This proclamation was set for Butterfly Lady Day Jan. 9, 1962: “Whereas, a 35-40-year era of education and instruction of hundreds of Monroe children in the study, identification and collection of butterflies, moths and insects has come to an end with the death of Mrs. Emil (Della) Stauffacher. During her many years of intensive study in this field of nature, Mrs. Stauffacher became known internationally as an authority on those insects of this area.”

Mayor Orville R. Evans proclaimed this observance and urged the citizens of Monroe and the area to join in the remembrance.

Any given summer, upwards of 70, and all well-behaved youngsters, wander in and out of Mrs. Emil Stauffacher’s home on Monroe’s east side. Known as the “Butterfly Lady,” she owns one of the finest butterfly and moth collections known. Children hear of her through the juvenile grapevine and visit for hours looking among the 70 file cases of insects collected from 20 foreign countries and the U.S. 

This information was taken from the Monroe Evening Times. Those who have any recollections of Mrs. Stauffacher, call Linda Lostetter at 608-325-9730 or email lostetter68@gmail.com or drop a note to P.O. Box 804, Monroe.