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Metro Denver Auxiliary
Women of the Metro Denver Women’s Auxiliary recently spent an inspiring and exhilarating three days at the Intermountain Division’s High Peak Camp at Estes Park, Colo.
The theme, “Pioneer Women of the West,” was carried out in the program, with pioneer crafts, antique toys and needlework, and a session about quilting.
Special guest Frances Dingman, Western Territory museum coordinator, writer, and Army historian, spoke on subjects such as the Booths, Amity Colony, and the Doughnut Girls and offered vignettes on Mary Stillwell, Jeanetta Hodgen and Belle Newton.
In a highlight of the last evening, members represented six pioneer women of the past as they related how they had broken new ground in the West.
Anne Pickup’s book, Broken Alabaster Jars, provided inspiration for quiet moments reading of noted biblical and Salvation Army women. In the evening, there was a chance to view well-chosen video movies, “O Pioneers!” and “Sarah, Plain and Tall.”
Luncheon at the Black Canyon Inn provided opportunity to hear Eliot Stacey, former owner of the historic house, tell of life on the old ranch. Mrs. Stacey, now in her 90s, served many years on the Denver Advisory Board.
The Denver Women’s Auxiliary provides year-round support for the Army, not only raising money with the Doll Tea, but serving Thanksgiving dinner and pitching in with extra projects such as canning donated fruits and vegetables for the poor.
Says Lt. Colonel Joann Brodin, Auxiliary advisor and divisional president of Women’s Organizations, “The Auxiliary works hard all year. This is the one thing they do just for themselves.”
