By MARGARET L. WILLIS

The bandstand in Thomas Centennial Park has become a cherished symbol of Chesterton in its 80 years.

Howard Vedell wants to be sure the original carpenters, his father Verne L. Vedell among them, are not forgotten.

With that in mind Vedell has researched and documented the construction of the bandstand and pledged $850 for a bronze plaque to commemorate those who created it.

The Chesterton Park Board received Vedell’s deposit of $450 and a design proposal for the 18 inch by 18 inch etched plaque Tuesday.

The plaque is to be placed on the south side of the bandstand, facing Broadway.

Designed by local artist John Mullin, the plaque is to include etched images of the bandstand as it was originally built, and as it looks now, after being moved, repaired and reconfigured.

The plaque is to be headed “Chesterton Bandstand, Built in 1924.”

The history of the bandstand will also be etched onto the plaque and will read “Verne L. Vedell, a local building contractor, was the principle builder assisted by his partner, John Sheeley, and unknown others. Joseph Ameling was the supervisor. The labor was donated and material was paid for by funds subscribed by the merchants. One of the few remaining original bandstands in Indiana, it is also noteworthy by its octagonal shape and high peaked roof making it a notable exception to most bandstands of its time, which were square in shape.”

Vedell researched the origins of the planning and construction of the bandstand in old Chesterton Tribune’s, park superintendent Bruce Mathias said.

“He really did his homework,” added administrative assistant Beth Marshall.

Old clippings which Vedell supplied to the board recount Verne Vedell’s memories of adding the original lattice work around the lower portion of the bandstand (now concrete).

From a Seen and Heard in the 1970s: “Mr. Vedell said he remembers most vividly how he and another town carpenter, the late John Sheely, put in the lattice work at the base about 1925. It was midwinter and bitter cold. They sawed and nailed in the old fire station across the street but had to fit the lattice work into the structure in zero weather.

Mr. Sheely was a town board member at the time.

Mr. Morgan recalled some of the out-of-town bands who came to play, such as the House of David band, the Chicago Daily News band and Sonny Dunham performance which was broadcast by WGN radio.”

A 1924 clipping states the ‘modern bandstand’ was erected and performances were planned by the Chamber of Commerce. An accident at a performance prior to construction prompted the plans to be hurried up. “A temporary platform of planks had been laid on saw horses in the park and was used by the band. Last Wednesday rain fell during the day and made the ground soft. Near the conclusion of the program these saw horses sank in the mud and let down the planks. The band men escaped injury, although we learn that two small boys were slightly injured.”

All the labor to build the bandstand was donated and the materials paid for by the local merchants.

Posted 2/4/2004