It was summer of 1935, in the middle of the Great Depression. The American economy had shed about 25% of the work force and this particular morning was just like many others as B. E. Jack left his office in Colorado Springs. Mr. Jack, regional manager of Mountain Utilities headed for Palmer Lake to check the progress of his line crew. This drive was familiar as was the sight of Sundance Mountain towering over the little Town of Palmer Lake. As the early morning sun lit up Sundance, again he pictured an idea in his mind, only this time he vowed to share this idea with someone else before the day was done. It was on this cool morning in early June the Palmer Lake Star had its real beginning.

The usual morning coffee break found Mr. Jack in Sloan’s Cafe visiting over a cup of coffee with Bert Sloan. Mr. Jack knew Bert, the big hearted Irishman, would build a star by himself if he liked the idea or would tell him to forget it if it sounded impossible.

After coffee Mr. Jack took Bert for a ride and stopped about ten miles south of town. Mr. Jack explained how he had visualized a giant star on Sundance Mountain that would be noticeable for miles. He felt such a star would be Palmer Lake’s contribution for many future holiday seasons. Bert agreed and knew this novelty would be enjoyed by many because in 1935 the Denver – Colorado Springs highway passed through the Town of Palmer Lake. They spent most of that morning driving around looking at Sundance mountain from different angles trying to imagine how the star would look and discussing the problems of its construction. Both men agreed to discuss this idea of a star with other Palmer Lake residents. Within a few days Mr. Jack gave a similar tour to Richard Wolf, one of his linemen in Palmer Lake. A lighted star on Sundance Mountain seemed like a fine idea to Richard who immediately offered his help.

Palmer Lake was a small town and the word of a star spread quickly. The back booth at Sloan’s Cafe had often been the favorite gathering spot for the young men of the town. They spent several summer evenings discussing and drawing plans over this back table before the actual work got underway. C. E. Rader, another Mountain Utilities lineman, drew the electrical wiring plans, as this was his line of work.

Soon things began to take shape. Most of the construction organization was left to Bert Sloan, Richard Wolf, C. E. Rader and Byron Medlock, all residents of Palmer Lake. Because of his surveying experience Byron Medlock assumed responsibility for planning the size and layout of the star. Mr. Jack was physically unable to climb and work with the younger men but it was Mr. Jack who convinced Mountain Utilities to contribute used poles and cable for this worthwhile project. He gladly advised the volunteer crew and made available much of the necessary equipment.

Sundance Mountain was a perfect place for the star but posed a real challenge. The 60 percent slope with its underbrush, yucca and rocks made working conditions difficult.

With the use of a transit to plot out a 500 foot, five point star the work on Sundance began and it was hard work since it had to be done by hand, without the use of power tools. Every hole was dug with shovels and post hole diggers. If the post holes were not deep enough before hitting solid rock, concrete had to be used to secure the posts. Every wooden pole had to be carried up the mountain. Steel pipe, from the town’s discarded water main, was used as corner posts and each one secured in concrete. Each point of the star contained eight to 10 wooden posts and the steel corner post. Water was brought to the base of the hill where it was mixed with cement before the men carried it uphill bucket by bucket.

Finding time to work on the star was difficult since most of the men worked six or seven days a week. Many late evenings and Sundays were spent completing the task. Finding time was especially hard for Bert because summer weekends were the busiest time of all in the cafe. Nevertheless, he found time, as did Richard, Byron, C. E. Rader, Gilbert Wolf, Floyd Bellinger, George Sill, Jess Kruger and many other townspeople.

One avid worker during the building of the star who deserves mention was Bert’s dog, a German Shepherd, named Dizzy after Dizzy Dean the famous baseball player of that era. Dizzy was Bert’s constant companion. Bert made a small pack that he strapped to Dizzy. As the crews worked and moved about the mountainside Dizzy carried supplies from one group to another. Everything from hammers to electrical wire and even light bulbs were placed in Dizzy’s pack. A short whistle or a call of his name and ‘Ol Diz was soon there with energy left over.

By late fall the bulk of the star was in place. There had been a lot of volunteer labor, but additional money was needed for completion. At about this time Bert Sloan was elected to the Palmer Lake City Council. His presence was evident. At his first meeting a motion was passed to approve a soliciting committee to accept donations. A second motion appropriated $140.00 from the city budget to help purchase materials. At this point things progressed quickly because less than a week later a special meeting of the City Council was held to make final arrangements to complete the star. The City Council also required written permits from Arthur Bradley and Western Airway Commerce before Mountain Utilities could supply power to the star.

Arthur Bradley, a local artist, owned the land where the star was placed. He had given verbal approval long before the star got underway but written permission was needed. Bradley was pleased that the property was going to be put to such good use. In 1966 the Bradley’s deeded the land to the Town of Palmer Lake.

Western Airway Commerce had to be contacted because a permit was required for any new lights in the area that might affect aircraft navigation. The necessary permits were quickly secured and the star was lit.

