Lee Crouse provided the Icon with the following information about this photo:
On Aug. 19, 1953, the new band shell at Ada Memorial park was used for the first time at the 40th annual Farmers and Merchants picnic.
The attractive structure is the result of joint efforts by the park board and picnic board. It will be recalled that the semi-circular concrete band shell was erected two years ago. Appropriately enough, the first concert in the new band shell was given Wednesday noon under the direction of Mr. Routson. The high school band directed by William Ansley played later in the afternoon.
The entire structure stands as a monument to E.M. “Ernie” Routson, veteran director, who has trained and conducted bands here for many years.
Mr. Routson was not the only one who appreciated the permanent band shell. George Parshall Sr. had the job of putting up a temporary band stand for Picnic Day. It was used by Routson’s Community Band and political speakers that attended the Picnic. As Routson’s band grew, so did Parshall’s stand, until George declared one year,”The boards will not stretch any longer!”
