From the Archives - Feb. 8, 2024

According to This Week in History — 50 Years Ago — "A new supply of the 45 rpm record "Ballad of Two Miners," composed by Verna Hodgson, Bonners Ferry, and sung by Dale Miller, is now available at local stores."

Verna E. Pugh was born in Elmira, Washington, on March 14, 1909. She attended elementary schools in Spangle, Two Rivers, and Metaline Falls. She attended high school in Spokane, where she graduated in 1927. She received nursing training at St Luke’s Hospital, finishing in 1930. At that time, she moved to Bonners Ferry and went to work for Community Hospital. 

In 1932, Vern married Merl Hodgson. She left the hospital to raise her family. In 1960, she went back to work for Community Hospital and worked until her retirement in 1974. She moved to Ephrata, Wash., in 1977. Verna E. Hodgson passed away on March 24, 1978, in Ephrata. She is buried in Grandview Cemetery.

Verna was a member of the Idaho Grange, Fiddlers Association, and Nurses Association. She was a very talented artist and composer with many published works. Verna composed “The Idaho Waltz” in 1970; sheet music and 45 records were produced. Verna wrote the “Ballad of 2 Miners” which was sung by Dale Francis Miller (Feb. 22, 1935 - Jan. 13, 2011) from Priest River, Idaho (also a 45 record). Dale also sang Verna’s song “Hobo-Joe.”

Reminder: Fiber Fest is being held at the museum on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be demonstrations throughout the day. See the museum's website or Facebook page for more information.

The Boundary County Historical Society and Museum, 7229 Main St., Bonners Ferry, Idaho, sponsors this column. 

Visit the museum Thursday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or visit the museum's website at boundarycountymuseum.org or its Facebook page for historical photos and stories, and to see upcoming events. The museum can be reached at doyouremember@meadowcrk.com or by telephone at 208-267-7720. Thank you for your continued support.