Montana State Visit

Split by the dramatic peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the west and the expansiveness of the Great Plains in the east, Montana beckons with its untamed beauty and boundless possibilities. The state’s beauty and vastness certainly underscores its nickname as the “Big Sky Country.” My pleasure was to visit the Montana State Society for their 130th state conference, where I spent time in both Montana’s largest city, Billings, and Pompeys Pillar National Monument on the banks of the Yellowstone River. I would like to thank Fay Danielsen for providing my transportation and my Page, Lindsey Taylor-Groves. Heartfelt appreciation is extended to State Regent Jennifer Buckley and the Montana Daughters for an unforgettable weekend. Montana really is “The Last Best Place.” 

-Pamela Wright, President General 

Celebrating the 130th anniversary of the Montana State Society and the “Women Who Made History in Montana” was the theme of the weekend for the Montana State Conference.  

The weekend kicked off at the Mountview Cemetery in Billings, Montana to remember past Honorary Vice President General for Life Marjorie Anne Stevenson.  Ms. Stevenson served the National Society until her death in 1995 but her grave was never marked.  The Montana State Society felt it was time she was recognized, and a grave marker was installed and dedicated.  The President General Pamela Wright and I laid a wreath in her memory on Thursday morning.  

On Thursday afternoon, Mrs. Wright went on a field trip to Pompey’s Pillar.  Surprisingly, she had never known of this National monument that contains the signature of William Clark in stone while he was traveling for the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  The Montana ladies were happy to share a part of their state and this historical Lewis and Clark site that is almost 220 years old. 

Two events that took place during the conference were the Cameo Society luncheon and the State Officers Club dinner.  These gatherings are always a fun time for everyone to build friendships since both events played off the conference theme.  The Cameo Society asked everyone to wear a special hat for “Hats Off to the Women of Montana.”  The State Officers Club learned about women’s fashion through the decades and enjoyed dolls in period dress.  

The Montana Daughters have been generous in support of the State Regent’s Project.  Alongside the purchase of an America 250 Patriot Marker, each year of the State Regent’s administration support is given to one of the three state veterans nursing homes.  This year, donations were collected for the Eastern Montana Veterans Home in Glendive.  An 85-inch television was purchased for their community room along with personal items, blankets, and snacks.  The home is over the moon to receive this donation.