MONROE — Older people who have lived in the Monroe area their whole lives may recall having seen in their parents’ or grandparents’ record collections some old 78 rpm recordings of Swiss folk music with the distinctive red label, “Helvetia-Record; Ferd. Ingold Import Co., Monroe, Wis.” on them. 

Now, almost 100 years after their production, the public is invited to attend a fascinating presentation about this historic Monroe-produced record label by Dr. Jim Leary, University of Wisconsin-Madison Emeritus Professor of Folklore and Scandinavian Studies and recent Grammy nominee, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 9 in the Grand Hall of the Turner Hall of Monroe.

Produced between 1920 and 1924 in Monroe by Swiss immigrant, Ferdinand Ingold (1860–1926), the Helvetia Record label issued only 36 titles featuring Swiss yodelers, instrumental groups and vocal quartets from Swiss communities in Wisconsin, New Jersey and Ohio. All but forgotten in the 21st century — difficult to find and scattered throughout the country — Leary tracked down and researched the original recordings of the entire Helvetia catalog.  

Working with Archeophone Records of Champaign, Illinois, a company that specializes in restoring acoustic recordings made before 1925, all 36 titles have been remastered and were released on a double-CD set last August. 

The set’s accompanying 60-page booklet written by Leary, richly illustrated with rare photos and offering extensive background on the label, performers and each track, including song translations, recently earned him a Grammy nomination in the program notes category. 

Titled “Alpine Dreaming,” the two-CD set, which includes the booklet, will be available for sale. Samples of all 36 Helvetia Record titles may be heard at archeophone.com/catalogue/alpine-dreaming/. A free-will donation will be accepted for Turner Hall’s Swiss Heritage Series.