‘Hallowed ground for London Musicians’: New plaque honours former Wonderland Gardens

Springbank Gardens now has a historic plaque on site. CTV London's Brent Lale has more.

A big band fittingly kicked off the summer concert series at historic Springbank Gardens.

“This particular venue has great acoustics and always a great audience,” said Ron Gilbert, of Ron Gilbert and the Music Makers.

“I do remember playing here when the old Wonderland Gardens was here back in the ‘60s, and ‘70s and I played here with the Lionel Thornton Band.”

Wonderland Gardens opened in 1935 and was home to huge names in music until its closure in 2004.

“This is hallowed ground for London musicians going right back to the 1930s,” said Richard Young, a former musician and member of the London Public Library Board’s Historic Sites Committee (LPLBHSC).

The City of London and the LPLHSC are now recognizing the historic significance of the property by installing a plaque along the Thames Valley Parkway.

“Generations of musicians have played here, sometimes opening up for some of the biggest bands in the world, sometimes headlining shows,” added Young.

“I was fortunate enough to be one of those musicians. To attend high school during the week and then come here on the weekend and rub shoulders with Alice Cooper, Frank Zappa, Deep Purple and Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. When I tell people that I did that, they go, come on. Yes! It happened, trust me.”

From its inception in 1935 until its closure in 2004, Wonderland Gardens was operated by the Jones family.

“I’m sure dad and my uncle are watching from above,” said Don Jones, a second-generation operator of the property.

For four decades, Charles and Wilf Jones ran the business before handing it off to Don and Chuck Jones in the 1970s. After some of the most notable big bands played through those years, the sons then pivoted to Rock and Roll when they took over, and swing music started to die off.

“We brought Alice Cooper and Frank Zappa, Deep Purple, Emerson, Lake and Palmer,” added Don.

“We had a lot of entertainment here.”

His brother Chuck says their father was skeptical at first, but when they saw how much money the new acts were bringing in, he warmed up to the change.

The City of London took over the lease in 2004, and in 2005 a fire destroyed much of the original grounds.

In 2008, it was rebuilt as Springbank Gardens.

Sunday’s plaque unveiling was the first time Don had returned to the property.

“I didn’t want to go back after that fire happened in a long time ago, and then they rebuilt this pavilion,” said Jones.

“Then when Chuck said they want to put this plaque together, and we want you to come back and say a few words I did. It’s special to the family, there’s no question.”

As the band played and couples danced Sunday, it felt like a throwback to the most popular days at Wonderland Gardens.

“This is a site that has so much meaning for so many Londoners,” said Josh Morgan, mayor of London.

“Whether they were swimming here, whether they’ve enjoyed an amazing concert here or lately, whether they’re at one of the many walks, runs, or community gatherings that happen in this place. There are new memories that are being made.”