Cache Is Not At The Posted Coordinates
Mr. Toot is the mascot not only of the North Iowa Band Festival, but also for Mason City as a whole. His image has appeared on everything from T-Shirts to business cards to city light poles. Now his image also appears on the geocaching map just south of Mason City Iowa. Each of these puzzles will include a fact or story in theme with the art series. Some may also include a question or two for you to answer correctly to find the coordinates.
Mason City
The Music Man Square has many potential revenue streams including the Streetscape; Reunion Hall, which is a large meeting room; Exploratorium, a smaller meeting room; a museum; and recording studios — all of which are available for rent; as well various music camps and kids programs. All of them fall within the concept of what was envisioned when the structure was built. The problem these days is they are not producing enough to pay the bills.
The place operated for many years through the generosity of Meredith Willson’s widow, Rosemary, and an endowment she set up to use upon her death. But that money is just about gone and the bills keep piling up. “Our utility bill alone is about $5,000 a month,” said Shipman.
Inside Music Man Square
Rosemary died in 2010, but her generosity continued to flow. In 2011, the Meredith and Rosemary Willson Foundation agreed to pay $900,000 — half of the mortgage debt — if the community matched the contribution. The community came through and so did the Willson Foundation. In addition, the foundation agreed to contribute $2 million for a maintenance and repair fund.
The story of The Music Man Square is not entirely a tale of woe. It has played host to numerous weddings and receptions and has been the site of political rallies, parties and other receptions.