by Mary Gafford
Las Vegas City Council’s Centennial Committee has approved a $99,000 grant for the creation of a life-sized Helen J. Stewart statue. This grant was awarded in what Mayor Oscar Goodman said was the most unusual presentation the committee had ever seen. Phyllis Weaver, dressed as Delphine Squires, a “founding mother of Las Vegas,” went before the
Centennial Board and introduced the persona of Helen J. Stewart, portrayed by Dr. Linda Miller, a member of Southern Nevada Women’s History Project as well as Friends of the Mormon Fort. “Mrs. Stewart” pled for the community recognition she deserved as matriarch of the city of Las Vegas.

SNWHP has also donated $1,000 towards the project. Friends of the Mormon Fort and SNWHP are partnering to honor Mrs. Stewart, whose ranch at one time included the Old Mormon Fort. Mrs. Stewart was also one of the first presidents and a charter member of the soon to be 100-year-old Mesquite Club, the oldest women’s club in Las Vegas.

Benjamin Victor will sculpt the statue. Mr. Victor also created the Sarah Winnemucca statue which is on display in The National Statuary Hall in the United States Capital Building. His statues are known for their expressive features and exquisite detail.

The statue will be placed either adjacent to the old Stewart home or inside the Mormon Fort, which is located on East Washington. Friends of the Mormon Fort are elated. Jim Martin, great grandson of Stewart, is proud to see that at last his grandmother is receiving some recognition for her contributions to her community.

Dedication of the Helen J. Stewart statue will be in December of 2011, coinciding with the gala celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Mesquite Club. Thanks to Friends of Mormon Fort and its combined efforts of SNWHP there will be a life-sized Helen J. Stewart to visualize as matriarch of Las Vegas.