It all began on the property now located on what used to be called
old Zimmerman road, at the intersection of Green Briar Dr.,
northwest of Metamora…..
It was on
this property, where the son of Valentine Rohman, named George grew
up. While a youth, he was wandering around the old creek bed one day
and ran upon a rock. He was intrigued by this rock and to him, it
had the face of a monkey on it. He carried it home to add to his
rock collection. There it lay for many years and after George
married Victoria Alig, he discovered his rock once again. It was
about this time when the call had gone out to all the people to
donate rocks for the new band stand in the park. So, George decided
to give his prized rock to the park committee for the new band
stand. Thus the legend began.
One day
while strolling in the park, George found his rock embedded into the
foundation. Each succeeding generation has been told about Grandpa’s
rock, and how it came to rest in the band stand foundation. Everyone
who looks at the rock, looks upon it with a different point of view.
Some say it looks like a ghost’s face and others like an old man.
From the Metamora Herald
dated August 7, 1931
Mayor R.J. Schneider’s project
of a new boulder band stand for the Metamora village park, to be
built largely gratuitously by community effort, has taken quick form
during the week, and as The Herald went to press Thursday afternoon
the footing was finished for the new structure.
More Boulders Wanted
A good-sized pile of boulders for
the walls is already on hand, all donated, but it is desired to have
all the rocks needed to complete the job on hand by next Monday.
Those who have agreed to furnish stones, and others who wish to have
a part in the erection of the new stand are asked to act today and
tomorrow.
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