The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-07-09
Plans for the Most Magnificent
phitheater in the
World.
WORK WILL BEGIN SHORTLY.
To Seat Fifty Thousand People-A
Bandstand for One Hun
dred Musicians.

Deen maze historical by tnaC great enter
prise, for the erection Of music-stand and
amphitheater for open-air concerts that
would be more in harmony with the stately
grandeur of the other features of the peo-
Piles great pleasure resort, than that now
in use. In fact, this scheme had already
progressed so far before the advent of the
fair that the site selected became generally
known as Concert Valley.
Though circumstances up to now pre-
vented the consummation of the project,
the intervening years have served to give
the projectors more time for fuller consid-
Grafton of the matter, with the result that
something is now promised that exceeds
all former ideas in magnitude and beauty.
J. D. Redding, who for several years past
has acted as trustee for the Park Commits
sioners and cable roads in reference to the
concerts in Golden Gate Park. has taken
the most prominent part in bringing about
the formation of the scheme, in coniunc-
ton with the Park Commissioners. His
idea, as expressed by himself, is the estab-
lishment Of the bandstand in different
locality than at present, and on a larger
and more improved scale. In describing
the details of the project he said:
A plan has been practically adopted, which,
when perfected, Will result In the construction
of one OF the handsomest amphtheaters and
bandstands for open-alr concerts IN the world.
The grand court, which was one of the prom
inent features of the Midwinter Fair, viii be
turned into coliseum, upon the lines of the
ancient amphitheater. This will be terraced
in oval rows OF seats, capable of seating $4,000
people.
At the west end Off the coliseum wilt be
erected a bandstand in the Corinthian form of
architecture, with space for 100 musicians.
Around the entire amphitheater Will be a
foot ,ltH a III,
complete circuit of the coliseum. This will
permit of double stream of carriages going in
opposite directions without interruption.
To the west of the amphitheater will be
erected a handsome embankment, capped
with peristyle pillars, which will be orna-
mental and at the same time act as wind
break.
Between the terrace seats the ground will be
plated in green sward with handsome shrub
berry.
Although no authoritative announcement
can be made yet, it is understood that the
Park Commissioners intend to proceed with
this magnificent project Immediately. Nothing
in the park will so add 70 its beauty or afford
such pleasure and satisfaction to the people OF
this City as this proposed musical amphi-
theater.
1t will be in the neighborhood of 500 feet
long and 10 feet wide and will have depth
OF 10 feet below the level OF the surrounding
territory.
1t is hoped to have it in readiness by Novem-
Der next, the time of year when we enjoy some
of the pleasantest weather in this City Work
on the removal of the electric tower will be
commenced at once. The carrying out of this
great project Will not in any way interfere with
the present plans of the Park Commissioners in
clearing away the debris LETT by the Midwinter
Fair Commissioners.
In.tnis connection brief review of the
origin and remarkable growth in popular
ity of the park concerts is of interest.
Eleven years ago 1. c. Coggin, at that
time a well-known local musician, con-
10 loot of mi ati ha
cessful series of open-air concerts then
being given by the celebrated Gilmore
band on Manhattan Beach, New York, his
idea being TO use Golden Gate Park for the
purpose. He had a thorough knowledge
of the capabilities of the local talent hav-
ing been bandmaster for some time, and
what was more important, under the cir
cumstances, had the entire confidence of
his associates.
After due and mutual consideration with
his colleagues of his plan, he paid visit
to the superintendent of the Market-street
cable railway system, and proposed that
the railway company take hold of the
project for series of open-air concerts in
the park, but met with little encourage
ment, as the company did not care to take
the risk of remunerating the band on the
chance of increased traffic from the attrac-
ton of the concerts. Mr.. Coggin then, to
show his perfect confidence in the value of
his scheme. proposed to take all risks him.
self.
He offered to give concert with a band
of twenty-five men and accept as pay for
himself and band all excess of revenue up
to 500 received by railway company over
the usual average on Saturday. The COM
pany still demurred, on the ground that
the Geary-street railway, which was then
under separate management, should CO.
operate in the matter. Mr.. Coggin called
ha Poi mt
ent, but be refused to have anything to do
with the proposition.
On being informed OF the attitude of the
Geary-street people the Market-street au-
thorities decided to give the idea a trial.
Mr.. Coggin induced them to furnish him
$4,000 programmes about two weeks before
August 2, 1884, the date fixed for the first
concert. Part of these he personally dis
tributed among the proprietors and en-
ployes of all the downtown places OF busl-
ness and also in the several hundred lodge.
rooms of the City. Then, two days before
the concert was to be played, he employed
corps of messenger-boys and stationed
one at each of the public schools, with in
structlOnS to give programme to each
pupil on his way home from school.
The result of his energetic and business
like method of advertising was an attend
ance that was as great surprise to him.
self as to the railway people. The latter
Immediately made contract With him
for series of seventeen concerts, and at
their conclusion he secured an annual
contract until three years ago, when J. d.
Redding was made JOINT trustee of the
| railroad people and the Park Commission
ersto take charge of all business matters
connected with these concerts, Mr.. Coggin,
however, being retained as manager and
Librarian of what has now become known
as the Park band. Up to this time Mr..
Coggin had arranged every programme
that was rendered, and the excellent judg-
ment he displayed is clearly demonstra ted
in the popularity they achieved. Their
favorable reception by the general public
was also due to the care with which he Sc
lected his bandsmen. Rather than have
an inferior musician in his band he fle-
guently gave a concert with less men than
the full complement.
Improvements have been gradually made
both for accommodation of the public and
the band, and the latter has had additions
made to the number till now it consists of
forty men. In order to provide for alb
sentees the band has a list of more than
sixty first-class performers to draw from.
Up to date more than 900 of these prom
| enade concerts have been given in the
park.
But the greatest improvement ever made
is that now in contemplation, as detailed
in the fOrpOO;DC intnrviaw with Mr. pod