In the late 1940s, Lars and Anne Hylden bought this parcel of land on South Twin Lake. It was about 90 minutes to here from their home in Thief River Falls, and they were thrilled to own lake shore property.
Lars and Anne had 10 children, all of whom were grown by 1948, and they wanted a place that their ever expanding family could enjoy as a group. The current cabin was built within a year and quickly became the center of summertime family fun. At first, there was no running water. The older cousins remember pumping water outside for use in the kitchen, but later there was cold running water at the kitchen tap. All the cousins remember the WeeWee House, the outhouse at the back of the property that made for a scary walk if you had to use it in the middle of the night!
Although the Hyldens were never known as the best anglers on the lake, everyone loved to fish. As speed boats became more accessible, most everyone learned to water ski. And of course, swimming off the dock was a staple activity of every sunny day. Anne’s favorite spot was a large wooden swing that sat under the pines on the south side of the house. The gliding rocker in the porch is a tribute to her love of watching the sunsets.
By the 1960s, Lars and Anne had both passed away and their son Lloyd managed the cabin. Lloyd made sure that all 10 siblings and their families each got to use the cabin for one week in the summer. The family worked together to open the cabin Memorial Day weekend and close it down for the winter on Labor Day weekend.
Lloyd had a jolly laugh and a generous spirit. He was compassionate and kind, and led by example as he taught others to treat each other fairly. As children, we loved him because he was funny. His siblings looked up to him for his leadership. And even now, more than 40 years after he died, people around this lake still remember him fondly.
We have named this property in Lloyd’s honor, with the hope that everyone who stays here is infused with his happy and optimistic spirit.