The Post Bandstand was built of frame construction at Camp Douglas in 1876, during the tenure of post commander Colonel John E. Smith. Under Colonel  Smith's leadership the Douglas outpost was "permanently rebuilt" during a three-year period, using sturdy sandstone quarried from Red Butte Canyon. It was a pivotal time for the new, improved outpost, which soon qualified for, and in December 1878 was upgraded to, the status of fort.

    Already an important Army supply center because of the coming of the transcontinental railroad in 1869, Fort Douglas still faced the final battles and winding-up scenes of the nineteenth century Indian Wars period before it crossed the threshold of a new century.   The strenuous duty on the Utah frontier was made lighter, however, with colorful diversions for soldier and officer alike...

    Among them, lively regimental band concerts at the Post Bandstand, performed by some of the U.S. Army's most renowned bands, including those of the 24th (Buffalo Soldier) and 38th (Rock of the Marne) Infantries, stationed at Fort Douglas. One of the more celebrated conductors to lead Douglas military bands was the famous 38th's Leopold Antone Yost (1888-1951), Chief Warrant Officer, who is buried in the Fort Douglas Cemetery. After World War 1, American forces commander General John J. Pershing praised Yost for directing "the best band overseas."

    Salt Lake citizens were invited to attend many Post Bandstand concerts, which were traditionally performed on Sunday afternoons. Conducted from the impressive venue at the top of the fort's parade ground - below Officers' Circle and overlooking Salt Lake Valley - the concerts became a point of nostalgia for many Fort Douglas visitors through the years who, to enjoy some of the best entertainment the West had to offer, would drive or ride the street car to "the fort on the hill."

    Though the original Victorian Gothic octagon bandstand was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1912 with a classical, less ornamental look (and without the portico), the advent of Fort Douglas Heritage Commons at the University of Utah has returned the historic Post Bandstand to its pristine 1876 architecture. Meticulously restored, the bandstand once again boasts its distinctive Gothic Revival elements, including finials, octagon   cupola, and gabled portico.

    Salt Lake citizens, university students, architects, and military historians are thrilled at the preservation of this priceless military and cultural icon at Fort Douglas. Soon, the melodious strains of drums, bugles, cymbals, and sounding brass will be heard again.   The Post Bandstand will enhance university life at Fort Douglas Heritage Commons as a focal point for student gatherings, concerts, and entertainment for generations to come.

    The dedication ceremony for the restored bandstand on November 10, 2001 included honoring the donors whose generosity made it possible.  Allan M and Kay W. Lipman (left photo in red sweaters) underwrote this project, along with  Nancy L. Giles (at podium in right photo) and her husband Clark P. Giles (not shown).
    Nancy Giles grew up on Fort Douglas, where her career soldier father was stationed.  She shared some of her memories and pride at being able to help restore this facility for the future enjoyment of others.
    Fort Douglas Museum salutes the generosity of these donors, and the many others who help preserve and adapt parts of this historic post for future usefulness as part of the University of Utah campus while honoring the military traditions.
 

Copyright © 2001 All rights reserved.
Fort Douglas Military Museum Association
Revised: 11 November 2001.