The Windego Park Amphitheater: Development Prioritized, Culture Forgotten

Historiography

            There is a small amount of historical literature about this site. The structure has been registered under the National Register of Historic Places Inventory. The nomination form is spectacularly written as it gives the structure’s historical and architectural significance, as well as some context of its creation.(5) There are a handful of primary sources that concern the site available through the Anoka County Historical Society Archives and the Northwest Architectural Archives of the University of Minnesota. This research seeks to contribute to previous historical documentation of the theater by comparing and analyzing the theater’s current state and its condition at the time of creation.

From the Rum River’s Bank to a Roadside Ditch

            In one hundred years, a lot can change, so it is not surprising that the 2016 photo of the Windego Park Amphitheater is remarkably different from the postcard photo from around 1920. Most of these physical differences reflect the nature of development in an ever-growing city.

            The most noticeable difference is in the physical existence of the entrance and the overhanging canopy structure. They were present at the creation of the amphitheater, but are non-existent now, replaced by a metal fence. The most-likely explanation of this change is that during development of the street behind the city, the canvas overhang was hindering construction and was thus removed.

            Other critical changes in appearance that show evidence of development are the changes in the background of the images. In the first photo, the area behind the theater appears to have many trees and is mostly natural. In the newer photo, the area behind the theater is a street with traffic lights and a light pole. Again, it is likely that as the area developed, the trees and vegetation, like the canvas canopy, were found unimportant to the community and were removed to make way for the construction of the what would become a major city highway. These changes are examples of how the community chose development as a priority over the community landmark.

Forgetting Fine Arts: An Alternate Argument

            The neglect of such a beautiful theater could suggest that the Anoka community had lost interest in fine arts and performance. Per contra, it is important to note that the differences between the two photos do not reflect a changed value in the arts. It is likely that Anoka is still a community that is engaged in theatrical and musical performances; however, the community likely found other places to perform. The construction of other theaters or performance buildings could have eliminated the need for an outdoor theater. Further research into the construction of other buildings in Anoka that are dedicated to the arts would confirm this speculation. After all, an outdoor theater in Minnesota can only be used, at most, about 6 months out of the year. Also, the outdoor theater would be subject to weather conditions, which are also unpredictable in the Minnesota area.

The Last Glimmer of the City Beautiful Movement

            The City Beautiful movement was an architectural and philosophical movement that initiated the beautification of urban structures. This beautification was characterized by the Greek and Roman architecture that often looked monumental in form. The philosophy behind the movement was that the increase of beauty and grandeur would promote a higher standard of living and a more virtuous lifestyle within the community.(6) Cultural geographer, Amanda Rees, found this mentality in her observations of both the Pullman community in Illinois, and Port Sunlight near Liverpool. These communities were founded by large business owners, and the expectation was that the communities would be civil and virtuous.(7) While this movement is normally associated with large cities in the 1890s and 1900s, the Windego Open Air Theater, completed in 1914, was a late product of the City Beautiful Movement in the suburb of Anoka, MN. The philosophy of the City Beautiful Movement was likely an influence in the commission of the theater. The Open-Air Theater would have been a perfect entertainment option for virtuous Anokans.

Conclusion

            The Windego Park Amphitheater is an example of how a society’s demands change over time. There is little historical research on the site or sites like it, but the changes between the photographs displays evidence for development of the suburb. This research found that as Anoka developed, it was willing to sacrifice part of its culture to achieve this development. In addition, the structure also illustrates Anoka's possible participation in the City Beautiful movement.