VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Barnes County Historical Society Lecture Series Season 24 Presents:  Gail Pederson: “Midcentury Farm Life in Barnes County, An 8mm Film by Peggy Pederson” 7PM Thursday, April 17th at the Barnes County Museum. (315 Central Ave N. Valley City, ND)

Gail Pederson will provide a unique look at life in Valley City and in particular Marsh Township, south of Valley City, through Super 8 film compilations created by Peggy Pederson. Peggy was her husband Dennis’ Aunt. She was born in 1916 and died in 1979. The timeline is from the 1950s and 60s. The film is set to music and is 38 minutes long. Peggy was affected at an early age by polio and Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. She found a passion for art and photography and her parents, Carl A. and Elna (Haugaard) Pederson allowed her to nurture that. The family farmed west of King School while Peggy was growing up. This film was converted by her nephew, Larry Pederson to VHS. It was preserved on YouTube by Gail’s son Blaine a few years ago. Larry continues to live on one of the farms that is featured in the film. The other farm and family featured is William and Jean Miller’s family farm, which would be Peggy’s older sister. It is still in the Miller family, also. Leonard Miller and Maxine Miller are featured sharing their farm fun. They were the oldest Pederson cousins. Most of Peggy’s nieces and nephews were recipients of her photography and each had an oil painting portrait of themselves, which are treasured now.

Gail Pederson is a lifelong resident of Valley City. She and her husband Dennis reside on the family farm, south of Valley City, in Marsh Township. Dennis’ father is a brother to Peggy Pederson, the creator of the film. They have 3 grown sons and 7 grandchildren. Gail has been an RN for 45 years, currently working for the Sisters of Mary of the Presentation as their primary nurse. The Pederson’s own Pederson Pottery, where they offer classes and group events painting bisque ware, fine art, and functional hand-thrown pottery.

All Lectures are at the Barnes County Historical Society Museum and held in conjunction with Valley City State University.  They are free and open to the public.