The 7th in a series of historic stories commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Glenwood Bandshell

A man who came to Glenwood as a young man, born in 1878 and raised in Blue Mounds Township, Julius Haugen passed away in April of 1947. His funeral was held at Glenwood Lutheran and is said to have been the largest funeral ever held in Glenwood. A man who was born and raised on his parents farm until 1898. They were Norwegian immigrants who came to America in the late 1860’s. Julius then worked 9 months before being paid as an office worker for the Northern Pacific Railway in Starbuck, and after 13 years with the NP, in 1911 he was hired as an Asst. Cashier for the Glenwood State Bank. 

His death notice noted that “the old and the young were his friends and came to him for guidance and advice… and no matter how busy, he was there to share joys and sorrows with his friends.”  He had received his early education in a rural school and later the Glenwood Academy. Julius worked for the NP Railroad and was paid on average $40.00 per month. He paid $12.50 per month for rent. His hobby at that time and for the rest of his life was, as he noted in his autobiography, music.

He was always active in business, musical and community affairs and held membership in many organizations, county-wide as well as in Glenwood. Here are just a few, Charter member of the Glenwood Concert Band and the Pope County Symphony Orchestra. Also, a charter member of the Little Symphony Orchestra, the Old Time Fiddlers, and he and four others formed “The Hungry Five,” and was a member of the Lakeview Band. Quite a hobby indeed! 

As for civic groups, he was for many years, the treasurer of the Pope County Chapter of the American Red Cross, a position he held until the time of his passing. He was active in bond drives during the 1st and 2nd World Wars. And, add these to the list: Hospital Advisory Board, Glenwood School Board, Pope County Fair Board, Minnesota Agricultural Bankers Assoc. Trustee Glenwood Lutheran, Kiwanis Club, Glenwood Golf and Ski Clubs, Chamber of Commerce, and the Local Mason Lodge. And oh, by the way, he became the President of the Glenwood State Bank in 1936 and served in that position until he resigned due to poor health in March of 1947.  

Julius Haugen was one of the true believers in the importance of music in our community and strongly supported the efforts to re-organize and was instrumental in the conception of the idea to build a new band stand in the park.

It is to individuals like Julius Haugen and former citizens of “our Community” that we will honor and celebrate this coming July 9th, when we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Glenwood Bandshell in the City Park.

There are so many, but we hope to highlight those that stood “tall” and because of their support, both financially and with their expertise, but more importantly, with their sweat, dedication and willingness to see the “idea” become a reality. 

Please set Wednesday- July 9th aside and join us for a once in a lifetime event- the 100-year Anniversary of our beloved, sometimes taken for granted, City Bandshell. Our next article will also list some of the celebration’s activities, guests, volunteers and basic program.

–The All Volunteer 2025 – 100 Year Bandshell Anniversary Committee