August 16, 2003 - Living Legends, Honoring our Living Past Presidents of CFRW

Living Legends

Honoring Our Living Past Presidents of CFRW

State Convention at Durango on August 16, 2003

Betty M. Chronic

CFRW Historian

Living legends are those people who have had a lasting effect on others. Tonight we honor CFRW living legends, our past presidents who are still with us. Sometimes only from a distance as they've moved on.

1.   Betty Higby, Colorado Springs. 1957 - 58. Betty is sophisticated, organized and was president during the Rush to the Rockies centennial, hence the First Ladies Centennial Doll project. She was later State GOP Vice Chairman and Director of the US Mint in Denver. WE also know her as John Love's mentor. Very smart politician!

2.   Middy Haver Divelbiss, Pueblo 1968 - 69. Middy is tall, quiet and effective. The club chronicle project for recording club histories was adopted. CFRW rented space at GOP State Headquarters. Membership was 4,508 in 60 unit clubs. Middy now lives in Colorado Springs. Her laugh and work with the arts are fondly remembered.

3.   Judy LaMora Hughes, Colorado Springs 1974 - 75. Tiny, super charged, and mischievous, she knew how to organize and gain recognition for CFRW. The first Day at the Legislature was held and a special committee for Women in Government (WIG) was formed. CFRW made contributions to NFRW, State GOP, and College Republicans. Judy served as NFRW President and became the 3rd Coloradoan to be NFRW president. She also served in the first Bush administration and is now living in Austin, Texas.

4.   Virginia Sweigert, Grand Junction 1979 - 81.  Taking over as President upon the death of Mary Lane, Virginia served as President while suffering lung cancer. Her determination and courage helped her recover. CFRW developed a slide presentation and approved a logo for CFRW. CFRW hosted the NFRW convention in 1980. We believe she now lives in Florida.

5.   Jeannine Lincoln, Parker 1982 - 85. Jeannine is a striking presence with a strong sense of history and process. Her two terms saw congressional reapportionment, a state wide polling project, sponsorship of TARS, and creation of a CFRW pin, Jennine was a strong presence in NFRW and later wrote an updated CFRW history for our 50th anniversary. The first CFRW Handbook was printed as was the first CFRW platform. CFRW raised money for the Ruth Stockton stained glass window in the State Senate at the Capitol.

6.   Judy Broadway, Englewood 1986 - 87. With a delightful southern accent, Judy kept CFRW moving. A historical calendar was printed. Jeannine's updated CFRW history was published as CFRW celebrated it's 50th year. CFRW scholarships and campaign activities were a focus. CFRW was one of the first 5 states to send our membership on computer to NFRW.

7.   R.J. Doria, Colorado Springs 1988 - 89. RJ was the first Colorado member to attend the NFRW polling school and she used that training when she became president to help us become more effective in campaigns. CFRW held its first fundraising dinner before the state assembly with Jeanne Kirkpatrick as our honoree.  We are told R.J. now resides in Salt Lake City.

8.   Jacque Stafford, Grand Junction 1992 - 93. Blond and smooth spoken, her exterior hid a sharp political mind with a little audacity thrown in. We took over the Governor's Mansion for a fund raiser with a Democrat governor in residence. We celebrated 100 years of Women's Suffrage and created the Roamin Romer project to expose his varied political stances as he traveled the state.

9.   Judi Rupp, Canon City 1994 - 95. Judi's smile lights up a room, demonstrating her warm and inclusive nature. But organized and astute she is. CFRW celebrated the 100th anniversary of women voting in Colorado and election of the first three Republican women at the legislature (House). Judi worked effectively at campaigning and in fostering unity between the party and the federation.

10.  Carol Singer, Aurora 1996 - 97. CFRW was having a financial crisis because of increased costs of printing so printing of Tusk Talk had to be suspended. Carol is a business woman and put that knowledge to work, keeping CFRW solvent. CFRW held a birthday luncheon for Linda Campbell, held the No Ball Ball fundraiser, a raffle to choose a king with deputy Treasurer David Solin winning. We stayed solvent.

