied by Don and Jean (Griffith) Stuck who donated both the cast iron railing and the installation executed by the Stuck Mold Company. A foundation styled with brick secures eight fluted columns, transported from the Martens Hotel, and support the addition of a cupola replicated to reflect the one on the first Fairfield County Court House. Expectations were set into motion for a time capsule to be inserted into a sealed stainless-steel container and encased within the cornerstone. The contents – 1976 data – planned to be unearthed in fifty years on July 4, 2026, where the contents are expected to be viewed, replaced with current items, and resealed for another fifty years opening again on July 4, 2076. The names of the Fairfield County Bicentennial Commission members, the Diamond Unity Management Club members, contributors of the time, funds, and resources, and city and county officials are among the contents of the capsule encased in the cornerstone of the bandstand.
On Saturday, July 3, 1976, hundreds of residents ventured to downtown Lancaster and joined together at Zane Square in Zane Park with anticipation of the new bandstand commencement ceremony as they prepared for the three-day celebration. The city dedicated the new addition in honor of the 200-year anniversary of the United States by installing the Bicentennial Bandstand and issued a proclamation read by Richard Cox, which presented the bicentennial project to the citizens.
Robert E. Johnston began the ceremonies prior to the start of the parade at 1:30 p.m., just after the sealing of the cornerstone at 1:15 p.m. Local historian, Charles R. Goslin received proper recognition as well as Grace (Baker) Ray, Frances J. (Winter) Utley, and Leonard Hajost, who all served on the bandstand committee from the bicentennial commission. Performances were given of “Hail Columbia” and “Stars and Stripes Forever” by the Fairfield Minstrels, led by Larry Nusser, while Charles Eichelberger led the audience in “God Bless America.” During the ceremony, Mayor Edward C. Rutherford and County Commissioner, Donald Kauffman, received the bandstand on behalf of the Lancaster and Fairfield County citizens and extended their appreciation for the talents, time, resources, and financial aid given by the community and its residents. The Lancaster High School Band Boosters paved the way as the first organization to donate to the fund. Reverend Theodore Partridge commended the community for working together to bestow a historic symbol within the city to recognize the nation as well as led the community in prayer for the dedication.
The ceremony concluded with the patriotic “Pledge of Allegiance” and song “Star Spangled Banner” led by Norma Jean (Hudson) Murphy. Future events included outdoor concerts, choral renditions, pageants, puppet shows, plays, award presentations, and Virginia D. (Tracy) Crow, Jean (Griffith) Stuck, and Homer W. Echard initiated the first official use of the bandstand by judging the parade.
The last weekend in May of 1976 brought the construction crew, Diamond Unity Management Club, where members began work on erecting the bandstand at Zane Park and installed the eight fluted columns. On Friday, June 4, 1976, the 28-foot pre-constructed roof was installed above the fluted columns after it was transported to Zane Park by T. C. Spires Transfer Inc. from Diamond Power Specialty Corp. Robert Chappell confirmed that T. C. Spires supplied the flat-bed truck and crane to transport and set the roof.
The management members constructed the roof in a Diamond Power workshop during the prior weeks leading up to the weekend installation and was performed under the supervision of Gary Starner and Dick Honsberger. John Singleton supervised the eight columns being set in preparation to take the roof. Ric Leichliter, a local blacksmith, constructed the steeple which rests at the top of the bandstand. He also created the lamp post on Wheeling Street beside the Georgian.
Phase II commenced construction on the Bicentennial Bandstand and the landscaping was completed during 1977 through generous donations and volunteer work by members of the Diamond Unity Club. Just in under two years the bandstand has already held numerous activities for the community and remains maintained by the Lancaster Parks and Recreation Department.
Bicentennial Committee member, Len Hajost, advised that the F. H. Brewer Company supplied the granular fill for the construction material, Hammonds Inc. and the Lancaster Book and Office Supply have issued cash donations, and The Kiwanis Club paid for the brick facing. Other individuals have contributed small donations while the “Strike Up the Band” committee coordinated musical performances every Friday and Saturday evening at the future bandstand site at Zane Park, where the committee explained that there has been an overwhelming and enthusiastic response by entertainers to raise funds for the new structure.
