WESTERN COLORADO CHAPTER OF TERRITORIAL DAUGHTERS OF COLORADO

Organized July 17, 1980 in Grand Junction, Colorado

 

 

 

Organizing a Chapter of Territorial Daughters in Western Colorado had been discussed on several occasions. When word was received about, "saving the Old Red Cross Ranch in Grand Junction", it seemed like the perfect time for a new chapter. President, Freda Slack, brought the Cross-Preservation Project to the attention of the Territorial Daughters of Colorado, in Denver. John Brumgardt, Director of the Museum of Western Colorado, was invited to the Annual Birthday Luncheon of Territorial Daughters in Denver. Here he explained the project, noting the Museum had one year to generate enough funds to purchase the property for a Living History Farm. The landmark barn-packing shed was situated on 4.5 acres, some of which was Apple Orchard. At this time Mr. Brumgardt emphasized, the Workers Bunkhouse would be part of the restoration project.

On May 2, 1980 members from Denver traveled to Grand Junction for a meeting with members and prospective members in Western Colorado. By the end of the day, a new Chapter was formed. Julia Harris was appointed Chairman of the Organizing Committee, with Margaret Farrar and Melba Schmidt to assist. The first meeting was scheduled for May 16, 1980, at the Museum of Western Colorado. John Brumgardt generously offered the new chapter a meeting place for that and future meetings. After much discussion, The Western Colorado Chapter of Territorial Daughters of Colorado was chosen as the name of the new group. Officers were nominated and a meeting day was chosen for the new organization.

On July 17, 1980, Peggy Heffner, of Denver, installed Julia Harris as first President of the new Western Colorado Chapter. Margaret Farrar 1st VP, Alvera Burgman 2nd VP, Myrtle Anne Waite Secretary and Virginia Harvey Treasurer. Julia appointed Betty Haupt as Historian, Florence Johnson Courtesy Chairman, Donna Young Publicity Chairman, and Anamae Richmond Parliamentarian. Many Board Meetings were held at Julia’s house, where we worked together to get all the details worked out. Myrtle Waite was chairman of writing by-laws for the new Chapter.

We have always been grateful for the help received from the TDC in Denver, both during the organizing process and the years that followed. Denver always handled the printing needs of the entire organization until the reorganization in 1986.

On November 18, 1980, Melba Schmidt hosted the first Philanthropic Tea. It was confirmed that the Territorial Daughters would fund the furnishing of the Workers Bunkhouse, at Cross Orchard Living History Farm. Parthena Evans, of the TDC Foundation, presented a check for $1000, to Julia Harris, to begin the project. Freda Slack presented a beautiful, Presidents pin, to Julia, to be worn by her and all future Presidents.

The members of the Western Chapter worked at various fund raising events to generate money for the Bunkhouse Project. In the meantime, work was being done on the Bunkhouse to get it ready for furnishings.

The Western Colorado Chapter places Colorado History Books in local libraries in memory of deceased members, also gives monetary donations to local historical societies and museums interested in preserving Colorado history. The chapter meets monthly, February thru November. New members are always welcome to join.

PROJECTS

 

 In February 1985, George Woolsey Jr. notified the Chapter that the Bunkhouse was ready to furnish. The building was totally empty, in need of stoves, bunkbeds, cupboards, drawers, tables, chairs, cookware, dishes and any useful item that would have been needed in 1907-1914. It was amazing how fast all this came together. The money that had been donated was used to purchase three stoves and an icebox. Our members donated quilts, pots and pans, stone jars, lamps, towel racks, pictures, irons, tables, butter churn, rocking chair, blanket box, trunk and other small items to numerous to mention. Some of the furniture had to be refinished before it could be used. Curtains had to be made and painting had to be done. This was truly a labor of love for several of our members.

Alice Wolfe along with her husband Allen built all the bunkbeds, large dining table, kitchen sink counter, pantry shelves, drawers and counter top. This was an example of how devoted they were to the project. As a reward for his service, Allen was declared an honorary member of Territorial Daughters of Colorado.

On May 25, 1985 a Grand Opening Ceremony was held at the Bunkhouse. We encircled the building with a red ribbon, which was cut by the Territorial Daughters. The Territorial Daughters of Colorado Foundation donated another $1000. The doors were opened and the public began enjoying the newly furnished Bunkhouse. Four of our chapter members dressed in the Cross Orchard costumes and began cooking on the wood stove.

Now that the Bunkhouse was furnished, George wanted cooks on a regular basis. These four ladies each took a day to volunteer, so when visitors came through, the Bunkhouse would smell good from something cooking. The schools started booking tours so lots of cookies had to be baked. Each child was given a cookie that had been baked in the wood stove. Also they enjoy the apples that are peeled on an apple peeler in the kitchen. After bringing all the treats from home the first year, the ladies decided to donate enough money each year to purchase staples for the kitchen. This money is generated through ticket sales for items that are raffled plus sale of crafts, baked goods, apple butter and plants sold at the Apple Jubilee held yearly in October. This way there would be ongoing support for the Bunkhouse.

On June 24, 1995 The Territorial Daughters of Colorado were honored with a lovely brunch at the Bunkhouse. George Woolsey, Site Manager, unveiled a plaque honoring the Western Colorado Chapter for all the continued support given to the Cross Orchard Historic Site. The following message is inscribed on the plaque: "Immediately following their Chapters organization in 1980, members of the Western Colorado Chapter of Territorial Daughters of Colorado established an active leadership role in the community-wide challenge to save and preserve the historic Cross Ranch. Since that time, their support has remained constant and invaluable to the daily operation of the Cross Orchards Historic Site." Their original Commitment to " Perpetuating the memories and traditions of the pioneers who laid the foundation for the State of Colorado" through interpretation of the Worker's Bunkhouse has laid the groundwork for present and future generations' enjoyment of our region's rich heritage.

The Western Colorado Chapter has placed Colorado History Books in local libraries in memory of deceased members. Several of these books have been placed in the library of The Museum of Western Colorado. Five Hundred dollars was donated to The Ouray County Historical Museum in Ouray, Colorado. This money was used to help purchase a new furnace for the building. Five Hundred dollars was donated to the Historical Railroad Depot Museum in Montrose, Colorado. This money was used to help pay for a new roof on the depot. Other smaller donations have been made to Historical Societies in Aspen, Paonia, Cedaredge, Silt, Fruita and Grand Junction to name a few. 

A park bench was placed in Two Rivers Park in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. While seated on the bench, one can view the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers. The Western Colorado Chapter of Territorial Daughters of Colorado also purchased two bricks, which were placed in the sidewalk in front of the Avalon Theatre on Historic Main Street in Grand Junction, Colorado.

The Western Colorado Chapter actively participates in various fundraisers, such as selling chances on a quilt, afghan or other craft item, in order to generate funds for preservation projects. On occasion members are asked to participate in a bakeless bake sale, when additional funds are needed.

In 1997, Western Chapter members helped to publish the, "Cross Times Cookin" cookbook, commemorating the 100th anniversary, of the Museum of Western Colorado's, Cross Orchards Historic Farm. The Territorial Daughters of Colorado is featured in the book, which includes a section of their favorite family recipes.

Presently the Western Chapter is making plans to improve the landscaping around the bunkhouse at Cross Orchards. Anyone interested in membership in the Western Colorado Chapter, or to obtain more information, we welcome your interest.

President: [email protected] Membership Chairman: [email protected]

 

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