Historical Commission Corner
APRIL 2021
The old adage “April showers bring May flowers” got us thinking about Colorado’s state flower, the Rocky Mountain Columbine. Generations of Coloradans have reveled in the beauty, symmetry and aroma of our official flower while on their mountain hikes or drives. Not only do Coloradans love our beautiful Columbine, so do bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and others attracted by the sweetness of its nectar.
On April 4, 1899, the Colorado legislature made the designation of the Columbine as the state flower official. This act was not rooted (if we may) in legislative action but resulted from a poll of Colorado school children who voted overwhelmingly for the lovely light blue and white petaled posey. Coloradans were so enthusiastic about their state flower they seriously depleted the population by picking huge bouquets or digging them up for transplanting in home flower beds. As a result, a law was passed in 1925 forbidding the digging of wildflower plants and limiting the number of blossoms allowed to be picked.
Native Americans used Columbine infused tea as an herbal remedy for various ailments such as fever, heart tension and poison ivy relief. The biologist Edwin James is said to be the European discoverer of the plant while exploring Pikes Peak in 1820.
The flower was the inspiration for the official state song, “Where the Columbines Grow,” adopted in 1915. Furthermore, President Dwight Eisenhower, in a homage to his wife’s home state, named his presidential airplane “Columbine.” Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower christened the craft in 1954. It also became known by the call sign “Air Force One,” the first identified by this distinction.
 Classic Rocky Mountain blue and white Columbine.
Photo by Ed Morris
 President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Lockheed Constellation
Note the nose art under the cockpit windows (and a close up right above).
Photo from public domain
We are happy to announce the resumption of the annual Historic Walk Through Original Town Superior on Saturday, May 8th. Participants will meet at the
Historical Museum in Asti Park at 2:00 pm, walk to Grasso Park to see the vintage farm buildings and equipment, followed by walking on to the train depot site and the Industrial Mine site. Participants should expect to walk 2-3 miles on this trip. Pre-registration is required and will open on Friday, April 30 at 9:00 am at www.superiorrec.com.
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Did you know . . .
- Colorado politician, Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Cheyenne heritage, was born in Auburn, CA on April 13, 1933? He started his career as a Democrat and switched to Republican for his final terms in the U.S. Senate.
- Actress Sheryl Lee (Twin Peaks; Love, Lies and Murder) was born in Boulder on April 22, 1967?
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Zebulon M. Pike never ascended the peak that bears his name? He first sighted it in in 1806.
The Superior Historical Commission continues to meet monthly by Zoom and the Museum continues to be closed during the pandemic. The Commission is exploring options for re-opening the Museum under Covid-19 limitations.
For further information on Superior Historical Commission and Museum activities please contact Bryan Meyer, Town Staff, at 303-499-3675 or Larry Dorsey, Commission Chair, at 303-499-1969. Content by Larry Dorsey, Town of Superior Historical Commission. Proofed by Dorothy Mahan.
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