Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund 2nd Century Celebration

“So, where’s the fountain??”

It’s not easy to imagine how a fountain is misplaced, but such was the lighthearted banter between four present and past Colorado Governors, who joined together with the former First Ladies to reminisce about their tenure at the Governor’s Mansion.

The occasion was the 2nd Century Celebration to showcase the Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund (GRPF) on Friday evening. Governor John Hickenlooper and his son Teddy, former Governors Roy Romer, Bill Ritter and Bill Owens, former First Ladies Frances Owens, Jeannie Ritter and Bea Romer, and several other family members of past Governships were in attendance, including General Andy and Virginia Love and Bob and Jane McNichols. Each First Family has their own memories of their home, bringing a personal touch to the beautiful Boettcher Mansion that is also Colorado’s home. Roy Romer joked in front of the crowd, “where’s the fountain?” and Frances Owens testified she knew exactly where it is–somewhere in storage in the basement. Governor Bill Owens laughed, “it actually was a nightmare having it in the middle of the room. They told me I couldn’t remove it, but I told them I was the Governor and it’s going.”

GRPF Director Cindy Starks welcomed everyone before Governor Hickenlooper introduced distinguished past Governors and guests. Former First Ladies Frances Owens, who orchestrated an incredible private campaign when she was First Lady to preserve and refurbish the lower gardens and other parts of the mansion, and Jeannie Ritter, who started the GRPF, thanked supporters this evening, in the past and for future efforts. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock was on hand to say a few words, and even Teddy gave a short speech, showing his promise as a future politician.

In 1959 the state legislature turned down the Boettcher Foundation when it offered the mansion as Colorado’s Executive Residence.  The reason?  Expense.  Days before the home was slated for demolition, then Governor Stephen McNichols accepted the house – and the rest is history.

Today the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion is a treasure that stands as one of our finest symbols for Colorado’s state civic heritage.

The Governor’s Residence Preservation Fund was founded in 2008 to lead the continued preservation and stewardship of Colorado’s Home. Their goal is to preserve the Governor’s Residence at the Boettcher Mansion as a splendid showcase of the state’s cultural and civic heritage and as a place for the people of Colorado to visit and enjoy.