The Redlands Bowl

The Redlands Bowl is a part of Smiley Park. Originally, Smiley Park only contained a small bandstand located across the street where the Lincoln Shrine now stands. This bandstand was later moved to the current location of the Bowl Prosellis where amphitheater seating for about 2,000 people was built. In 1930, the current “prosellis” structure was built with funds donated by Clarence and Florence White. Prosellis, meaning “before the seats”, was a word invented by the community specifically for this structure. It was designed by architect Herbert Powell, who graduated from the University of Redlands and designed the chapel there. Above the prosellis the quote “Without Vision, a People Perish,” from the 29th Chapter of Proverbs, Verse 18 is inscribed.  

The structure of the prosellis has a foundation of poured concrete and an exterior wall of smooth concrete. In the center, the roof has a gable design and a flat design on the sides. On the sides of the prosellis are arcades with reliefs by sculptor Merrill Gage. Reliefs depict figures playing instruments, three triangular shaped figures to represent the three major mountains in the Valley (Mt. San Jacinto, Mt. San Gorgonio, and Mt. San Bernardino), and plant and animal life of the area. The south side features an inscription of some of the opening remarks made by Clarence White at the dedication ceremony in 1930 “A thank offering for all who have made Redlands a good place to live in”. On the north side, a prayer by Florence Fisk White is inscribed 

“ Work to keep us going

   Joy to match our sorrow,

   Thought for a goodly sowing

   Hope for a good tomorrow.”

The Redlands Bowl is home to the longest running free music festival in the country. This program has been continuously offered each summer since 1924. Over 100,000 people attend this festival each summer. Even during World War II, the music festival continued to be performed with altered lighting arrangements ready to comply with Blackouts. During the 2020 season, rather than cancel the season entirely, performances were changed to be livestreamed digital performances rather than in-person events to maintain tradition while respecting social distancing measures during the covid-19 pandemic. The Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival is open to all ages and anyone can attend free of charge. The Redlands Bowl now has bench seating for 5,000, but oftentimes audiences exceed that number due to the availability of surrounding lawns that are used for picnic seating. 

Redlands Bowl Performing Arts (RBPA), the organization that is responsible for the Music Festival, was founded in 1923 by Grace Stewart Mullen. A year later, the first Redlands Bowl Summer Music festival was put on. Mrs. Mullen had the idea to establish a program to provide arts and music for the whole community. She was partially inspired by her love for attending events at the Hollywood Bowl; she wanted to provide a similar experience for Redlands audiences regardless of ability to pay admissions. Mrs. Mullen also emphasized the importance of exposing children to live music. By the 1930s and 1940s, many people were primarily exposed to music through radio. Therefore, children and those who could not afford to attend other live entertainment events did not have experience with elements of live music such as the communal aspect of enjoying such events or the expected etiquette of such a setting. Since the 1980s, RBPA has also served the community by providing educational workshops to children to expose youth to music, performing arts, and the etiquette of attending live events.In addition to the summer festivals, . High schools in Redlands traditionally use the Redlands Bowl for their graduations.

About Us, Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival. Accessed August 28th 2020. https://redlandsbowl.org/about-us/.

A.K. Smiley Public Library, Heritage Room, Historic Resources Inventory, Historic Survey Form Scans

History, Associates of the Redlands Bowl. Accessed August 28th 2020. https://www.redlandsbowlassociates.com/history.

"Redlands Bowl -- 'Music for all the People'." Redlands Daily Facts (Redlands, CA) November 4th 1963.

Lohnes, Gretchen A.. Bowl Recollections 1924-1999. Redlands, Ca. William G. Moore Historical Fund, 2000.