Reign I

The First Reign

Denver’s 1st Annual Cotillion Ball April 20, 1974 Empress I, Bridgette Peters The Columbine Empress Emperor I, Terry Peters The Columbine Emperor Denver’s 1st Annual Cotillion Ball, held on April 20, 1974 was the beginning. Held in a VFW Hall it had a rocky beginning with unnamed persons protesting the use of the word “cotillion” and the titles of Emperor and Empress.

Despite the protestations, a panel of judges selected Phil Brands and Bridgette Peters as the 1st Emperor and Empress of Denver.

The reign was still new when the elected emperor was replaced with and Emperor Regent in the name of Terry Peters.

The 1st reign was a time of experimentation, a time of trial and error and a time of learning. Bridgette and Terry represented the city at a host of functions and fundraisers.

Twenty years of living has worked its magic and many of the memories have simply disappeared into the sands of time.

What we do remember and have to share and cherish are of the titles awarded: Princess Royale was Lola, later named as the 1st Queen Mother; Imperial Princesses for the 1st Reign were Dolly, Rusty, Causha Le and Desiree. On the Emperor’s side, the 1st Prince Royale was Rick Chamberland.

The first reign also recognized those who had been instrumental in helping set up the organization and aided in the execution of the duties that were so new. Bridgette wisely chose one of Denver’s hardest working Individuals and awarded the title of Mother of the Realm for life to Michael (Mother) Procopio.

The end of this 1st reign was held in celebration. Emperor Regent, Terry Peters was awarded the title of Emperor 1, and on April 26, 1975 at the Hilton Hotel, Grand Ballroom was held what was truly Denver’s 1st Coronation Ball, “Love Around the World.”