Montana's DAR Markers . . . Honoring Where History Was Made

out of a concern that immigration was
diluting American values. The society worked
to promote patriotism, education, and an
appreciation of American history. Among
other projects, the State Society spearheaded
recognition of historic sites.
Important for its DAR connection, this
home, built between 1890 and 1898, is also
architecturally significant. Its irregular shape,
leaded glass, ornate transoms, and ornamental
iron fence associate it with the popular Queen
Anne style. The classical style front porch
was added after 1916. In 1928, painter John
Redman and his wife Mary purchased the
home, which remains in the Redman family.”
HISTORY
Just one year after the National Society DAR was founded in
Washington D.C. (on October 11, 1890), the National Society
amended its constitution to provide for one state regent per state. It was
three years after that, in 1894, that Montana received its first appointed
regent, Mrs. Edmund (Mary DeVeny) Wasson, who was instructed to
organize a state DAR organization. (See the “Other DAR
Commemorations” chapter.)
Although she began her assignment, personal family tragedy
interfered. In April 1896, Mrs. Wasson appointed Butte resident Jennie
Stilwell Tallant (Mrs. Walter S.) to serve as organizing regent for a
Butte DAR chapter. Among Montana Daughters, Tallant was fondly
known as their “Grand Dame,” for she hosted large teas and musicales,
as well as state and chapter meetings in her spacious home. Butte was
the logical city for the State Society DAR’s first chapter because in the
late 1800s (and beyond), the city was undisputedly the sole metropolis
of Montana.
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