Music Pavilion
Also known as: Central Park Bandstand
Why it's listed
Central Park in Orion, Illinois, holds a wooden bandstand built in 1913 by local contractor J. C. Ericson. Shaped like half of a twelve-sided figure, it has a half-hipped asphalt-shingle roof, a low gabled parapet with an arched underside, four capped pillars, board-and-batten walls and concrete piers. Exposed rafter tails show Craftsman influence, and its playful look recalls a playhouse or castle. Inside are a fir stage, a two-tiered band platform, bead-board walls and 237 light sockets, most no longer working. It faces a poured concrete seating area. The structure was listed for its role in the town's entertainment and recreation history. Bandstands were once symbols of civic pride across American towns, and few survive. Orion's example hosted band concerts, including those held during the Midwest Corn Show that began in 1947. The period of significance covers 1913 to 1952. Residents call it either a bandstand or a bandshell.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues it is locally significant under Criterion A for its link to Orion's entertainment and recreation history. It represents the American town-band and bandstand tradition, and it hosted events such as band concerts during the Midwest Corn Show. The period of significance runs from its 1913 construction to 1952.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 02000544, listed May 22, 2002. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 1208 5th St., Orion |
|---|---|
| County | Henry County |
| Listed | May 22, 2002 |
| Reference number | 02000544 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1913-1952 |
| Architect / builder | Ericson, J. C. |
| Architectural style | Late 19th and early 20th century movements (Craftsman influences) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Entertainment/Recreation |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still used as a music facility; many of its 237 light sockets no longer function, and some original materials such as the roof shingles and steps have been replaced. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 41.35375, -90.38094 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
National Register listing is honorary: it recognises significance and does not restrict what a private owner may do without federal money or permits. It unlocks the 20% federal rehabilitation tax credit for income-producing buildings, state credits in many states, and Section 106 review when federal agencies are involved. See what listing means in practice.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 02000544.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q24041429
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.