By Steve Nestor

Band Shell 100th 

Anniversary Committee

We have taken great time to detail the many individuals, groups and organizations that developed the significance of music in our everyday lives and communities. As far back as the earliest settlers, Pope County pioneers brought with them, from their “old Countries”, their traditions and music. Scandinavian and German heritages perhaps the most prominent in the area. Scotch, English, and Bohemian also contributed to the overall diversity. No matter what nationality you are, Music is part of your lifestyle and psyche.

From the Cornet Band of the 1870’s or the Merry Famer Boys, the Band Boys, Minnewaska Minstrels, the Greenland Band, or the Glenwood City Band, someone was responsible for organizing and providing a steady flow of musical entertainment to not only their local citizens, but to area festivals, competitions and audiences. We have noted some of the early directors and leaders. But there are two individuals who stand out, who’s efforts have stood the test of times. Their efforts are the topic of this article. They are Chester Kaldahl and Clara May Larson.

They both subscribed to the Glenwood Creed that was placed in the Glenwood Herald by an unknown Glenwood businessman. It goes: 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 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!

Chester Kaldahl was born Dec. 10, 1896. In 1915 he won the National Amateur Ski Jumping Championship. But what most remember him for his many years as a resort owner, Fair Hills, in Detroit Lakes, Mn. He was responsible for the music program direction both there and before that in Glenwood. His father had purchased Fair Hills and that’s what took him to D.L. But before that, he had established a thriving youth music department in Glenwood. By 1920 the consistency and stability of our City Band and its future were in jeopardy. Young Chester stepped forward and had already held several organizational efforts to rekindle interest in music in our youth. He had them outfitted with instruments and held concerts in various locations. By 1922 he was directing the Concert band in weekly outdoor performances in the City Park. Keep in mind, there was no bandstand then. Through that summer and also in 1923 they performed where ever they could. For 3 years he directed the Glenwood H.S. Music Dept. And by the winter of 1924-25, he started to publicly note the importance of the summer bad performances, especially in a resort community. Not only was it inexpensive for the local population, but, an attraction for those many visitors from neighboring cities and summer vacationers. He was responsible for some 20 summer events. He was instrumental in defining the importance of the City Band and was a key supporter of the drive to build the present day Bandshell. There were countless fundraising events to raise the $4,000.00 to construct our one of a kind area structure. We owe to him and his name a great deal of gratitude and respect. The Kaldahl name has and will always be known for their professionalism and dedication to Glenwood.    

His “Partner” was a true Glenwood patriot. Her name? Clara May Larson. May, as most called her, was born in Prairie du Chien, Wisc. in 1868. She and her husband Hans moved to Glenwood in 1896. Here they raised 4 boys and 2 girls. May had 1 boy and 1 girl by a prior marriage and lost a baby girl here in Glenwood. Why do I mention this? Well, I said she was “a true patriot”. And I will tell you why. Her son in Iowa and the 4 sons here in Glenwood were all enlisted and overseas and serving in World War I. Her father was a Civil War Vet, who passed away from lung disease from the War. Her ancestors go all the way back to the Revolutionary War. And she was proud of it. She carried the American Flag as part of the lead unit in the Memorial Day Parade down Minnesota Ave. A member of the DAR, daughters of the American Revolution and GAR, Grand Army of the Republic. May was a mainstay and officer of the VFW Auxiliary and with these organizations and her hard-working members put on one fundraiser after another. She was an outspoken proponent of the need and importance of a City Band and the need for a proper performing venue. She was a strong believer in America and that we should not forget those that have given so much for our blessings and freedom. Oh, by the way, May was the selected to be the main speaker at the Bandshell dedication ceremony in July of 1925. Her speech was entitled “The Value of a Good Band”. When introduced by Emcee ‘Cornie’ Wollan, he introduced her as “the Mother of the Glenwood Band”. 

The band had been forced to do indoor concerts to raise funds, outdoor events with no facility and the ordeal was taking its toll and time was not on their side. Meetings were held, committees were formed, but leadership through the years had come and gone. But May and Chester “tooted their horns” loud and clear and the effort went city wide.  Masquerades, Community Suppers, Carnivals, Entertainments, and Dances were held. Every “penny went towards the new bandstand”.  The Kiwanis Club, the American Legion, The Women’s Civic Club, the Oddfellows, the Literary Club, the Rebekhas, the Masons, the Firemen, “come one, come all”, it was a community wide effort and the $4,000.00 was raised. 

Through their leadership and dedication, one by one, more and more groups and individuals came on board. It was truly a citywide effort and success. It has been only rivaled in Glenwood’s history by the annual Waterama Celebration and the rebuilding of the Lakeside. And yet, they both owe their success to the many hundreds, even thousands that came over the years for the wonderful open-air concerts. For nearly 110 years, an evening concert was given every week for up to 15 weeks each summer.  

Yes, there are many who need to be acknowledged and we will note more of them in later articles, but Chester and May need to be placed on top of the list. Oh, by the way, all the Veterans called her “Ma” Larson for the time and efforts she spent with their families and the needs of returning vets.

More to come

Look for continuing articles in coming Pope County Tribune issues.

Please schedule your time and be part of the Wednesday July 9th, 2025- 100th Anniversary Celebration scheduled for this summer. Please tell your friends, relatives and former classmates about this community wide event.  

Thank you

The volunteer staff wants to thank the Pope County Tribune and staff for publishing these articles and for the wonderful and supportive staffs at the Pope County Historical Society, KMGK and the Glenwood Welcome Center. We would like to add our thanks to those who are joining in our effort. They now include Mr. Iverson, Ms.Polzin, The ‘Area Just for Kix’ staff and kids, Dan Winter, Mr. Rykus, Sunburg Fiddlers and several others that are considering. We are looking for sponsors. Those funds would be used to pay for concessions etc. And it that way the groups that sell them would keep the entire funds raised. Hand in hand, cooperation and unity.  See you July -9th!