Recreation Park Bandshell (Long Beach, California)

 landmark, place with historical importance, bandshell

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4901 E 7th St
Long Beach, CA 90804

The bandshell was the location of numerous public events, reflecting many elements of the cultural, social and political history of Long Beach. It was a location of the all-state picnics, including many of the famous Iowa picnics. School performance and drama festivals took place there. Graduation exercises for Long Beach City College were held there. After the 1933 earthquake, it was used as temporary classroom space. One of Long Beach's parent cooperative nursery schools used this facility from 1952. It was also the site of political gatherings, such as an appearance by Richard Nixon during his early political career. The bandshell was also the site of the Municipal Band's regular concerts. Long Beach's Municipal Band was thought to be the only city that supported year-round band concerts from 1912 through 1940, and was a source of civic pride.

The Spanish Baroque Revival style used here appears rarely in Long Beach. This is the only public building in that style, which was popular in the early 1920's. This style was launched by the eminent architect Bertram Goodhue in buildings designed for the Panama-California Exposition of 1915 in San Diego, and became popular throughout Southern California. The rich plasterwork, the elaborate curvilinear design of the central arch, the broad border of colorful Malibu tile, the stucco walls and red tile roof are all features of this style.

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