Speech
DALY MANSION Ceremony
Remarks of Governor Judy Martz
Hamilton
7/31/2003
We're here to celebrate an exciting new beginning for one of Montana's finest Historic Structures: the Daly Mansion.
Originally built by Marcus Daly, one of Montana's "Copper Kings", in 1890 as a Queen Anne Victorian Mansion, it was later renovated in 1910 to its present Georgian Revival style. The Mansion formed the nucleus of Marcus Daly's famous Bitteroot Stock Farm.
A tour of the Daly Mansion will reveal to the visitor 42 stunning rooms, with 25 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, and seven fireplaces, five of which have imported Italian marble. The three-story, 24,000-square-foot mansion can only be described as palatial.
Several years ago, the heirs of Mrs. Daly generously donated this historic structure to the Montana Historical Society, for the enjoyment of the public.
Today, we again acknowledge their generosity and wisdom in saving this architectural gem for future generations. However, over the years since the State acquired this premier property, we encountered several challenges in preserving and managing the Daly Mansion.
My administration prides itself in searching for, and achieving, innovative solutions in response to a host of problems.
Thus, I'm very pleased to acknowledge and recognize the Daly Mansion Cooperative Management Agreement between the Montana Historical Society and the Montana Board of Regents, which will serve to sustain the needs of the Daly Mansion for years to come.
Under the Agreement, the University of Montana will accept the duty to maintain and manage the Daly Mansion, while utilizing the grounds for conferences and other educational purposes.
On behalf of the Citizens of Montana, I want to thank President Dennison for the University's assumption of these important duties.
With its added function as a conference center for the University of Montana, the Daly Mansion will reassume its vibrant role as a community hub for the Bitteroot Valley.
I also want to thank the hard-working state employees who made this Agreement possible. All too often their efforts go un-noticed.
The Daly Mansion is emblematic of our wonderful State: a proud and magnificent tradition whose best days are yet to come.
With a great sense of gratitude to the Montana Historical Society and the Board of Regents, I want to now present a Letter of Support to the President on this celebration of a great new chapter in the history and life of the Daly Mansion. Thank you all.