11.  Gaye Scherz, Loveland 1998 - 99. Another southern accent with ambition and a desire to serve CFRW. Gaye lost her husband and carried out her responsibilities for CFRW with strength and dignity. Norma Anderson became the first woman majority leader in the House. A Fundraiser of collecting pennies was initiated. A CFRW video was produced and 85,650 hours of campaign activity were provided by our members.

12.  Carole Brown, Glenwood Springs 2000-2001. Carole has spent her life involved in politics. She understands the importance of a national federation and brought CFRW clear information on national politics. The new community service project "Welfare to Work" was begun. Membership increased to over 2,000 again.

Centennial Doll Report

The Republican Women's Doll Collection continues to be the most popular exhibit in the State Capitol. Our brief bulletin, prepared by Edie Carroll and distributed by the Tour Guides to visitors, explains the history of this collection.

This past spring we were delighted to be contacted by Pat Hoffman, who identified herself as the granddaughter of Governor and Mrs. Albert McIntyre (1895-1897). In turn, her granddaughter had viewed our exhibit with her schoolmates and expressed dismay that the doll representing her great-great-grandmother was not dressed as she had always believed she should be. Mrs. Hoffman then offered to dress a doll in as accurate a gown as she could make. The result was a beautifully dressed doll representing Mrs. McIntyre.

Mrs. Jeannine Lincoln accepted the lovely doll for the CFRW in a small ceremony attended by Mrs. Hoffman, her daughter, four granddaughters, Paula Lincoln and Jerry Millie. The group then attended a luncheon for Mrs. Hoffman at the Broadway Grill.

Publicity for this event appeared in the Trumpet and the Colorado Statesman.

Jerry Millie
Chairman, Centennial Dolls
(no date)

What happened to the doll collection and where it is now.

In a letter dated December 9, 1994, Betty Chronic, Vice Chair of the Capitol Advisory Committee (also Historian for CFRW) transmitted a letter to CFRW President Judi Rupp informing her the committee had just been advised the federal law required the removal of all non-confirming displays from the Capitol, including the display cases holding the collection of First Lady dolls. Fortunately President Rupp was able to supply the appropriate documentation providing proof of ownership and the dolls would stay in the possession of CFRW.




In his Rocky Mountain News column of November 30, 1994, Peter Blake writes about the eviction of the dolls from the capitol building.

(click to enlarge article)

Again, Peter Blake of the Rocky Mountain News describes last minute efforts to save the First Lady dolls at the statehouse. January 16, 1995.

Today, in 2011, the "Rush To The Rockies" Centennial Doll Collection, whose name has changed over the years to The Mary Bevard Centennial Doll Collection, in honor of Mary who devoted hundreds of hours and dollars to the care of the collection resides at the Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys, 1880 Gaylord Street in Denver, Colorado.

Photographs of the "Rush to the Rockies" Centennial Dolls

Mrs. Martha Stuart from Pueblo admires the First Lady Dolls (l to r) Mrs. Johnson, Mrs. Talbot, Mrs. Orman and Mrs. Adams. This picture is undated.

(click on pictures to enlarge)

First Ladies of Colorado --  All of the 35 wives of the Governors of Colorado are represented in the doll display, a project of the State Federation. Mrs. Peter Gibson, NFRW President; Mrs. Don Higby, Colorado Springs, past President of the Colorado Federation, and Mrs. Edith Mattoon, President of the Women's Republican Club of Denver and Chairman of the doll project, look at the display.

(Printed in the Washington Newsletter, published by the National Federation of Republican Women, June 1959)

Click on the article to enlarge

"Rush To The Rockies" doll project of the Colorado Federaton of Republican Women, is in recognition of the state's Centennial Year. Each doll is authentically dressed for the wife of a Governor. Project chairman, Mrs. Edith Mattoon, President of the Women's Republican Club of Denver, shows some of the display to Mrs. J.B. Parks, Pueblo, NFRW 3rd Vice President (later to become President of NFRW).

(Printed in the Washington Newsletter, published by the National Federation of Republican Women, June 1959, however the description was incorrect. The dolls were made for the Rush to the Rockies centennial 1859 to 1959, not the state's centennial which would have been 1876 - 1976).

