In 1935, during the dark days of the Great Depression, the former railroad company town of Palmer Lake found a way to light the holidays, beginning a tradition that continues today.
The 500-foot, five-point Palmer Lake Christmas star is the bright idea of B.F. Jack, who managed the Mountain Utilities electric company.
He teamed up with Sloan's Cafe owner Bert Sloan, who saw the idea as a way to draw drivers to his restaurant near Colorado 105, a popular route between Denver and Colorado Springs.
With the exception of World War II blackout requirements, the Palmer Lake star has sparkled every Christmas season, and also for Memorial Day, July Fourth and historic occasions, including the 1981 release of U.S. hostages in Iran, and the end of the Persian Gulf War 10 years later. It also shines when a longtime Palmer Lake resident passes away.
This is one of my favorite holiday traditions.
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