Petric cited the folklorist the late Guthrie T. Meade as having identified the waltz as "The Happy Home, No.1," by "Julien," published in 1850. American Memory includes "The Happy Home Waltz," by J. C. Beckel, published in 1850 by Andrews, Philadelphia. Whether or not this is the composition Meade had in mind, the first five measures do bear a resemblance to the tune of "Down in the Valley."

The article appeared in Fall 2003 issue of "Sing Out!"