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 Marketplace

a
Neotonics Skin & Gut Essential Probiotic Gummies Review: Here is What Customers are Saying!

Drastic changes in the modern lifestyle have caused a significant impact on… Continue reading

m
Best Dissertation Writing Services: A Comprehensive Guide to the 7 Leading Platforms for Quality Research Assistance

Navigating college, particularly at the postgraduate level, can be challenging. With over… Continue reading

m
Alpha 2.0 Test Driver Reviews – Is Performancex Alpha Test Driver Testosterone Booster Legit or Scam?

Erectile dysfunction is a condition affecting many men worldwide. A study published… Continue reading

Best CBD Oil UK – Top Rated Products (2023 Review)

CBD oil is among the most popular wellness trends in the USA,… Continue reading

m
TOP Essay Writing Services: CustomWritings Became The Best

Get the grades you deserve with these top 6 essay writing services… Continue reading

1
Psychic Readings Online: Discover The Best Live Psychic Chat Reading Service [Free Promo]

Are you looking for guidance, clarity, or insights into where your life… Continue reading

image
Best Dream Interpretation Websites That Work

Humans have always wondered what their dreams were trying to tell them.… Continue reading

main image
7 Best Love Psychic Readings Online: Most Accurate Love Readings And Relationship Predictions

7 Best Love Psychic Readings Online And Love Fortune Readings Love psychic… Continue reading

m
High-Quality THCa Flower for Sale – The Closest Thing to Marijuana!

As consumers enjoy more freedom to use cannabis - even in states… Continue reading

Best THC Edibles – What Are They and Where Can I Buy Them?

A quick read on what to know about THC edibles before you… Continue reading

image1
Legal Delta-9 THC Gummies – Where Can You Buy Them?

New loophole makes delta-9 THC gummies legal. Where to buy them and… Continue reading

m
Delta-9 THC Gummies – Are They Legal In Your State?

Find out if delta-9 THC gummies are legal in your state. This… Continue reading

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.