Mr Ferraro a candidate for Selectman  wrote a letter to the Editor,but it really was addressed to us.

Right?

He simply asked a question about a 15ooo.oo expenditure for a  new handrail on the Bandstand. I assumed when I read the letter that any  railing would have to be very special.

I was kinda surprised that a few folks did not know of the DC connection. Swasey Pavilion was designed by architect Henry Bacon,best known as the designer of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.   Some folks don’t understand that  Harry over in E. Kingston who is good with metal and stuff could not have fabricated the railing.

The  original copper roof on the Pavilion lasted about 8o years.It has been replaced twice in a short time. Insurance covered the second flashing(hail storm) and it looks great. The Town at one time left the  huge speaker horns on the roof. The wind would whip em around and damage the roof. That was some time ago but was indicative of  the lack of watchfulness.

The Bandstand receives it’s due scrutiny  these days.

The only other quote proffered on the job  was 22K. The firm that got the job was also doing the roof so  there were efficiencies simply having them on site. That firm, Crocker Architectural is highly respected in the Historic Preservation marketplace. It’s a small market. Some work has to be sent overseas as we have few foundries left domestically to undertake  small projects.

I took a drive downtown and snapped a few pics. This railing executed in bronze melds perfectly with the existing metalwork. It provides safety( no tumbling band members) without detracting and  does not in a presumptuous way “sweeten” the overall look.

It’s perfect.

I am going with treasure.

Mike

1860

Ceiling mosaic