Submitted Photo A 1937 Hohner accordion has been part of the region’s musical history.

At the Pioneer Village Museum we acquired a piece of music history this past year.

In our Samuelson House we have an addition with many working pieces of music memorabilia and that now includes a 1937 Hohner accordion. Like many things back in the day this accordion was purchased through a Montgomory Ward catalog and sent from St. Paul, Minnesota. It spent much of its life in Minnesota, but the family had ties to Stanley and was pleased to offer it to our collection.

Matthias Hohner founded his company in Germany in 1857, and Hohner harmonicas and accordions became a market leader. In 1901 Hohner offices were first opened in New York. Hohner instruments have strongly influenced the development of blues, folk music, jazz and classical music.

The company continues to develop and improve instruments today. The company also has kept records of each accordion sold since 1930, including shipping dates, destinations and the original owners.

Virgil Stone, of Austin, Minnesota, was the original owner, and after passing in 2011, the Hohner accordion became a part of the family of his son and wife, Jon and Milinda Stone.

A North Dakota connection came about with Milinda (Rambel) Stone, born and raised in Stanley. Virgil had uncles who played in local bands and he purchased this accordion in high school so he could join in.

Although Virgil went on to concentrate on other endeavors, when he did bring the accordion out he would drift off into another era, his son recalled. With the Rambels’ and Stones’ enjoyment of the Norsk Hostfest in Minot, it was common that a conversation would be brought up to talk about farming and accordions.

The Hohner accordion will be on display this summer and we encourage music lovers to check it out when visiting.