Some problems became apparent when the star was lit for the first time. The original 100 watt bulbs gave off a fuzzy glow caused by so much bright light. They had to be replaced by 25 watt bulbs. The smaller size bulbs gave the star a distinct outline. At first the points of the star seemed out of proportion even though the angles between points were correct according to the transit. To correct the appearance a couple of the points had to be moved, which meant new post holes and concrete. The lights also needed adjustment. They were raised on one side of the mountain and lowered on the other. The final changes were made and by mid-December 1935 the gigantic star with 91 light bulbs blazed on Sundance Mountain.

Beginning in 1936 the star was lit each year from December 1st until January 1st. The star is also lit on the Memorial Day weekend. Except for the WWII years, the Star of Palmer Lake also called the Star of Bethlehem has shined brightly since 1935. In the beginning the city paid for the electricity until December 15, while Mountain Utilities donated it for the rest of the month. This arrangement lasted for several years. In 1937 the Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department became custodian of the star while the city contributed financial support. The custody and maintenance of the star today still rests with the Volunteer Fire Department. Funds to maintain the star are partly raised at a widely attended annual “Chili Supper” hosted by the PLVFD.

When the main highway, between Denver and Colorado Springs, was moved several miles east in the late 1940’s, many businesses including Sloan’s Cafe had to close or relocate. Today many Palmer Lake residents are retired or commute to either Colorado Springs or Denver. Bert and Richard had recalled the complimentary remarks made by highway travelers when the star shone in those early days. Richard recalled how one of the local airlines advertised that their night flight between Denver and Colorado Springs gave a spectacular view of the Palmer Lake Star. Bert probably summed up the feelings of most Palmer Lake citizens when he answered a tourists question concerning what the town’s people did during the long winters of the 30’s. “We tried to keep the town from dying and make it a good place to live. We wanted to do something the town could be proud of for many years and the star did just that.”

The Star of Palmer Lake is lit during the month of Dec. It is 500 ft across and may be seen from as far as 30 miles. The Church is an instrumental part of small-town life. It’s director and Miss Vaile started the Yule Log Festival in 1934 to bring fellowship and goodwill to the area.

The cable, wiring and posts of the original star survived the tests of time until 1976. At that time as part of the Bicentennial, Colonel Carl Frederick Duffner, a Palmer Lake resident, spearheaded a fund raising campaign to replace the posts and rewire the star. This time rather than Bert, Richard, Dizzy and the rest carrying every ounce of equipment up the mountainside a helicopter airlifted the new wire and steel posts. The original cable installed in 1935 did not need to be replaced. Wet concrete was airlifted rather than carried up the mountain in buckets. This 1976 airlift of equipment took three hours compared to over three months of labor in 1935.

In 2002, the star needed renovation once again. Project Engineer Todd Bell led a community project to rebuild the star. The 50+ volunteers came from the Fire Department, Historical Society, town officials, and citizens of the Tri-Lakes area. This renovation involved replacing electrical wiring and other major components. A new automated controller complying with the American with Disabilities Act allows remote control operation of the star. A new type of connector was installed on all sockets to prevent wire damage and also allow bulb positioning adjustments. The lights were repositioned for symmetry and another bulb was added for a new total of 92.

On the mountainside overlooking the Town of Palmer Lake Colorado, the Palmer Lake Star has been shining each December and on special occasions since 1935. The star has greeted residents and visitors traveling along Colorado State Highway 105, which until the late 50’s was the only Front Range road from Colorado Springs to Denver.

When lit, the Palmer Lake Star is visible from Interstate 25, from aircraft flying overhead, and from Larkspur and Greenland to Colorado Springs. In October 2012, the Palmer Lake Historical Society (PLHS) nominated the star to be admitted to the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties. In January 2013 the star was unanimously approved for the register.

The purpose of this essay is to share the background and history of the star. Additional information is provided herein to illustrate the efforts to keep the star safe from the effects of time and to shine on into perpetuity. The definitive history of the Palmer Lake star is captured in an essay entitled, “star Light, star Bright,” written in 1980 by Rod VanVelson and Jane VanVelson-Potts. In 2005, Roger Davis and Hobie Edwards of the Lucretia Vaile Museum updated the essay. The star survey by Tim Wagner was also arranged for in 2009 by the Vaile Museum.

Throughout 2012, I was a member of the PLHS Board and assigned the task of preparing the star’s nomination for the Colorado state Register of Historic Properties. Many of the paragraphs within this essay are taken from the Palmer Lake star nomination. Ms. Kara Hahn and Dr. Astrid Liverman of History Colorado, assisted me with their wisdom, know- how, and editing talents. Gary Coleman and his son Travis, assisted with the nomination by conducting property record research.

The Palmer Lake Star is built on a 14-acre site on Sundance Mountain, located just West of the Town of Palmer Lake. The mountainside, which has a 58 percent slope, provides the ideal location to support the framework and provide maximum exposure for the star. The five-point star has an elevation difference of approximately 252 feet and faces east of south-east at a bearing of 111 degrees. The Palmer Lake Star is comprised of 91, 9-watt, energy-saving LED light bulbs. It stands 404.8 feet tall, 457.3 feet wide and 434.3 feet on the diagonal of the star.

