Mine Pulls Plug On Lighted Cross Tradition
By Matt Kroschel
CLIMAX, Colo. (CBS4) - Mine officials in Climax have pulled the plug on the long-standing tradition of a cross illuminated for Christmas on the side of a mine building.
The decision to illuminate the cross has some workers at the molybdenum-producing mine near Leadville furious, but company officials say they want the property to be non-denominational.
Workers who were upset with the decision contacted CBS4 because they don't understand why the non-governmental company would want to do away with the tradition that workers tell us has been around during Christmas since the 1930s.
Dan Pettus grew up in the small town, two generations before him worked at Climax and all of them looked forward to the lighting of this cross for the Christmas season, "Even in a white out you can see the cross up there."
Freeport McMoRan Company sent this statement to CBS4: We understand the historical and cultural significance the lighted cross on the old Climax mill building has to the Climax employees and local residents, particularly long-term residents. However, upon reflection of this historical practice, we determined that it is appropriate to instead display a secular symbol on our place of business, with the intent to reach all of our employees and those who pass by our property as a celebration of the holiday season.
There is now a petition being circulated to get the cross relighted.
Joan Brookshire, 80, can't remember a Christmas without the cross up on that mine building. Until now.
"We lost respect for traditions, lost a lot of things by giving in to somebody. I don't like and it's not fair," said Brookshire.
The mine began operations in 1915. It is owned by Freeport McMoRan Company, one of the largest mining companies in the world, according to the company's website.
Matt Kroschel covers news throughout Colorado working from the CBS4 Mountain Newsroom. Send story ideas to mrkroschel@cbs.com and connect with him on Twitter @Matt_Kroschel.
