Seven to Save 2021: Milford Bandstand
A Landmark at the Heart of Downtown
“The Oval,” or town common, sits at the heart of Milford’s commercial and historic downtown. In 1896 this ornate bandstand was constructed to replace a previous one so that the Milford Cornet Band would have a more suitable place to perform their regular summer concerts. Milford native and Massachusetts Senator A. E. Pillsbury donated the money to build it after the Band’s original fundraiser was rained out. A.J. Burnham made the plan and band member Bill Woods, a local carpenter, built the structure along with several assistants. In 1927, the Bandstand was moved to the northern portion of the lot where it remains today.
One of Two Remaining Bandstands in the State with Historically Significant Structural Details
The Milford Bandstand is a natural gathering place and focal point for social, musical and political events in town. And, according to Former State Architectural Historian James Garvin “It is one of the two best-designed historic bandstands in New Hampshire.” The other is the Belmont Bandstand, which has been fully restored. Garvin notes that while “there are many other bandstands in New Hampshire, as examples of ornate wooden structures... the Milford and Belmont bandstands seem to stand alone.” Their curved, steep roofs and fret work typify Victorian era architecture.
A Need for Repairs and Modernization Puts this Structure at Risk
Growing concerns about rotten wood and the structure’s integrity and safety, as well as pressure to upgrade the electrical and AV capabilities of the bandstand, led the town of Milford to propose demolishing it and rebuilding something new in its place. The Milford Heritage Commission was quick to advocate for restoration instead. The Heritage Commission is optimistic that Seven to Save listing may help them come to an agreement with the DPW and the Town, help develop preservation plans, and attract necessary funding. The goal is to maintain and expand the ways that the bandstand serves its community, and to preserve an important and beloved part of its history.
Click to learn more about our Seven to Save program and view past listees:
Thanks to our generous 2021 sponsors: Anagnost Companies, Chinburg Properties and Milestone Engineering & Construction, Inc. Also: Great Bridge Properties | JLT Painting | Turnstone Corporation | American Steeple & Tower Co., Inc. SMP Architecture | Dennis Mires, P.A., The Architects | Ciborowski Associates | Fisher Engineering | JR Graton Historic Restoration, LLC | Misiaszek Turpin, PLLC | Peter W. Powell Real Estate | Graham & Veroff, P.C. Summit Engineering | Yeaton Associates, Inc. | Ambit Engineering, Inc. | DB Architects, LLC | Altus Engineering, Inc. | Erie Landmark Co. Emanual Engineering, Inc. | Alba Architects, LLP | Enviro-Tote, Inc. | Arch Weathers Historic SashWorks, LLC | Udelsman Associates Hamblet Electric | Samyn-D’Elia Architects | Abatron, Inc. | Nobis Engineering, Inc.
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