History

Although we are known by our neighborhood name, Helm Farm won't be found as the name on any plat or deed. We are comprised of more than a dozen plats, with Putnam Heights furthest to the southern boundary, Isle View and Shaw Heights at the northern most boundary. We are primarly made up of early-1900s craftsman, tudor, and minimal traditional builds, with some newer modern builds.

The history of Israel M. Putnam and his platting of Putnam Heights is well known in 1907; however, most of Helm Farm is tied to the work of Isreal P. Shaw in his 1906 work. It is thanks to Mr. Shaw's efforts that our neighbors are able to Flower Garden Park, across Classen, as he deeded it to the city in perpetuity, in an effort to ensure public green spaces for all for generations to come.  

Helm Farm has been organized several times throughout the years. with former associations in 1997, 2007 and 2014, with Mary Alaoui, Vicki Broaddrick, and Kevin and Rachel Bundy working in those iterations. The Bundy's efforts brought the neighborhood into the digital age with a Facebook and Twitter account, and an e-newsletter in 2010. Thanks to the hard work of those who came before us, HFNA particpated in "Adopt-A-Park" through OKC Beautiful, and worked to help champion for the improvements made at Mann Elementary.

Our most recent Association was established in 2018. 

Each year since 2018 has been a testament to the neighbors who love this community as we see growth in participation annually, with the exception of 2020, which proved to be a challenge for most of the world. During this time two neighbors generously purchased a popcorn machine with hopes that outdoor "popcorn pop-ups" on porches across Helm Farm would serve as a socially distanced chance to know one another.

The neighborhood officially launched Bags & Brews in 2022 as a fundraiser for our street toppers to increase efforts of placemaking. The event was such a hit, it was made an annual event! This has become our largest acitvity of the year, growing to include hundreds and needing a street closure. 

Helm Farm's street toppers went up in October 2023, soldifying our community is worth knowing. 

As move foward into the future, one thing is certain- Helm Farm is a neighborhood for everyone, where nothing is impossible.