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Bell and a number of volunteers began
work on the morning of June 23 and steadfastly continued, with final
cleanup beginning as light dimmed on June 26. Heavy rains fell
occasionally over a couple of those days. The weather was hot and
humid, and additional damage was discovered in the process, but the
work went on and the crew would not be delayed.
Bell and several others stayed overnight to protect the site
during the process.
Bell consulted with Illinois Main Street architects from the
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency on the appropriate repair and
paint colors. The work included repairing the damaged eaves and
stucco, painting the structure, and moving the drainpipe.
Preservationists from the state of Illinois were consulted and a
new color scheme was chosen. The main body of the band shell is now
a pale sage green, highlighted with maple trim.
As the crew proceeded it was discovered that more repair was
needed than was originally thought, and measures were taken to
address the cause and reconstruct the areas. Stucco at corners under
the eaves in a couple of areas had been extensively damaged due to
roof leaks.
It was noted that further work or possibly replacement of the
roof would be needed to stop the leaking. The architects also
identified additional structural damage to the masonry and floor
that will need to be repaired in the future.
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 Wendy Bell, who is with the Illinois Main Street
program, commented that Lincoln is very fortunate to have this band
shell, as there are few communities fortunate enough to still have a
structure like this. It provides historic beauty, as well as
functional value that draws entertainment to the downtown area. She
also said that few communities have two entertainment structures in
their downtown; the combination of the band shell and an up-to-date
movie theater are a great benefit to the community.
Cory Bell raised funds for the project through
voluntary contributions collected during the renovation process.
Anyone still wishing to contribute may do so by calling
217-871-7112. If contributions exceed the needs of the Eagle Scout
project, they will be given to the Logan County Board for future
repairs on the band shell.
When the work was done Cory commented that he was
glad to do work on a structure that he knew others would appreciate
for years to come.
Cory is the son of Terry and Wendy Bell of Lincoln
and has been in the Boy Scout program for more than 10 years. He has
one brother, Carrington, who is also a Boy Scout. Cory graduated
this spring from Lincoln Community High School, where he played
football. He is also currently chief of the Springfield Police
Explorers, Abraham Lincoln Boy Scout Council.
Bob Cox is the scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 102
in Lincoln. The troop is sponsored by the First United Methodist
Church.
[Text from news release and Jan
Youngquist] |
