Third in a historic series on the Glenwood Band Shell

It was 1913 and excellent concerts were being held at the McCauley Opera House or on the Lakeshore. Word by April was that a movement was a foot to erect a band stand in the City Park. That way the “boys” could appear for open air concerts on summer evenings. 

Meanwhile area bands like the Merry Farmers Band were preforming at the County Fair. This group was made up of lads from Rolling Forks and Blue Mounds Townships. Such groups as this band, like the Minnewaska Minstrels, the Greenland Band of Walden Township and others had preformed all over the area for festivals and fairs. Glenwood groups made up of students from the Glenwood Academy and local population. And of course, the early years of the Cornet Band and the Boys in the Band had laid the course for the years to come. 

The Glenwood Academy was a school operated by the Norwegian Lutheran Synod from 1894-1911. A parochial school, it required religious instruction and was known for its categories of study, including normal school (teacher training), college preparatory course, and a commercial course. It was also widely known for its accomplished music program. Many of it instructors were instrumental in the evolution of the development of the music reputation of Pope County and specially Glenwood. There were as many as 120-140 students attending classed there in the winter. Spring and fall enrollments were maybe half that. Tuition? $1.00 per week! It was located on the knoll immediately west of the fairgrounds. Once where the Cliff Hanson home was, later the Ron Cochrans.              

Concerts by the Glenwood Boys were given in Starbuck, Lowry and Villard. By the summer of 1915, after much needed fundraising and effort, a wooden bandshell was built where presently the playground equipment is in the Park.  And by July a concert was given each week on Wednesday evenings. Fundraising such as concerts on the 2nd floor of the McCauley Opera house went on during the winter along with dances, ice cream socials, masquerade balls and carnivals. All helped raise funds for new structure. 

However, by the early 1920’s, the future of the band was in jeopardy….  In fact, the bandshell was sold by the City Council to the Pope County Fair Board for $300.00. It was then relocated inside the race track at the fairgrounds. It stood there for years at the finish line for horse racing and other activities.

Thus, reorganization efforts resurfaced and concerts were again held indoors at the Opera House. But this time the need for a new and appropriate band stand became more apparent. The mission became clearer. The band still preformed, even traveling to Browns Valley where they camped in tents only to have it rain the entire weekend. Now 1923, the H.S. Band had added a drum and bugle corps. Throughout the years many bands had come and gone. But they had attended county fairs, festivals, and encampments. Glenwood and Pope County were widely known and respected.            

Now was the time to solidify the program and with new leadership and community support, efforts were to be made, to insure a new movement bringing stability and continuity for it. 

In our next article we will go back and highlight the many names and Institutions of those that must be given credit for building this reputation and prowess. By 1923 and 24, two individuals will be noted that steadily and faithfully lived up to this new challenge. 

Again, we must give a special Thank you to the Pope County Tribune, KMGK and the staff at the Pope County Historical Society. Their support has been invaluable. But also, for all of you that have supported the many music booster clubs and have participated through the years in various music groups and organizations. So please mark Wednesday July 9, 2025 for the 100 year celebration of our present day Bandshell…. Please tell all you friends, classmates and family members as well.

–Written by Pope County Historical Society and Staff and Volunteers