Feature photo: L to R; Daughter Bonnie with Myron and Jenneice Sommerfeld.

VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) Myron Sommerfeld conducted a dedication of a tree he and his family planted in City Park to honor Peggy Lee’s 100th birthday which was on May 26th of 2020.

The American Elm is resistant to Dutch Elm disease that has deforested our Elm trees for decades. It was planted in a spot where, when it is grown, it will provide needed shade for the audience during Music in the City Park Band Shell.

Sommerfeld said the best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago. The next best time is TODAY! The person who plants trees now, knows they will never sit in its full grown shade. But, it’s a gift for future generations tomorrow.

The first “Peggy Lee Day” was held June 17th of 2022 in Valley City. The third Friday in June will annually honor her legacy and contribution to the music industry during her more than 70 year career.

A Peggy Lee mural is now on the north wall of the historic Rudolf Hotel, completed by artist Bill Cochran of Bridgetown Imprints. He was hired by the Bridges Arts Council to paint the mural honoring Peggy Lee, the hotel is the former site of KOVC Radio where she began her professional singing career back in 1936.

Don’t forget to visit the Peggy Lee Museum located in Wimbledon, ND in the Midland Continental Depot Transportation Museum. To set up an appointment to visit the museum, call Carol at 701-320-1020 or visit the museum Thursday’s, Friday’s, or Saturday’s from 1pm to 4pm now through Labor Day.