29 Sep Early Days of McFarland, Sept 28-29, 2024
Early Days of McFarland took place on September 28-29, 2024 at the History Museum at 5814 Main Street.
Activities of the early settlers to the McFarland area were demonstrated for the enjoyment and education of families who were invited to participate. Apple pressing, corn shelling, ice cream making, butter churning, lefse making, wool spinning, logging and children’s games were featured. In the photo of 3 people standing behind a cider press: Gail Aaroen holds an old-fashioned game, Rosalie Richardson holds tools for making lefse and Dick Kohl holds a bucksaw to demonstrate activities of early McFarland settlers.
There was a special display honoring the indigenous peoples who lived in our area that is so rich in natural resources. The display was presented under the framework of long and narrow teepee poles. Many years ago, a Ho-Chunk village was located in the current Babcock Park area. This exhibit brought the past and present together with historic Ho-Chunk family photos and the current Land Acknowledgement agreement. Potawatomi native and McFarland resident Art Shegonee was dressed in historic regalia . Attendees were invited to take a photo standing next to him.
Other demonstrations included butter churning, corn shelling, wool spinning and ice-cream making. The group Alsmo Ramblers II played old-time songs, John Klang played his guitar, Ralph Kieffer and Jim Alamo played fiddle, and Betty Kalhagen played keyboard. The original Alsmo Ramblers got their start in the early 1950’s and our 2024 version of this talented group did not disappoint.
Madison’s Channel 3 news sent a crew of three to film us setting up on Friday at 6 am, the day before the event began. They can be seen in a photo with Art Shegonee below.
