From the Archives — Nov. 19, 2020
The curtains Johanne Hovemoen wove to hang in the Svendsbye home on Ash Street were given to the Boundary County Museum by her daughter, Josephine Poindexter.
(Photo courtesy BOUNDARY COUNTY MUSEUM)
Johanne Hovemoen was born in Norway in 1890. She went to weaving school before coming to America in 1910. She married Elling Svendsbye in 1914. They worked their farm in North Dakota through the depression and drought until 1935. The Svensbyes moved to Bonners Ferry in 1936; and purchased a house on Ash Street.
Johanne received many prizes for her canning and handiwork at the county fair. During World War II, she taught many teachers and local women to knit sweaters for the soldiers. Johanne so enjoyed working her loom. It was said, “She can weave anything.”
These are the curtains Johanne wove to hang in the Svendsbye home on Ash Street. They were given to the Boundary County Museum by her daughter, Josephine Poindexter.
Although the museum remains closed, you can still purchase the 2021 Historical Calendar for $5. Call the museum to arrange a pickup time, or send your request though an e-mail or the Facebook page. If you wish to have one mailed to you, send $5 for the calendar and $5 for shipping to P.O. Box 808, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805. Calendars are also being sold at Boundary Tractor. Thank you for your continued support!
Your Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main, Bonners Ferry, Idaho, sponsors this column.
Visit the website at www.boundarycountymuseum.org or the Museum’s Facebook Page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. Or we can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or telephone 208-267-7720.