Finally, after working towards the purchase of the historic Larson House for over 2 years, the McFarland Historical Society is the new owner!  See more information by selecting "Larson House" from the side menu.

MEMORIES OF MCFARLAND AVAILABLE FOR SALE

“Memories of McFarland” is a charming memoir about life in the Village of McFarland, Wisconsin, in the 1930’s and 1940’s.  This sixty page book is now for sale.  The author, Crystal (Carol) Helmke Lokken, returned to the home of her youth after living many years in Berkley, California, with her Lutheran pastor husband, raising a family, teaching art education, and traveling extensively. 

In her introduction, Crystal explains, “This little book is about my memories of growing up in McFarland, Wisconsin, which was then a little village of about 375 people..  I wrote this in response to a series of questions posed by Ron Larson of the McFarland Historical Society..”  Many early black and white photos are included. Readers, both young and more mature, who are interested in local history, will not want to miss this little gem.

Crystal begins by talking about her grandparents and how it happened that she, her sisters and mother came to live with them in the little country house on Main Street.  Grandpa Ole Nelson and his bride Mary Lyster were from a large group of Norwegian settlers from the Sogn area who came to America in the 1800’s to farm in Dane County, Wisconsin.

Mother Dorothy Nelson Helmke named her “Crystal” but some meddling relatives insisted that her mother change it to “Carol.”  Decades later, feisty Crystal changed it back again!  Crystal writes about her early years on the family farm, moving to the house on Main Street, school and teachers, attending church, seasonal activities, toys, sports, world events, businesses, the lakes, and the railroad depot.  She speaks simply as though through the eyes of a precocious little girl and by the time she shares some final thoughts with her “family,” you feel included as well.  The cost is only $8 with proceeds benefitting the historic Larson House.