Years: 1973 - ?
The Los Conquistadores
Above is from an ad in 1982 Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Oregon program – Imperial Russia.
Per Los Conquistadores 1976 Coronation and El Cid III Contest, “This organization was formed June 2, 1973 on a Non-Profit Charity basis, with Loaves & Fishes as our main recipient.
It has been our privilege to present various charity raising events such as Cystic Fibrosis, Portland Town Council, Court of the 18th Rose, Second Foundation, Tree Farm of Eugene and others.
Main events presented during the year consist of our El Cit Function and Coronation in January, Fiesta in July, show to honor the Emperor, Empress, Crow Prince & Crown Princess Candidates and a special Show and Dinner to honor the New Emperor & Empress each yar. Our final presentation each year is our Cystic Fibrosis Fund Raiser and introduction of our El City Candidates for the upcoming year.
Our current membership averages over 50 people and we all hope you enjoy the upcoming year as much as we shall. Sincerely, Dave Stolte President 1976
January-Feb 1976 issue of Northwest Gay Review under Calendar Portland January Sunday 18th Crowning of Queen Carlotta II and El Cid by Los Conquistadores 6:30 pm Town Hall $4
March 1976, Northwest Gay Review, CALENDAR PORTLAND – March 20, Sat. Los Conquistadores Show, D & P’s, 9 pm, Benefit for Portland Town Council.
Below Left is an article from the April 1976 Northwest Gay Review. Below Right is an article from the Northwest Gay Review COMMUNITY, July 1976.
*Listing in Calendar Portland page 2 – Sun. Jul 18 Los Conquistadores “Let’s Get Darcelle” 9 pm – Darcelle XV July 1976
September 1976 Calender Portland page 23 September 10 & 11 Los Conquistadores of Eugene Events
Cited in I Love Portland “A Guide To the Portland Court System and Its Organizations” 1976 a booklet stated, “another public service of Tom Terrific “While the Rose Court its organization after the courts of Europe, The Los Conquistadors added a new twist to the Portland scene in June of ’74 by creating a court of Spanish design. Carlotta II, Helena, Queen de los Conquistadors, and her 48 members are one of the most active groups in the city for charity drives. They have held benefits for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. They have successfully raised funds for not only their favorite charity, Loaves, and Fishes, but also to help personal individuals within our community. Since their inception, they have not only added the title of El Cid, protector of the Spanish Court but also have mothered a new chapter in Eugene with a membership of 36 at last counting. The Los Conquistadors meet on the first Wednesday of every month at different bars in the Portland area. For more information about the organization or membership see either Carlotta II, Helena, or El Cid Jim, or ask in any local establishment as to how to contact a member of the organization.”
Per the book, A Curious and Peculiar People by David Grant Kohl, “Los Conquistadores was founded as a court of Spanish design. It has become one of the most active groups in Portland, aiding charitable institutions and raising funds for the aged and incapacitated.”
Walter Cole/Darcelle on 9-16-2021 says, “I believe this group was started by Jimmy Duggers – thinking it had to do with that they couldn’t win a contest they started their own group. This was years ago; I could have that wrong!”
Northwest Gay Review ad [below Left] Jan/February 1978 has the Los Conquistadores at Mildred’s Palace and an article in the Northwest Fountain, January 1979.
There was another article in January 1979, NW Fountain, “L.C’S “Portland Awards shy of attendance, not nominees”
The Los Conquistadores annual Portland Awards went off on schedule on a Sunday night at the Rafters, attendance fell quite short of expectancies, but not lacking in nominees and the winners of the same. The results of the voting were not surprising with Darcelle XV taking the top honor of Humanitarian of the Year. By definition, Humanitarian holds a different meaning in my opinion, but Webster’s wasn’t around for verification. Congratulations to the winners, and to the losers, hold no, there’s always next year.
An article in the March 1980 NW Fountain reads EL CID. The annual El Cid selection for the Los Conquistadores is upon us – Portland’s selection of El Cid will be held March 16 at the Top of the Cosmo Motor Hotel. Theme is Showtime on Broadway Goes West.
Doors open at 5:30, show at 6:30. Contestants judges on four appearances – formal look, casual, bathing suits, and their individual interpretation of the “El Cid Look”.
Contestants this year are Larry Hayes, Larry Mott, and Bill Priest. Mr. Congeniality will also be chosen in the night’s festivities – admission is $5 at the door.
Below Left is a letter published in the NW Fountain, October 1980. Below Right is the “Competition” at Darcelle XV showplace unknown date but believed to be around 1982 because of wall paneling.
Above Right is from Gay Rights Report “Council Calendar” March 1977. Below, both articles are from Capitol Forum newspaper, Left April 1981 and Right December 1981.
