Sometimes a story comes along that demands to be told. During the museum’s recent yearlong closure for the HVAC construction and building renovation project, we learned of the remarkable life and untimely death of beloved local educator Dolores Holler. Although exhibit plans for the museum’s reopening were well underway – the CSPM Exhibits Team quickly “shifted gears” to include the exhibition of Dolores Holler’s signature 1964 Schwinn bicycle in the 3rd floor lobby. For those that knew her best (and loved her dearly), the well-worn bicycle was the symbol of Holler’s zest for life, love of exercise, and deep commitment to her students, neighbors, and community. And for us, Dolores’ bicycle represents how one interesting object can tell a very big story.
Those who knew Dolores Holler best describe her as a one-of-a-kind educator, aunt, and friend. Dolores enjoyed a long career as an exemplary teacher at Monroe, Adams, and Helen Hunt Elementary Schools in District 11. Wherever she went (and she went everywhere) on her signature red 1964 Schwinn bicycle, Dolores was instantly recognizable by students, former students, parents, colleagues, friends, and neighbors. And, until her tragic death at age 84 in December 2023, Dolores Holler was a tireless advocate for kids, reading, kindness, community, and her Valley Hi neighborhood.
Dolores and her husband Dr. Richard (Dick) F. Holler moved to Colorado Springs in 1974 for Dick’s job in engineering and technical services for Philco/Ford Aerospace/Lockheed Martin. He was said to be a genius with computer systems and worked 38 years inside Cheyenne Mountain under contract with the United States Air Force. The couple met in Pennsylvania and married in 1962. Dick traveled frequently to Colorado for work, and reportedly Dolores told him, “If they ever offer you a job out there, you take it!”
Dolores and Dick built a custom home “the last available lot” in their “dream neighborhood” of Valley Hi. An “Around Home” feature in the Gazette Telegraph on Sunday, October 30, 1983, highlighted their beautiful new sun-lit house with photographs and two pages of text. Valley Hi was a perfect fit for the active and friendly Hollers. In fact, Dolores was so well-liked by her neighbors that the Carlos Family gifted her the red Schwinn bicycle once used by Mary Ann Carlos; who along with her husband Christopher were among the handful of original families who invested in the Valley Hi neighborhood in the late 1950s.
The Hollers were known for their warm hospitality and kindness to everyone. Niece Kym Lichtel fondly remembers visiting her aunt and uncle in Colorado Springs. “Aunt Dolores was very fun yet very organized. Every day she had a schedule — even for our fun activities!” Dolores was a “strong believer in exercise” and was known to walk through the neighborhood two times a day, no matter the weather. Along her walking route, she waved, stopped for conversations, and was known as the guardian of the Valley Hi neighborhood.
On a cold January day in early 2024, over 80 neighbors and friends gathered for a ceremonial walk through the neighborhood to celebrate what would have been Dolores’ 85th birthday. Their ongoing love and admiration of Dolores is evidenced in the words they still use to describe her, “the most kind, caring, and compassionate person. She had a huge heart, and a deep soul.” Reflecting on Dolores’ dedication to children and education, Dr. Caroline Frye of D11 stated, “She lived her life in the service of others and would take the time to build genuine connections with students, staff and families. She was a gift to our Monroe community and to everyone who had the opportunity to know her.”
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Do you have any photographs, stories, or documents you’d be willing to share with the CSPM?
Leah Davis Witherow, Curator of History
719.385.5649 | Leah.Witherow@coloradosprings.gov