Mary Bevard, 75, holds a doll representing first lady Bea Romer in her garage in Westminster. Thirty-nine dolls now reside in boxes there since being evicted from a capitol display case that did not meet federal viewing standards. Bevard has kept track of the collection for 15 years.

(Printed in the Rocky Mountain News, Friday, January 27, 1995.)

(click on pictures to enlarge)

This case at the Colorado Capitol building holds the earliest 19 dolls 

The second case at the Colorado Capitol building holds the remaining 20 dolls

The First Lady dolls enjoy a visit to a CFRW Board of Directors meeting in 1995.

 Historian Betty Chronic with Mary Bevard who dressed and cared for the dolls for more than15 years before they were placed in the Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls and Toys.

Who Dressed the "Rush to the Rockies" Centennial Dolls

1.  Mrs. Julia Pratte Gilpin, 1861-62, Gov. William Gilpin; copy of era gown: pale green brocade with lace trim. Sponsor - Larimer County WRC

2.  Mrs. Margaret Gray Evans, 1862-65, Gov. John Evans; copy of era gown: brown iridescent moire silk with black velvet trim. Sponsor - Helen Bell WRC

3.  Mrs. Sarah Cummings, 1865-1867, Gov. Alexander Cummings; copy of era gown: brown satin with brown fur trim. Sponsor - Douglas County WRC

4.  Mrs. Elen Kellogg Hunt, 1867-1869, Gov. A. Cameron Hunt; copy of era gown: red silk with black velvet trim. Sponsor - Clear Creek WRC

5.  Mrs. Edward McCook, 1869-1873, Gov. Edward McCook; copy of era gown: white satin brocade with white satin net and blue ribbon trim. Sponsor - El Paso County WRC

6.  Mrs. Josephine Evans Elbert, 1873-1874, Gov. Samuel H. Elbert; copy of era gown: dark green taffeta with black velvet trim. Sponsor - Yuma County WRC

7.  Mrs. Eliza Pickrell Routt, 1875--1879, 1891-1893, Gov. John L. Routt; copy of era gown: black and beige figured silk with black velvet jacket and black net trim. Sponsor - Otero County WRC

8.  Mrs. Fidelia James Pitkin, 1879-1883, Gov. Frederick W. Pitkin; copy of original gown: blue satin with black lace and fringe trim. Sponsor - Martha Washington WRC
9. Mrs. Mary Goodell Grant, 1883-1885, Gov. James B. Grant; copy of era gown: red velvet with black sutache braid trim. Sponsor - Garfield County WRC

10. Mrs. Rebecca Hill Eaton, 1885-1887, Gov. Benjamin H. Eaton; copy of era gown: green velvet with under skirt of gold brocade. Sponsor - Boulder County WRC

11. Mrs. Ella Nye Adams, 1887-1889, 1897-1899, Gov. Alva Adams; copy of original gown: rose taffeta with brown velvet trim. Sponsor - Pueblo County WRC
12. Mrs. Jane Barnes Cooper, 1889-1891, Gov. Job A. Cooper; copy of era gown: brown moire silk with green silk bodice and green silk pleated inserts in skirt. Sponsor - Montrose County RWC

13. Mrs. Celia Crane Waite, 1893-1895, Gov. Davis H. Waite; copy of era gown yellow crepe with lace and gold told train. Sponsor - Delta County WRC

14. Mrs. Florence Johnson McIntyre, 1895-1897, Gov. Albert W. McIntyre; copy of era gown: dark blue cord silk with blue satin trim. Sponsor - Rifle County WRC

15. Mrs. Emma Fletcher Thomas 1899 - 1901, Gov. Charles S. Thomas; copy of era gown: wine colored print silkwith black velvet bows trim. Sponsor - Women's Republican Club of Denver.
16. Mrs. Nellie Martin Orman, 1901-1903, Gov. James B. Orman; copy of original gown:green taffeta with purple velvet trim. Sponsor - Pueblo County WRC


