Beginnings
The Windego Park Open Air Auditorium or The Anoka Amphitheatre was built in late June of 1914. The Amphitheatre was one of the last projects in a wave of public involvement campaigns collectively called "Cities Beautiful". These projects embodied a pride in well-kept communities, and spread across the country from the 1890's through just before World War I.
Thaddeus P. Giddings
The catalyst for the project was a man named Thaddeus P. Giddings. Giddings was the Superintendent for the Minneapolis Public School System for many years, and was also in charge of music for the district. He pushed for much change in Music Education, and wrote his own method books on all musical subjects.
Giddings organized a number of community sing-alongs in the summer of 1913. They were so popular that people began looking for a permanent spot for entertainment and recreation within the City of Anoka. In short order, land was given and donations were accepted. The stadium was named after Mr. Eastman, a major contributor, and was known as Eastman Stadium or "The Stadium" until the late forties.1815 Third Ave. South, Anoka, Mn 55303 763-225-0473 info@windegoparksociety.org
©2007 Windego Park Society, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization
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