The Skagit Historical Museum is hosting a unique exhibit about Hugo Helmer, a local man who made music and memories for local kids. Photo courtesy Skagit Historical Museum

The Skagit Historical Museum is hosting a unique exhibit about Hugo Helmer, a local man who made music and memories for local kids. Photo courtesy Skagit Historical Museum

Who was Hugo Helmer? New exhibit at Skagit Historical Museum strikes a local chord

Many folks who live in Skagit County know the name of Hugo Helmer because of Hugo Helmer Music. But who was the man behind the name?

The Skagit Historical Museum is hosting a unique exhibit about this local man who made music and memories for local kids.

From Sweden to Skagit

Hugo was known as a musician, but he was much more to those who had the fortune to learn to play the accordion from him.

In 1925, Hugo arrived from Sweden with his brother-in-law, Jack, to start a new life in the rapidly growing United States. Landing in New York, likely going through Ellis Island like so many before them, they immediately made their way out west to work as loggers. Why they went west remains a subject of speculation among family. Perhaps opportunity and adventure beckoned.

Jack’s sister, Gertrude, joined them the following year and she and Hugo were married and had two daughters, Carol-Anne and Lillian.

Hugo soon realized that what he really loved was music, particularly the accordion. He began to teach, and his joy was infectious. At one point, Hugo had more than 90 students.

On the move: Hugo Helmer’s band. Photo courtesy Skagit Historical Museum

On the move: Hugo Helmer’s band. Photo courtesy Skagit Historical Museum

Hitting the right notes: more than just a marching band

What does one do with a profusion of accordion players? Form a marching band, naturally! Established in the 1930s and the first of its kind in the US, Hugo Helmer’s Accordion Band became a fixture in parades across the Pacific Northwest.

As musicians, they were exceptional. “The average age of the players was 10,” says former student Selma Garberg Johnson.

Duane Bretvick recalls, “I can’t remember a time when we didn’t win money as a marching unit. Hugo would divide the prize money among the band, which usually amounted to $2 0r $3 dollars a person,” meaning the kids could go and have some fun!

Hugo had high standards and a big heart. Everyone was expected to practice, practice, practice. Uniforms were to be immaculate before the parade, and Hugo even kept a jar of white shoe polish on hand! A former student says that Hugo insisted that the band “look good together, be accurate together, be steady together, and stay together.”

Hugo’s high expectations taught self-esteem, self-respect, teamwork and accomplishment, and gave the kids great lasting memories. In the Second World War, money was tight, yet Hugo still got the kids up to Victoria and Vancouver in British Columbia, or to Seattle to march in the big parades. Those trips were “as much anticipated as if we were going to New York City,” remembers Selma.

It was about more than music: Hugo was in it for the kids. His big heart shone through in his ability to notice when someone was having a bad day, helping the kids by talking stuff through.

A man with vision

Hugo opened Hugo Helmer Music because his kids needed hard-to-get accordions. He was the first to bring TV to Skagit County in the 1940s, selling the units through his shop.

While Hugo may be gone, his legacy lives on in the music store, still run by family, but most importantly, in the many young lives he made better in tough times by giving them the gift of happy memories, a sense of accomplishment and the ability to find strength in themselves.

Check out the amazing life of Hugo Helmer and the legacy he left behind. Museum exhibit runs June to the end of the year. Temporary hours are Friday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

For map directions, click here. To learn more about the museum, check out the website.

The news and editorial staff of Sound Publishing, Inc. had no role in the preparation of this post. The views and opinions expressed in this sponsored post are those of the advertiser and do not reflect those of Sound Publishing, Inc.

Sound Publishing, Inc. does not accept liability for any loss or damages caused by the use of any products, nor do we endorse any products posted in our Marketplace.

More in Local Marketplace

Across their six vibrant senior living communities in the Puget Sound region, the GenCare team is flipping the script on aging. Courtesy GenCare
Live Fully. Age Fearlessly

What if aging wasn’t the end of the adventure for Puget Sound seniors – but the beginning?

m
Comcast Unveils Simpler, Predictable Internet Pricing—What It Means for Everett Residents

Comcast, Western Washington’s largest internet service provider, is rolling out a new… Continue reading

YMCA Early Learning takes a whole-child, whole-family approach, using a research-based curriculum.
New YMCA Early Learning Center coming to Marysville

Registration is open now for the YMCA of Snohomish County’s new center, opening in September

On June 3 Verdant Health Commission will celebrate the renaming of its Krueger Clinic building to the Langer Building in honor of former Verdant Commissioner Fred Langer. Courtesy Verdant Health Commission
Verdant Health Commission to host renaming celebration for the Langer Medical Building

In the summer of 2024, Verdant Health Commission started a $9-million interior… Continue reading

Practicing mindfulness has shown to reduce stress. Photo courtesy of Kaiser Permanente.
Everett Medical Center embraces Mental Health Awareness month this May

Integrating mindfulness into daily routines can support better mental health

“Everyone who believes in connection and growth is welcome,” says co-founder Wally Webster, President of The Access Project. Photo courtesy AALPN.
From lunch to legacy: The network redefining community for local leaders and professionals

AALPN: No dues, no pressure - just powerful conversations and a whole lot of purpose

“Our job is nothing short of helping kids have the best week of their life – to help them build memories to last a lifetime,” says Jeremy Gregersen, executive director of Camp Fire Snohomish County. Photo courtesy of Camp Fire.
Unplugging to reconnect: Camp Killoqua offers youth a screen-free summer of discovery

Camp Fire Snohomish County in Stanwood pairs outdoor adventure with personal growth

m
Xfinity Mobile Introduces New Premium Unlimited Plan with Enhanced Features

Xfinity Mobile has launched a new Premium Unlimited plan, offering gigabit speeds… Continue reading

While medication is key for many, Jonas emphasizes that daily routines also play a big role in managing allergy symptoms.Photo courtesy of Kaiser Permanente.
Breathe easier this spring: Everett physician shares tips for allergy season

April is Seasonal Allergy Awareness Month - know how to protect yourself before symptoms start

“Celebrating Pride is about making sure people who may not always feel seen know that they belong here,” says Amanda Munro, chair of the Snohomish Pride Committee. Photo courtesy of Historic Dowtown Snohomish.
Snohomish Pride builds community through celebration and inclusion

Weekend-long event spotlights queer artists, local makers, and a town-wide commitment to diversity

Dr. Gordon S. Nishimoto and Dr. Trevor Gatenby, from Proliance Northwest Foot and Ankle Specialists, provide comprehensive treatment for a wide range of conditions, including bunions, heel pain, arthritis, sports injuries and more.
Northwest Foot and Ankle Specialists joins Proliance Surgeons

Northwest Foot and Ankle Specialists has officially joined Proliance Surgeons, adopting the… Continue reading

Zach Jackson, CEO of Snohomish Health & Rehabilitation of Cascadia. Courtesy of Snohomish Health & Rehabilitation.
Snohomish rehab center launches specialized wound care program

Rehabilitation team augments recovery spaces with new program

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.