Heritage Court crowns quintet
Five women honored for contributions to
county
By DANA DUGAN
Express Staff Writer
Five lovely ladies in old fashioned attire
were crowned Ladies of the Heritage Court on Sunday, June 27, at the Liberty
Theatre in Hailey.
The Heritage Court is dedicated to
honoring long-time residents—70 or older—of Blaine County who have participated
in, contributed to and been a part of the history and heritage of the area.
The women honored Sunday are Marge Brass
Heiss, 94, of Sun Valley; Billie Horne Buhler, 90, of Hailey; Lillian Barker
Wright , 85, of Bellevue; Mary Jane Griffith Conger, 78, of Ketchum and Verda
Edwards O’Crowley, 74, of Carey.
The mayors of the ladies’ respective
hometowns escorted each woman to the front of the stage where they were
presented with flowers, a shimmering tiara and a plaque commemorating the
coronation.
Long-time unofficial valley historian Ivan
Swanner presented corsages to the speakers during the opening ceremonies at the
packed Liberty Theatere Teddie Daley, the Blaine County Historical Museum
director, welcomed the gathering, and Heritage Court Director Laura Hall made
introductions. Radio broadcaster Gary Stivers, decked out in a tuxedo, acted as
emcee.
Looking out over the capacity crowd, Hall
said, "It’s true proof of community that we can put our differences aside on a
Sunday afternoon. It shows great respect for these ladies and shows what a
community can do."
Entertainment was provided by three
dancers from Art of Dance Foundation; Debra Wagoner, singing songs from Company
of Fools’ "Always…Patsy Cline"; "The Plaids," and The Old Time Fiddlers.
After the ceremony, there was a reception
where the ladies held court over tea and cake. Several dozen folks then
meandered down Main Street to the Blaine County Historical Museum for personal
tours.
County residents and visitors will have a
chance to greet the five Ladies of the Heritage Court this weekend, since they
will the grand marshals at Hailey’s Fourth of July Parade on Sunday, July 4.