The one in Leighton Gardens would have a few stories to tell and many an old song to sing.

On Tuesday the Moss Vale monument turned 100.

But, far from the bells or whistles surrounding each of Sir Donald Bradman’s centuries, only one man marked the milestone.

Moss Vale resident David Baxter raised a stubby to the bandstand he has dedicated a lot of time to researching.

“I think it is a beautiful structure and, while 100 years is not a long time in many countries, in a country as young as Australia I think that is a pretty special milestone,” Mr Baxter said.

“I am a big fan of history, particularly local history, and I hope to write a book one day on Dr. Henry Leighton Jones.”

Dr Leighton Jones was the Mayor of Moss Vale and initiated the building of Leighton Gardens, which was opened on December 7, 1905.

He immediately began to raise funds for the building of a bandstand to compliment his park.

He organised a major concert on November 3, 1909, with 100 performers from the Goulburn Musical and Operatic Society, and all profits went towards the bandstand.

The event raised enough money to see the bandstand built and - on February 2, 1910 - a special opening ceremony was held with a grand open-air continental.

When the duplication of the railway line came through Moss Vale in 1915, along with a new overhead railway bridge, the old police and courthouse at the northern end of Leighton Gardens had to be demolished.

At the same time, the bandstand was relocated to the centre of Leighton Gardens where it stands today.

“Over the past 100 years many thousands of locals have been entertained by the districts town brass bands, the Salvation Army bands and visiting entertainers,” Mr Baxter said.

“Sadly, the only use it performs these days is the annual Carols by Candlelight celebrations, but that could change.”