Alice B. McClelland Memorial Bandshell

William S. McClelland was a banker, businessman, and local leader in Eustis. He financed the construction of this beautiful bandshell in Ferran Park. Alan J. MacDonough designed the bandshell with a parabolic acoustical design with a unique Mediterranean Revival style with architectural characteristics such as the red tiled stuccoed walls and red tiled roof. There is only one other bandshell that can be found in Florida with the same acoustical design. 

This uniquely styled bandshell was built in 1926 at the south most end of Ferran Park. After a few years, the bandshell began to sink into the ground. In 1936, it was moved to its current location which is near Ferran Park Road and Orange Avenue. After conversation of possibly demolishing this historical landmark in the early 1990’s due to it not being tended to, multiple doners and a grant was given to the city to restore the bandshell. It was in 1992 when the renovations were complete and the bandshell was restored. 

The bandshell has been a place in Eustis where citizens could gather and enjoy music and events. It’s been in the center of hundreds of annual festivals held by the city of Eustis. It holds significant importance to the citizens of Eustis because of the countless memories and time spent in Ferran Park at the Alice B. McClelland Memorial Bandshell. 

Historical Landmarks, Eustis.org. Accessed January 31st 2021. http://www.eustis.org/residents/history/historical_landmarks.php.

This source is the City of Eustis website and includes multiple historical buildings that can be found throughout Eustis. It gives a short description of the history of the Alice B. McClelland Memorial Bandshell and a photo image. The use of this source is to provide historical information of why the bandshell was created, who created and funded the bandshell, and the unique architectural style. 

Alice McClelland Memorial Bandshell , waymarking.com. Accessed January 31st 2021.

https://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/wm3D3R_Alice_McClelland_Memorial_Bandshell_Eustis_FL.

This online source provides a more in-depth description of the Alice B. McClelland Memorial Bandshell. It provides more detail in the architectural aspect of the bandshell. It also mentions dates of the relocation and refurbishing of the bandshell, which occurred at different times. The purpose and use of this source are to provide a timeline of when the bandshell was created and when it underwent significant construction.  

DeSantis, Mary Ann. City Series: Eustis- America's Hometown , Lakeandsumterstyle.com. October 1st 2013. Accessed January 31st 2021. https://www.lakeandsumterstyle.com/city-series-eustis-americas-hometown/.

The topic of this online article is the history of Eustis. In a portion of the article, it elaborates more on the relocation and refurbishing stages of the Alice B. McClelland Memorial Bandshell. It also includes an interview with a Eustis local who reflects back on the significance of the bandshell in Eustis. The use of this source is to add additional information on why the bandshell was relocated in 1936. It also provides more detail about how the bandshell was nearly demolished because it wasn’t upkept, until various donations allowed for the bandshell to be refurbished. The interview with the Eustis local adds a personal firsthand perspective of how the bandshell has been a place of gathering and countless memories for Eustis citizens.