17.Mrs. Frances Clelland Peabody - 1903-1905, Gov. James H. Peabody; copy  and fabric of original gown by Mrs. James Grafton Rogers, daughter: White embroidered crepe de chine with lace and velvet trim. Sponsor- Clear Creek County WRC

18. Mrs. Flora Collins McDonald 1905-1907, Gov. Jesse S. McDonald; copy of era gown: gray taffeta with blue and silver trim. Sponsor - Logan County WRC

19. Mrs. Mary Stevenson Buchtel 1907-1909, Gov. Henry A. Buchtel; copy of era gown:orchid taffeta with orchid georgette trim. Sponsor - Holly WRC

20. Mrs. Virginia Morrison Shafroth, 1909-1913, Gov. John F. Shafroth; cpy of era gown: dark rose velvet skirt with silk brocade over skirt  and rose velvet trim. Sponsor - Los Animas County RWC

21. Mrs. Lizzie Fleming Ammons, 1913-1915, Gov. Elias M. Ammons; copy of era gown: white satin with white georgette peplum. Sponsor- Phillips County WRC

22. Mrs. Louisa Avery Carlson, 1915-1917, Gov. George A. Carlson; copy of original gown: pink satin with over all net dress with lace inserts. Sponsor - North Weld County WRC

23. Mrs. Elizabeth Brown Gunter, 1917-1919, Gov. Julius C. Gunter; copy of era gown: beige tiered silk and lace. Sponsor - Wiley WRC

24. Mrs. Unetta Small Shoup, 1919-1923, Gov. Oliver H. Shoup;  copy of era gown: short pale pink silk with white bead trim. Sponsor - El Paso County WRC

25. Mrs. Joyeuse Fullerton Sweet, 1923-1925, Gov. Oliver H. Shoup; copy of era gown: brown crepe with brown fril fringe trim. Sponsor - Grand Valley WRC

26. Mrs. Maude Thompson Morley, 1925-1927, Gov. Clarence J. Morley; copy of era gown: beige beaded georgette. Sponsor - Moffat County WRC

27. Mrs. Fern Armitage Johnson, 1931-(1933)-1937, Gov. Edwin C. Johnson; copy of original gown: light blue crepe with blue bead trim. Sponsor - Women's Republican Club of Denver

28, Mrs. Juanita Wilson Talbot, 1937, Gov. Ray H. Talbot; copy of original gown: white crepe with rhinestone trim. Sponsor - Pueblo County Republican Women's Club

29. Mrs. Esther Davis Ammons, 1937-1939, Gov. Teller Ammons; copy of era gown: white satin dress with white lace jacket. Sponsor - Surface Creek WRC

30. Miss Cynthia Joan Carr, daughter, 1939-1943, Gov. Ralph Carr; copy of original gown: blue taffeta bodice with blue net skirt. Sponsor - Roundtable WRC

31. Mrs.Maude Kleyn Vivian, 1943-1947, Gov. John C. Vivian; copy of original gown:black embroidered satin with black velvet bodice. Sponsor - Jefferson County WRC

32. Mrs. Elsie Gabow Knous, 1947-1950, Gov. W. Lee Knous; copy of original gown: gold corded silk with green and white bead trim. Sponsor - Republican Women's Forum of Denver

33. Mrs. Neva Morrow Johnson, 1950-1951, Gov. Walter Johnson, copy of original gown:rose silk and taffeta. Sponsor - Pueblo WRC

34. Mrs. Jessie Thornton, 1951-1955, Gov. Dan Thornton; copy of original gown: light blue crepe with dark blue taffeta peplum. Sponsor - True Way WRC
35. Mrs. Marjory McNichols, 1957-1963, Gov. Stephen R. McNichols; copy of original gown: pale blue satin with blue bead trim. Sponsor - Women's Republican Club of Denver

36. Mrs. Ann Daniels Love, 1963-1973, Gov. John A. Love; copy of original gown - Columbine WRC

37. Mrs. Merrie Lynn Vanderhoof, 1973-1975, Gov. John D. Vanderhoof; copy of original gown - Colorado Federation of Republican Women

38. Mrs. Dottie Vernard Lamm, 1975-1987, Gov. Richard D. Lamm; coy of original gown - Colorado Federation of Republican Women

39. Mrs. Bea Romer, 1987- 1999 , Gov. Roy Romer, copy of original gown - Adams County Trumpeteers

Flyer for Doll Collection at the Colorado Capitol Building

Welcome to the Colorado State Capitol and the collection of First Lady Dolls, dressed and maintained by the Colorado Federation of Republican Women.

