Wheaton's band shell gains a new identity

For more than 70 years, the Memorial Park band shell in Wheaton has been the place for area residents to gather and enjoy the free sounds of summer supplied by the Wheaton Municipal Band.

The concerts bring more than 1,000 people to the city on Thursday evenings during the summer.

None of it may have ever happened if not for the efforts of Art Sweet. Because of his dreams, Wheaton Park District commissioners voted unanimously to name the Memorial Park band shell after him Wednesday night.

Sweet came to Wheaton in 1944 and became the director of the Wheaton Municipal Band a year later. At the time, the band rehearsed and played in the old city hall.

It was Sweet's dream to create Thursday evening performances in Memorial Park, but the band needed a venue that would supply some acoustics for the sound.

The city did not have the money needed to build a band shell, so it built a floor the first summer. The second summer saw the construction of the walls. Then finally, in the third year, a roof was installed, completing the project.

Sweet helped raise the money for project. He went on to direct the band until 1964.

Sweet died in 1998.

Sweet's wife and friends of his family were in attendance at the commission meeting Wednesday night. They received a round of applause and hugs from staff as commissioners approved the naming.

The park district plans to bring as many members of the municipal band from throughout the years together for a dedication of the band shell and reception for the Sweet family during this summer's concert series.

The exact date is yet to be determined.