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Memorial |
The memorial will be dedicated to the memory of a number of people who made key contributions to the creation and perpetuation of the Bandshell and its programs. Recognition elements will be designed and placed within the Memorial area, including those for: |
Karl King Bandshell Fort Dodge, Iowa |
Unfortunateley, the memorial has been canceled. A paved area surrounding the existing flagpole will be built instead. However, we believe the full memorial design is a worthy of mention as part of the unified project. |
Karl L. King, Band Master of the Fort Dodge Municipal Band from the period of creation of the Bandshell until his death in 1971. Karl King joined Robinson's Famous Circus as a baritone player at the age of 19. He joined the circus work at a time when the acts were in great need of special music, since the standard popular music of the day did not fit. Karl King was a master composer, and had the ability to match the rhythm of the acts with his compositions. He quickly rose to leadership positions in some of the most famous circus bands in the country, including the Buffalo Bill and the Barnum and Bailey Circus bands. He contributed more circus marches than any other composer of the period, and aerial waltzes and circus gallops were his specialty. When he finally put down his pen after 50 years, he had published 300 musical compositions - not counting the ones he had given away or not bothered to publish. Many of his works were written in tents by the light of a flashlight or kerosene lantern. He was at is best when music was needed at a moment's notice. |
Henry Leveke Kamphoefner, FAIA, architect for the original bandshell project. Henry Kamphoefner was a distinguished member of the architectural profession. Following his graduation from Columbia University in 1931, earning his Masters Degree in the Science of Architecture, he attended the Beaux Arts Institute of Design in New York. Upon completion of his studies, he began a private practice in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1932. It was during this period of his career that the Karl L. King Bandshell was designed. It was just one year later, in 1937, that he designed a similar bandshell structure for Sioux City, Iowa. This facility was selected by the Royal Institute of British Architects as one of America's Outstanding Buildings of the Post-War Period. Mr. Kamphoefner continued in his career from 1937 to 1948, becoming a professor and later director of the School of Architecture at the University of Oklahoma. From 1948 to 1973, he served as Dean of the School of Design at North Carolina State University. During both his professional and academic careers, he received many awards and peer recognition, and served on numerous fine arts boards. The significance of his work as well as his career achievements offer additional support to the efforts to preserve and enhance this historic cultural facility. |
Prairie Architects, Inc. -- 103 South Third Street -- Fairfield, Iowa 52556 |