Each of Colorado's First Ladies is interpreted in a copy of her inaugural gown. In some few instances, where historical records do not describe or picture the actual gown, an example of the era is shown. Thirty eight governor's wives are depicted in the illuminated glass cases. One of our governors (William H. Adams) was a bachelor and therefore has no representation. Some served more than one term and the terms of our early governors were two year instead of the present four years.

From the time of Mrs. William Gilpin (1861), whose husband was first to hold the gubernatorial reins back in Colorado's gold-digging territorial days to the present, the ladies are all there -- 20 inch dolls, beautifully costumed. The hair color on each doll matches that of the First Lady she represents.

Each costume - the special project of Republican Women's Clubs across the state - reflects hours of research and planning, plus infinite patience and talent with fabric and needle. Some gown, such as that worn by Mrs. Frederick W. Pitkin (1879), wife of the second governor after Colorado shed its territory status in favor of statehood - are copied from old photographs.

For the wives of more recent governors, the Republican women were able to copy actual gowns. Some of the wives provided matching material for the doll. For instance, Mrs. McNichols' (1957) blue inaugural ball gown with its bubble skirt is exactly reproduced as are the gowns of Mrs. Love (1961), Mrs. Vanderhoof (1973), Mrs. Lamm (1975) and many others. The gowns provide a visual history of fashion for more than a century.

The project of the dolls was started in 1959 under the chairmanship of Mrs. Edith Mattoon. In that year, Colorado celebrated its "Rush to the Rockies Centennial" and in June the Colorado Federation of Republican Women presented the dolls to the state of Colorado. The collection was originally valued at $1,000. Its value has increased considerably since that time.

The collection is continually and lovingly tended. Currently (1982), the President of the Colorado Federation of Republican Women is Mrs.Joseph (Jeannine) Lincoln of Parker, Colorado. The Chairman of the Centennial Doll Collection is Mrs. Ralph (Jerry) Millie of Cherry Hills, Colorado.

Summary Report of the Historian - "Rush To The Rockies" Centennial Year Doll Collection

     (The "Centennial Doll Collection" title was generally interpreted to be Colorado's centennial year (1976) whereas the project was begun in 1959 for the  "Rush to the Rockies"  Centennial Year celebration by the state of Colorado in 1959.)

     In 1959 Colorado celebrated the "Rush to the Rockies Centennial Year" and CFRW voted to participate (the action time is not available). At the February 5 meeting of the executive committee President Betty Higby announced the appointment of Edith Mattoon as the "Centennial Chairman." Included in Mrs. Mattoon's suggestions for observance of the centennial year was "a plan of dressing dolls to depict the wives of the governors of Colorado. The plan was adopted, and various clubs " . . .asked for the privilege of dressing certain dolls." These clubs were of the geographic areas of the governors' homes. Mrs. Mattoon was authorized to purchase 35 dolls to be dressed in the costumes of the period in which their husbands served as governor, beginning with Territorial Governor William Gilpin (1861-1862). After extensive correspondence and many personal interviews the actual dressing of the "First Ladies of Colorado" began. All were dressed in authentic materials with several being dressed with original fabrics of the First Ladies' inaugural ball gowns.

     June 18, 1959, in conjunction with the NFRW nine-state area meeting and the YR National Convention, CFRW members from throughout the state gathered in the state capitol rotunda where Immediate Past President Higby presented the dolls to the State of Colorado. In the absence of Governor McNichols who was enroute from Russia, Lt. Gov. Knous accepted the collection, which was valued at $1,000.00 (having cost $875.00). An undated and unsigned memorandum, in connection with the presentation, stated that "A booklet . . . is being prepared by a committee of Colorado women headed by Mrs. W. L. Daney, Pueblo. When completed the booklet will be placed in the state capitol with the collection of dolls . . .  The booklet will include a brief biography of each wife and a description of her gown in the collection. It will also list the descendants of the governors living in Colorado. . ." (There is no further information about the completion of the booklet.)

