The present City Park was not always a park

NO, it was not always the park, The Glenwood City Park. In fact, in December of 1866 the present day park was platted for residential lots by Kirk J. Kinney, the founder of Glenwood. There was in fact a home built there by Charles Squire, a Civil War vet. He passed away and was buried outside the dining room window. Yes, near where the present day playground equipment is located ! Needless to say, the house and Charles were both moved before the area was taken over by the City of Glenwood and later an appointed Park Board.

In 1898 the “Village Park”, which at that time was noted as being the triangular bit of tanglewood at the corner of Lake Avenue and Pearl Street”, was being recommended to be “made neat and attractive” rather than the “unsightly place that it is”. In an edition of the Glenwood Herald it went on to note the already pretty trees, but that they were surrounded by thickets and weeds. Also the street which ran adjacent to it, Pearl Street “was not even graded” and “Green Street and Lake Ave. were nothing but ruded roads running through a grove”. It also said “what a shame that a handsome residence, the Fred Calmeyer home, which was nestled in neat surroundings, had a green lawn, ornamented with evergreens and beautiful flowers, was such a contrast to the shiftless appearance of the neglected spot called the Village Park”.

By 1899, discussion was being heard of the possibility of selling the Park to a private speculator. A gentleman of “considerable means” offered $1,500.00 and submitted it to the City Council. The council knew the popularity of the park and did not feel justified in accepting the offer. The gentleman had been circulating letters around the city noting that the city was thousands of dollars in debt. A petition was part of the letter and most then declared themselves in favor of selling the property. The Herald went on to say “there is not a more beautiful spot along the entire lake” and “that the wisdom of the council in buying it”,….. and that everyone in the village should concede that the village should own a piece of ground on the lake shore and this location was in close proximity to the town and should be secured so that strangers and citizens may go and enjoy the sight and cooling breezes on hot summer days. Therefore, public sentiment was diverted and the council did not accept the offer and the area remains today a city park. 

However, for several years the area was used sparingly and sporadically. An occasional summer concert was held nearby and the area was talked about and scrutinized by many and eventually in 1915 a Park Board was formed. At that time the mayor was George Thacker, also a Civil War vet, and he appointed the original members: J.H. Furtney, W.G. Haggarth, Arthur Irgens, B.W. Brokaw, Mrs. B.O. Wollan, Mrs. C.P. Reeves, Mrs. J.H. Stinson and Mrs. Matt Ward. This board was to control the city parks, and the lake shore within city limits. It also had jurisdiction over all boulevards and be charged with planting and protection of all trees on public ground and roads. Also included were the responsibilities of keeping them clean, mowed and rid of unsightly weeds and in doing so encourage public sentiment which would make for a cleaner, better kept town.  

In 1915 – $450.00 was spent to improve the park. At its annual meeting they approved $500.00 for 1916 improvements. By the way, that is over $12,000.00 in today’s money! 

At that meeting they all agreed that the work of the Park Board was one of the most important duties of the city. Agreeing that Mother Nature had been very kind to us and we should be willing to give a little time and money towards our city and its appearance and not only leave a favorable appearance and impression to our visitors, but bring joy and comfort to ourselves.

In a later edition of the Glenwood Herald, a merchant at that time took out a full page ad. In it was said: 

The Glenwood Creed– I believe in Glenwood and its possibilities: and I shall do my part to make it a better place in which to live.

I believe in good government for Glenwood, and I shall assume my share of the civic responsibility that rests on the shoulders of all our citizens.

I believe in supporting local enterprises that make for community development, and shall contribute my moral support and energy to any worthy cause championed by them.

I believe in making Glenwood clean and attractive, for a healthy atmosphere is an inducement to honest and right thinking citizens. 

I believe in boosting my home town at every possible opportunity: that thinking, talking and acting progress is the quickest and surest way to bring permanent prosperity to Glenwood _ the Best town in America- Because it is MY HOME ! 

What more can be said? Why did we mention this? Well at this same time music had been a major part of area churches. Both choirs and yes, township bands, even a few orchestras. As early as 1872, musical groups and organizations had sprung up. Norwegian, Swedish and German settlers brought their home country traditions and music. The Scotch, Welsh and Bohemians as well. Groups such as the Cornet Band, one of few in the state, was considered then and for many years, the best cornet band in Minnesota. Glenwood was always considered a very musical locality…This was only strengthened in years by the Glenwood Academy, which was formed in 1894 and was in service until 1911. 

In the next article we will expand on these early groups and individuals and from letters, articles, news reports and stories, tell readers about who and how music was a thread that ran throughout the county and how today this rich tradition is still a major part of our society. 

A special thank you to The Pope County Tribune for assisting us in bringing you this information and evolving story as part of the 100 year celebration of the Glenwood City Park Bandshell to be held Wednesday – July 9, 2025. Please save that date and let your family, friends and classmates know about it. 

–Staff and Volunteers at the Pope County Historical Society