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Thursday, April 17, 2014

P is for Park




The Town Park

The Town Park with its Victorian Bandstand overlooks Dungarvan Bay, boasting the finest views of harbour. 

Photo: Colette's Deise Views

Photo: Bet I Can Get 5000 People That Love Dungarvan

In September of 1894 the Town Commissioners called a meeting to discuss acquiring land to  'establish and maintain a Public park' for the use and enjoyment of the people of Dungarvan.


Photo: William Whelan, Waterford Co. Museum
The Town Commissioners agreed six to nineteen acres of land would be a goodly size for the Park.

Dungarvan Photo Album Old and New
Captain William Gibbons of Church Street died in December of 1894 at the age of 65, bequeathing 1750pounds to the people of Dungarvan for the creation of a park and improvements to the Lookout.

A small archway was erected as the entrance to the park. It had an inscribed plaque with decorative limestone surrounds. A dispute arose about the inscription on the plaque.  Mrs. Gibbons, found the inscription on the tablet objectionable.  She asked that the plaque on the arch be removed or she would take legal action.  She took issue with the fact that the inscription included the name of the executor of the late Captain Gibbon's will and his  beneficiaries. 

Waterford Co. Museum
The Brass Band Playing at Dungarvan Park
In 1897 the Commissioners decided to go ahead with the construction of the band stand. Tenders were sent out for an octagon shaped metal bandstand with an iron roof  and no ceiling.The band committee picked the colours for the bandstand. The Spire - gold.; Roof - light green; Floating - white; Columns - bronze; Railings - light green; Cantilever - white. 
Glass lanterns were also purchased for the bandstand, the globes can be seen in the above photo.

Photo: Damien Geoghegan, Things You Miss About Dungarvan
The Gate at the Park entrance was and still is a great favorite with local children. I don't think I know anyone who hasn't taken a spin.  All who indulged in this entertainment recall with nostalgia the squeal and the swish the turnstile made. 

Photo: @Mik Herman, Bet I Can Get 5000 People That Love Dungarvan



7 comments:

Eileen T said...

Do brass bands still play in the bandstand? I play in a brass band but we mostly play at fetes, in concert halls and churches. There is something very special about the times we've played in proper bandstands. Your one us lovely.

Eileen @ http://in-my-playroom.blogspot.co.uk


Rosalind Adam said...

I'd love to live near a park like that. The view is amazing.

Theresa Milstein said...

Ann, this is so lovely. I want to visit!

Old Kitty said...

Beautiful Ann!! Thank you for sharing the history of this amazing park! I especially love how it was a concerted effort by officials to create something everyone in Dungarvan may enjoy!! That's just brilliant!

Wishing you and yours a fabulous Easter!! Take care
x

Liza said...

What a lovely bandstand. You sure are making me want to visit your area!

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Ann - I hope they're going to restore the Eastbourne BandStand and some other areas on the front - but yours is quite delightful ..

Happy Easter - Hilary

Unknown said...

Such gorgeous photos, so full of peaceful Nature.

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