     In August the dolls were displayed in the Denver Dry Goods Company windows in accordance with an agreement with the central committee when the project was started and it was said that "the publicity received . . . was worth the effort."

     Mrs. Mattoon continued as chairman of the "dolls committee" until she "left the state", the exact time not stated in the available records. At the May 11, 1961, meeting of the executive committee, upon recommendation of CFRW Fourth Vice President Janet Pirkey, the perpetuation and safekeeping of the (Rush to the Rockies) Centennial Doll Collection." Mrs. Pirkey was named chairman with Past Presidents Higby and Jones as members of the committee. The collection was then updated to include First Lady Ann Love and a duplicate doll was made for 11 year old Beckie Love.

     Mrs. Pirkey continued as chairman until, in an undated letter, President Owings (1966-1967) asked Mrs. Mattoon to take the "chairmanship of the doll committee" and in an also undated response Mrs. Mattoon accepted, saying, " . . . it is so nice to be back . . . after being away for over five years . . ."

     At the executive committee meeting in connection with the 39th annual state convention October 5-6, 1967, the purchase of glass cases was approved and Mrs. Mattoon "was authorized to investigate the cost of refurbishing the dolls and to report to the executive committee." The "bare bones" minutes contain little information until the March 1, 1969 Board of Directors meeting when then First Vice President Frances Fairbanks "called attention to the dolls . . . She and Mrs. Mattoon have been working on them . . ." At the January 3, 1970 meeting of the Board of Directors, "Penny Shoemaker reported for Mrs. Mattoon. The dolls and case have been cleaned and will be taken care of in June. Mrs. Mattoon suggested that leaflets be given to visitors as this is one of the most popular exhibits at the Capitol."

     During the ensuing years the minutes reflect only that Mrs.Mattoon's reports were read by various ladies, until the September 29, 1977 Board meeting minutes state the Board's approval of the Executive Committee's recommendation "that the Federation look into the cost of having the doll collection individually sealed in glass or plastic." According to the November 1978 Tusk Talk, Mrs. Mattoon died November 11; however her name appeared in the 1979 roster as chairman of the "doll committee."

     At the request of President Lane, First District Director Peebles assumed the responsibility for the doll collection, and at the January 27, 1978 Executive Committee meeting she "reporting on the doll collection, recommended a picture of the dolls be included on a brochure that will be sold at the capitol."

     February Tusk Talk carried (without by-line) Mrs. Peebles'  report to the Board January 28, 1978, in which she announced "help is on the way! The Capitol Gift Shop has given us an identical display case (referring to the one case then displaying the 38* dolls) and after some improved lighting and rearranging our (first) ladies will be displayed in two cases. In front of the display cases will be the history of the dolls, identifying each doll, and giving dates and lenghts of terms and explaining that Colorado used to have two-year gubernatorial terms instead of our present four-year terms. We are considering having picture postcards made and put on sale at the capitol." 

*Historian's note: A composite photo shows the 38 dolls ending with Mrs. John Vanderhoof (he became governor when Gov. Love resigned to head the newly created Department of Energy in Washington, D.C.). 35 dolls were dressed, Colorado had had 43 governors: seven had served more than one term; and one, Wm.  H. Adams (1929-1931) had no wife -- hence the 35 dolls. However, the list included Gov. Ralph Carr (1939-1943) a widower, whose daughter Cynthia served as his hostess.

Furthermore, in some casual reading this historian found a statement about Territorial Governor Gilpin "a bachelor" and subsequent reserach, verified by the Boulder Municipal Library's Reference Division, the Colorado Historical Society and the State Archives Department, proved that indeed Gov. Gilpin was unmarried (1861-1862) until some 13 years later when he married Julia Pratte Dickerson whom he had courted before he became governor and who had married (and divorced). Capt. John Dickerson.

The extemely valuable historical materials are contained in the archives files.

(This summary of information was undated and unsigned)