Women have a strong history in Camden
By: Buzzy Bohn 03/01/2009
March is Women's History Month. This got me thinking about a few Camden women who have helped preserve the history of Camden and taught me a lot about our community's history. Did you know that amongst the over 500 WWI markers on the Victory Memorial Drive there is one woman? Nurse Florence Kimball's marker is near the corner of 43rd and York. I wouldn't have known this if it weren't for Ellen Nelson. When I became interested in learning about the history of the drive, Ellen was very helpful. Ellen has also been a great resource when I've been working on the history of Loring School. Ellen was on the PTA when her (now grown) children were students at Loring and shared old PTA records and memories with me. Even after all these years, Ellen still volunteers at Loring each week.
Another person who has added to my knowledge of Camden is Verna (Bohanon) Hodson. Verna's grandfather was the second white settler in Camden, having come one day after John Weir Dow. Verna was the organist at North United Methodist Church for 70 years and has been a vital part of maintaining the church's history. She has also been a vital part of the Camden Community Historical Society. She has given us a unique perspective. Verna, who grew up near 43rd and Emerson, attended the old Hamilton elementary school and was in the first class at Patrick Henry Junior High. At that time Henry was only one wing and had no gym or auditorium. Verna said her parents were concerned about her going to Henry because it was farther "out in the country." She graduated from North High School, which was the only high school in North Minneapolis then.
Of course, anyone who reads the Camden Community News knows the writings of Barb Bistodeau. Barb has spent years teaching us all about the history of our community. Although Barb moved away from Camden a few decades ago, she has continued to care about our community and makes sure we have a sense of the rich history of Camden. From time to time those of us from the Camden Community Historical Society need info or a fresh set of eyes to look at an old picture so we'll get hold of Barb. Sure enough, Barb will have some new insight for us.
Women's History Month would be a good time to talk to women in your life and ask them about their history and to ask women you know in the community to share their perspective on the history of Camden.
Editor's note: Interested in local history? The Camden Community Historical Society welcomes new members. Visit www.camdenhistyory.org. If you have a historical perspective about Camden send it to editor@camdenews.org
