GREELEY CENTENNIAL CHAPTER
Territorial Daughters of Colorado
Organized March 20, 1976, in
Greeley, Colorado
The Greeley Centennial Chapter
of Territorial Daughters of Colorado was organized, March 20, 1976, in Greeley,
Colorado. The name, Centennial Chapter, was chosen to commemorate the Colorado
Centennial year. Twenty-one officers and members of Territorial Daughters of
Colorado, were guests of the Greeley chapter, at the officer installation
luncheon held July 17, 1976. Mrs. Norris A. Miles, organizational chairman,
presided. Kay McElroy was installed as the first President followed by Mrs.
Joseph Schuler, Vice-President, Mrs. James Dewey, Secretary, and Mrs. William
Monk, Treasurer. Mrs. Marion B. Geick, past President, presented the charter
for the Greeley chapter. Mrs. T.J. Morgan, Territorial Daughters of Colorado,
President, presented the United States and State of Colorado flags to the new
chapter. A handcrafted gavel, made by John Cowie, was presented to Kay McElroy.
Phylabe Houston, co-chairman of the Greeley project committee, reported on
projects under consideration.
The purpose of the
Greeley Centennial Chapter has been to record and perpetuate the memories and
traditions of Colorado's earliest pioneers who laid the foundation for this
great state. The chapter has placed markers at various locations determined to
be of historical interest, for the purpose of preserving a part of pioneer
history.
The chapter meets six times a
year. Some of the activities have included presentations of member's family
histories and touring historical homes throughout the state. Exemplary meeting
programs have included "Early Churches of Greeley," a presentation on
techniques for preserving family history and lineage, and a program on "
Prehistoric Life in Weld County".
Once every four years the Greeley Centennial Chapter hosts the State Meeting of
Territorial Daughters of Colorado.
FORT LUPTON PROJECT
On June 13, 1926, Territorial
Daughters of Colorado unveiled a stone marker at the site of Old Fort Lupton.
The granite tablet reads "This Tablet, erected to mark the original site
of Fort Lupton, by the Territorial Daughters of Colorado". An ornate iron
fence surrounded the tablet.
As years went by, with all of
the farming and industrial use of the area, the tablet has been moved several
times and the original iron fence has been disposed of. In 1988 the South
Platte Valley Historical Society was incorporated, with their goal to be a 55
acre living history park, which would include rebuilding historic Fort Lupton.
On June 14, 1997 the Greeley
Centennial Chapter hosted the state meeting of Territorial Daughters of
Colorado. Genevieve La Blanc, member of the Greeley chapter and South Platte
Valley Historical Society, presented a proposal to the Territorial Daughters
membership, asking for consideration of replacing the stone marker and wrought
iron fence, at the site of Old Fort Lupton. The board of directors decided it
was a worthwhile project to be funded equally by each of the four chapters. On
June 19, 1999, the Territorial Daughters of Colorado commissioned Lee Gagne
Blacksmith-Artist, from Grand Junction, Colorado, to create a replica of the
original iron fence. Lee has had old pictures (some not so clear) to use as his
guide. The fence will be six foot square with ornate corner posts. Lee has
displayed a sample, of how the fence will look, at several events, receiving
best of show and numerous ribbons for his artistry. After months of planning,
bidding and building, the fence was ready to install.
On June 16, 2001, 75 years
after the original fence was dedicated, Territorial Daughters of Colorado
rededicated the stone marker and new fence at the site of Old Fort Lupton.
Several members of the Greeley Centennial chapter were dressed in 1920's
clothing. Hattie McCoy, in her 1920's dress and hat, read part of the original
dedication to those assembled. Members of the South Platte Valley Historical
Society were present as was the Mayor of Fort Lupton. Mr. Lee Gagne was
presented with a plaque in recognition of his artistry and craftsmanship in
replicating the original fence. Mr. Gagne stated there were 936 handmade
pieces, which took 39,000 strikes of the hammer to create. Those in attendance
were impressed with the day's achievements. Bill Crowley of the South Platte
Valley Historical Society, stated the new fence would be taken better care of
than the original one was.
Since the dedication of the
fence, the Greeley Centennial Chapter has donated two flagpoles, which fly the
United States and Colorado State flags, near the stone marker. Colorado
Representative Cloer and U.S. Representative Joel Hefley donated the flags.
Anyone interested in membership in the Greeley Centennial Chapter, or to obtain more information email [email protected] or [email protected]
Territorial Daughters of Colorado Southern Colorado Chapter
Western Colorado Chapter Denver Chapter