New Ulm Greenhouse Boys Band
Inducted in 1994
Otto Boock (1979- 1942), owner of the Sleepy Eye and New Ulm Greenhouses, conceived the idea that the organization of a boys’ band would be an excellent plan. He lent his efforts and to the organization of the New Ulm Greenhouse Boys Band, one of the leading musical groups in this part of the state during the 1930’s. Ewald Mertz Kuetster (1892-1964), a music lover and director of the Boys Band, taught piano and band instruments. His dream of organizing a boys band came true about 1931 when his brother-in-law, Otto Boock, offered to purchase uniforms for the boys. The boys’ ages ranged from seven on up. At one time, the band numbered a total of 102 musicians. The New Ulm Greenhouse Boys Band performed several times at the Minnesota State Fair as well as being one of the attractions at the Brown County Fair. They filled many engagements in area cities and communities. Each summer the band played open-air concerts in German Park in New Ulm.
