HAWLEY, PA — In a scene reminiscent of a time 91 years past, the Ringgold Band, a 23-person concert band, occupied the interior of the iconic Hawley Bandstand and gave its rendition of the National Anthem to open its performance. 

Ironically, it was discovered that the band, which has roots dating back to 1875, was indeed an iteration of the same band that played for the inaugural event in 1932—celebrating the bandstand being built.

Michele Rojas, Hawley Borough Council president, is a direct descendant of Christopher Ellingsen, who designed the park—including the bandstand. 

Rojas served as master of ceremonies for the naming and ribbon cutting of the newly named Ellingsen Bandstand, held on July 29. 

In addition to the 23-piece band, entertainment was provided by DJ Marcus, ShawTime Duo and Screamin’ Rebel Angels.

Among the many onlookers were over 30 direct descendants of Christopher G. Ellingsen, including Siri Randers-Pehrson and Jetmund Maurstad, who traveled from Norway to attend the event. 

The event was live-streamed to family members, who gathered for the occasion in Norway.

Ellingsen family members unveiled a plaque that they donated for installation near the bandstand to explain the  historical significance of the structure.

The Ellingsen Bandstand ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pictured are Diana Billard, granddaughter of Christopher Ellingsen, left; Dick Briden, Hawley Parks …

Ellingsen family descendants pose with Hawley mayor John Nichols behind the sign donated by their family. The sign offers historic information about …

The newly named and refurbished Ellingsen Bandstand in Hawley’s Bingham Park is pictured on July 29 at the ribbon cutting ceremony with the …

Project overview

A major renovation funded by several grants and matching funds, was undertaken this summer. The project engineer is Reilly Associates and the construction company is D&M Construction. 

The wooden octagonal structure is about 40 feet wide, and is constructed with a domed roof, balustrades, pillars and wide steps. 

Some of the work performed included a rebuild of the interior ceiling, replacement of rotted soffits, new wiring and expanded electric and lighting, upgraded 100-amp service and electric panels, a rebuild of the balustrades, a new stair entrance and bannisters and re-setting the cobblestones at the stair base. An application of exterior finishes and more have been added to finish it off.

During the renovation, it was discovered that the new flooring could not be installed due to structural damage to the floor joists. A loan has been taken out to cover the additional cost, and the floor will be finished later this summer.

The backstory

At the request of Ellingsen’s descendants, the Hawley Borough Council approved naming the bandstand structure—which stands in the center of Bingham Park—as the Ellingsen Bandstand in August of 2022. This honor will serve to preserve the historical contribution of Ellingsen to the architectural design and oversight of the layout and construction of the various structures in the park. 

Over the years, the bandstand has been the scene of innumerable concerts, parties, weddings, family gatherings, community holiday and special get-togethers, serving as a beloved icon and reflecting the tranquility of life in a small town.

In 1929, Adelbert and Margaret Bingham donated the former canal basin land to the Borough of Hawley to be used as a public space. Their gift, along with $900, enabled the Borough of Hawley to move forward with plans for a public park. In 1932, the Works Progress Administration  constructed the bandstand and other structures in the park under Ellingsen’s watchful eye.

Ellingsen (1882-1949), was born in Norway and attended Germany’s Heidelberg University, where he studied civil engineering and architecture. His work took him to many far-away places, and he eventually settled his family in Hawley. While commuting to work in New York City during the Great Depression, he designed the park, including the bandstand. A grandstand, formerly standing at the corner of Park Place and Main Avenue at the baseball field, was demolished in the early 1970s. Still surviving are bathhouses, light poles and columns constructed with the same cobblestones as the base of the bandstand.