What We Do

Items of Note About Our Chapter

• • Euphemia Van Buskirk Aldrich, who was long a member of Monte Vista Chapter, NSDAR, was a Revolutionary real granddaughter.
  • Mary Isabel Bushinger Buckhard served as state regent of Colorado DAR from 1923-1925.
  • Monte Vista Chapter, NSDAR, was the only DAR chapter in the San Luis Valley until members from Del Norte in 1925 and Alamosa in 1927 withdrew as interest grew to the point of forming chapters in their own towns. The Alamosa Chapter, NSDAR, still thrives.
  • The Colorado DAR State Conference in 1947 was held in Monte Vista. This chapter and five additional hostess chapters arranged a cordial welcome from the community. Chamber of Commerce cards in store windows expressed greetings, the Rotary club invited all the members of the State Officers Club to a dinner, and an old stage coach, relic of the Old West, was displayed in a downtown street. The entertainment programs featured stories told by pioneers who were invited guests at the banquet and an elaborate Native American program.
  • The Monte Vista Chapter was instrumental in getting markers placed at the old Rock Creek Cemetery in 1954.
  • Our chapter has participated in many civic activities over the years, including: giving a donation to start the Rio Grande County Museum in 1961, presenting the American Flag to Bowen Community Hall in 1962, presenting an American Flag to the Girl Scout Camp at Val Verde in 1964, making and installing a cabinet in the Rio Grande County Museum in 1965, sending five pre-1900 textbooks to the Sod School House at the Plains Conservation Center in 1970, and many more.
  • During the many years of our chapter’s existence we have supported local students with the DAR Good Citizens Award, placed Pledge of Allegiance posters in area schools during Constitution Week, and presented books to local libraries. Members also are involved with the local veteran center, with regular visits and donations.

Historic Marker