Sunday

Miller Park Pavilion



Miller Park is one short block to the west of Low Street across Summit Street. The Pavilion is on the south edge of the park near the lake, the playground, and the zoo. It is used for all sorts of activities and classes including dances, weddings, and senior citizen functions. The Pavilion at Miller Park was built at a cost of $45,000 in 1905, and was one of the finest pavilions ever put in a public park. It was designed by reknowned Bloomington architect George Miller and is noted for its excellent accoustic properties for dance bands. This unique landmark was restored in 1977 and is quite impressive with its rambling porches, chandelier lighting and interesting design. The Pavilion originally had a red tile roof that was replaced with red shingles in the 1977 renovation. The top color postcard picture shows the back of the Pavilion from the south. The above black and white postcard picture is looking at the front of the building from the north. The top picture shows what I think is supposed to be the dome of the old courthouse. I don't know for sure. It used to be covered in chicken wire and birds were kept inside. Kind of like a Zoo annex.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Over on the right of the lower (1905) pavilion picture there is a white wood building structure. Have always been curious about this.

Dad always said that M.G. Salch's Brick Factory (about 1850-90)was where the newer part of Miller Park Lake is today.

MichaelSalch@MSN.com

Anonymous said...

From what I remember, the old McLean County Courthouse dome was used as housing for a group of monkeys that were placed on a man made island in the middle of Miller Park Lake in the 1960s. It was fondly remembered as Monkey Island. The island was removed.