Associates of the Redlands Bowl

Grace Stewart Mullen

Grace Stewart Mullen, a woman of great vision and dedication, dreamed of bringing the best in the field of musical entertainment to her community. This being her goal, she founded the Redlands Community Music Association in 1923, also known as the Redlands Bowl Summer Music Festival, with the first season commencing in 1924.

Mrs. Mullen’s belief in this dream propelled her to conquer the lean years of the Depression and World War II. Her unwavering determination to provide music and the performing arts for everyone without a charge inspired and endeared many to rally to her cause.

Throughout the ensuing years she brought many famous and budding artists to our "Little Jewel," the Redlands Bowl.

In 1967, at the age of 90, Grace Stewart Mullen died, leaving our community with a legacy that has continued to the present.

Caroline S. Pike

A brief encounter at a local grocery store changed the lives of John and Caroline Pike, newcomers to the Redlands community - they met Grace Stewart Mullen.

Impressed with Grace Stewart Mullen’s zeal to expand and improve the Summer Music Festival, Caroline S. Pike founded the "Associates of the Redlands Bowl" in 1950. The purpose of this energetic group of women was, and still is, to assist the Redlands Community Music Association Board in fundraising and to be the official hostesses of the Music Festival.

John Pike went on to become the Chairman of the Board of the Redlands Community Music Association. Caroline Pike, pursuing her dedication to the encouragement of young, talent, established "The Young Artists Auditions" in 1952.

The "Associates of the Redlands Bowl" continue this tradition by awarding scholarships in her name to Young Artist Audition winners, many of whom have gone on to become world famous.

Mrs. Pike, like Mrs. Mullen, lived to see her vision expand until her death in 1976 at the age of 92.

Florence Beeler

Florence Beeler is an embodiment of the talent, vision, and zeal of Grace Stewart Mullen and Caroline S. Pike. She was Vice President of the Redlands Community Music Association and played an active role on the Board. She was a charter member of the Associates of the Redlands Bowl.

This beloved woman served as an active member in our organization from its inception in 1950 until 2003.

She was an inspiration and guiding light...our mentor. Her untiring, unselfish dedication to the Summer Music Festival and to our membership is beyond comparison.

As an impresario with the exceptional ability to recognize and promote new talent on the Redlands Bowl stage and elsewhere, Mrs. Beeler elevated the Summer Music Festival to national and international recognition.

At age 92 Mrs. Beeler welcomed, as usual, the new provisionals to the Associates of the Redlands Bowl. She told them about some of the interesting historical events of the Bowl Associates. A month later in 2003, Mrs. Beeler passed away. She was a grand lady who inspired us all. She is a true hero of the Bowl.