Attraction
I.O.O.F. WPA Bandshell & Park – Barnes
In the quiet town of Barnes, Kansas, the I.O.O.F. (International Order of Odd Fellows) Park is home to a unique piece of American history: the smallest bandshell in Kansas.
Historical Significance
Built in 1939, the bandshell was a project of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a New Deal agency established to provide employment during the Great Depression. It is believed to be the smallest bandshell ever constructed by the WPA.
The park itself was founded in the early 1900s by the local chapter of the Odd Fellows, a fraternal organization dedicated to community service and charitable works.
Design and Features
Despite its small stature, the bandshell was designed with professional performance in mind:
- Acoustics: The structure is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, allowing sound to project clearly across the park grounds.
- Artistic Accents: The facade is decorated with raised triangular applications on the sides and a raised harp application at the top.
- Musical Tribute: Historically, the music for “America” was written in bars and notes below the stage and lighted so it could be seen by audiences at night.
- Restoration: The park and its iconic bandshell have been restored, preserving their 1930s charm for modern visitors.
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