By the Christmas of 1976, residents enjoyed the music that filled the atmosphere of the bandstand after Trio TV and Appliance Inc. donated the equipment needed to play favorite Christmas carols and tunes and a memorial to Effie Elizabeth (Courtright) Hummell, Theller Funeral Home made a permanent loan of folding chairs.
Once completed, the bandstand still owed funds to its construction. Ron Keaton, President of the Fairfield Federal Savings and Loan Assn., presented the $1,500 check, on behalf of the bank, to the project which dissolved the debt for the construction and landscaping on Zane Square.
Others who contributed to the project were the Equitable Federal Savings and Loan Assn.; Dannemiller’s True Value Hardware; Slaters, Inc.; Hanings, Inc.; John W. Clark Insurance, Inc.; Rambling Designers; Wymans, Inc.; Marinacci Medical Laboratory, Inc.; Irving Drew Corp.; Fairfield Paint & Oil Inc.; as well as other groups including: Fairfield County Commissioners, Daughters of the Union Veterans, Fairfield County Kiwanis, the Fairfield Garden Club, Lancaster Lions Club, the William Maurice Kane family as a memorial to Mr. Kane, the Maurice Shaver family as a memorial to son, Paul, a local contractor, Max Stebelton, senior citizens who used the bus service offered by Church of Christ in Christian Union donated $30 in personal contributions, and many other individuals and their families. A matching grant was also put in place given to the Fairfield County Bicentennial Commission to handle costs of construction by the Ohio American Revolution Bicentennial Advisory Commission.
The Bicentennial Times of the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration of Washington stated in its recognition of the newly constructed bandstand of Zane Park that “Typical of the community spirit engendered by the Bicentennial around the country, the bandstand is a monument to community cooperation as well as a lasting reminder of America’s 200th birthday.” The Bicentennial Times reports on different Bicentennial projects throughout the country.
The contents housed within the time capsule are recorded to be a copy of each item sold during the ambition to raise proper funds, which included one of Fairfield County’s bicentennial plates, a bicentennial calendar, and detailed newspaper coverage concerning the bandstand’s construction, all remain hidden waiting for their exhumation. Where will you be on July 4, 2026? Will you come to witness a piece of history and leave a legacy of experience for yourself?
As The Far-Land Legacy uncovered this lost monumental piece of history, we will be working with the community to create the best celebration for Saturday, July 4, 2026, marking the 50 years to unveil the history of the Lancaster Bandstand’s time capsule.
LEGENDS WHO LEFT A LEGACY
THOSE BEHIND BUILDING THE BANDSTAND
Lynn Richard
Kessler
THE
DESIGN
Robert Edlar
Chappell
DIAMOND UNITY
CLUB MEMBERS
Charles Russell
Goslin
COMMISSIONS
& BOARDS
Ronald Lee
Keaton
FINANCIAL
CONTRIBUTIONS
Check out those who lived in the same place, other landmarks, or select the Fairfield County map to go back to the Legend Page.
THE REFERENCES
“Bandstand Area Landscaped,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, March 28, 1978, 40.
“Bandstand Dedication Hails Nation’s Birth,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, July 12, 1976, 3.
“Bandstand For Zane Park,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, February 6, 1976, 1, 8.
“Bandstand Funds Still Being Sought,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, July 16, 1976, 3.
“Bandstand Has New Look,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, June 5, 1976, 1.
“Bandstand Is Recognized,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, October 27, 1976, 3.
“Bandstand Near Reality,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, March 20, 1976, 1.
“Bicentennial Group Approves Projects,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, February 14, 1976, 2.
“Big Weekend Plans For Bandstand,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, May 26, 1976, 3.
“Christmas Music On Zane Square,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, December 7, 1976, 18.
“Cornerstone Sealing At Bandstand July 3,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, June 28, 1976, 2.
“Entertainers Perform At Bandstand,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, May 12, 1976, 2.
“Fairfield Federal Gift Clears Debts On Zane Bandstand,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, August 26, 1978, 2.
“Mrs. Kenneth Burns Addresses Local Women’s Republican Club,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, February 13, 1976, 4.
“No Apathy Here,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, May 4, 1976, 4.
“Replicas Of Bandstands Well Done,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, May 21, 1976, 2.
“Special Events Planned During Fairfield Heritage Assn. Tour,” Lancaster Eagle-Gazette, March 24, 1976, 2.
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Fairfield County
