John and Catherine Vernia purchased this lot - including an older home that stood on the property - in July 1908 for $1,950. The Vernias had this home built immediately and were residing here by the time the 1909 New Albany City Directory was published. This home is very similar in design to 1002 East Elm, and the two were likely built by the same builder. Mr. Vernia was the founder of Vernia & Son Monuments, established in 1876 and located at 501 Pearl Street in New Albany. He was also a city councilman and owned many properties across the city. He passed away in September 1918 at the age of 72. His widow remained in the home with her daughter and son-in-law, Laura and Joseph Foley, until her death at age 81 in February 1933. The Foleys' daughter and her husband, Katherine and Eugene Fenger, came to live in the home shortly after the death of Mrs. Vernia. Mr. Fenger was an employee of the L & N Railroad for over fifty years. He passed away in December 1981. Mrs. Fenger continued living here until her death in 1985, ending over 75 years of residency by three generations of the Vernia family.