Norristown Seeking Donations To Help Rebuild Historic Bandshell After Arson
NORRISTOWN, PA — After an intentionally set fire destroyed the century old Fire Chief’s Memorial Bandshell and landmark in Norristown, the community is trying to rebuild.
An investigation into what is now being called a case of arson remains underway. In the meanwhile, the municipality is now seeking monetary donations from the public to help build a new bandshell.
“The community has clearly expressed their sadness at the loss of the Bandshell, both as a memorial to the fire chiefs who served this town, and as a staple of Elmwood Park as a live music venue,” Norristown Municipal Council President Tom Lepera said.
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Related: Arson The Cause Of Fire That Destroyed Norristown Bandshell: Officials
The Aug. 28 blaze appears to have been set in the nearby porta potties. It quickly jumped to the roof of the bandshell, and the structure was destroyed before the fire could be extinguished.
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In the aftermath, officials said they received an upwelling of support from the community and from individuals eager to donate. They acknowledged that the bandshell would be rebuilt, but a timeline was unclear.
But now that fundraising has begun, residents are hopeful that the rebuild will be expedited.
“We were encouraged by messages of support from community members who wanted to donate to this cause, and we wanted to give them a direct link to help in the effort,” Lepera added. “The Municipal Council and administration could not be more grateful for this level of community support.”
The municipality will accept only cash or check donations. Cash can be paid in person at Municipal Hall, in the Finance Department on the second floor, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Checks should be made out to Norristown with “Bandshell Donation” written in the memo section.
Checks can either be dropped off or mailed to Norristown Municipal Hall, 235 E. Airy, St. Norristown, Pa. 19401 – ATTN: Finance Department.
This will be the only crowdsourcing of funds for the new bandshell, officials clarified. Other donation drives have circulated online but have not been approved by the municipality.
No arrests have yet been made in the arson.
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