The area enveloped by the star makes it the largest outdoor illuminated star in the world. Thirty galvanized steel posts are situated on the site and hold electrical wiring, light bulbs, support cables, and connectors off the ground. Depending on the terrain, the posts range from 3 feet to 8 feet tall. The height of the wire and light bulbs vary throughout the star. The appearance of the star remains unchanged from 1935 to the present.

The construction and maintenance of the Palmer Lake Star demonstrates the determination, dedication and perseverance of the community. Sundance Mountain and the roadway through Palmer Lake offered a geographic opportunity to showcase a small town’s “can-do” spirit for all passers-by and citizens to see. Bert Sloan, a longtime resident, summarized the feelings of most Palmer Lake citizens when he answered a tourist’s question concerning what the town’s people did during the 1930s “We tried to keep the town from dying and make it a good place to live. We wanted to do something the town could be proud of for many years and the star did just that.”

In June 1935, B. E. Jack, regional manager of Mountain Utilities, introduced the idea of a lighted star that would be noticeable for miles and be Palmer Lake’s contribution for the Christmas season. He met Bert Sloan at Sloan’s Cafe and described a giant star on Sundance Mountain. Jack believed the steep slope would be the best location for the star. Since Colorado State Highway 105 passed through Palmer Lake, the star would be visible to all who traveled between Denver and Colorado Springs.

Sloan’s Cafe became the planning center for the star. Arthur Bradley, who owned the site on Sundance Mountain, granted permission to build the star on his land. Arthur and Reba Bradley eventually deeded the site to the Town of Palmer Lake on January 24, 1966. Further discussion took place with other Mountain Utilities linemen, Richard Wolf and C. E. Rader, who detailed the electrical wiring plans. Local citizen and surveyor, Byron Medlock, designed the five-point star. Jack convinced Mountain Utilities to contribute used poles and electrical cable for the star. This photo of the Palmer Lake Star is portrayed on a post card Circa 1936. It was as awe inspiring then as it is now.

Council authorized a Palmer Lake Star soliciting committee and also contributed $140 for additional materials. Armed with a design and commitment for supplies, the skilled and passionate citizens embarked on construction of the star on Sundance Mountain. Over a three-month time period, volunteers carried the construction materials up the mountain and slowly assembled the star. Gilbert Wolf, Floyd Bellinger, George Sill, Jess Krueger and many other townspeople worked many late evenings and Sundays. A four-legged worker also contributed. Bert Sloan’s German Shepherd Dizzy was rigged with a small pack that was used to carry supplies to workers.

A statue of Dizzy symbolizing the all-volunteer effort can be seen in the Palmer Lake Village Green. The star’s original builders faced technical challenges to determine the appropriate location for the star, its size, and shape. With final adjustments completed by mid-December 1935, the Palmer Lake Star shone brightly from Sundance Mountain. Beginning in 1936, the star was lit each year from December to January 1. Other occasions included Memorial Day weekend, the Fourth of July, Veteran’s Day, and other momentous events. For instance, the town lit the star to mark the return of the Iran hostages in 1981. In 2013, the Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department decided to light the star for 20 straight evenings honoring the fallen Granite Mountain Hotshot fire fighters who perished in Arizona.

In 1937, the Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department became the custodian of the star. Funds were raised at an annual chili supper. This has become a major community event in Palmer Lake and is traditionally held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Through the years, many fire department volunteers and citizens have helped maintain the star. Notable contributors include Jesse Krueger and his sons. Each December from the late 1930s to early 1950s, Harry Krueger and his brothers, Orville and Kenny, were often dispatched up Sundance Mountain by their dad to replace burned out bulbs. When Harry completed a 20-year Army career in 1973, he bought a house at the foot of Sundance Mountain and became the on-site guardian of the star.

There have been two major technical efforts to care for the star and keep it from suffering the effects of time. In 1976, the Town of Palmer Lake bicentennial committee considered several community projects to commemorate the 200th birthday of the United States. Harry Krueger proposed and championed a bicentennial project to care for the star by updating the star’s original electrical wiring and fixtures as well as replacing the wooden posts with galvanized steel posts.

To help save the star from erosion, a bicentennial fundraising campaign was spearheaded by bicentennial committee president, retired Colonel Carl Frederick Duffner, and retired Sergeant First Class Harry Krueger. The volunteers sought the help of the El Pomar Foundation to help fund the purchase of supplies for the bicentennial overhaul of the star. Many citizens also donated money to help with costs and volunteers from the Palmer Lake Fire Department once again answered the call of the star… and helped with the reconstruction.

During this repair, a helicopter airlifted new steel posts, wiring and concrete to the site. The 1976 airlift took only three hours compared to the original construction occurring over three months. The wooden posts were removed and replaced with galvanized steel posts, secured in the same locations. The original wiring and light fixtures were replaced with modern materials. When all was completed, the steel posts and light bulbs retained their original location and design, and the height of the bulbs was maintained. Palmer Lake’s bicentennial project was complete, and the star sparkled with new life.

In 2002, Todd Bell, a member of the Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department, led a second major community initiative to repair the star. He and his assistant, Dan Reynolds, coordinated the efforts of the Palmer Lake Volunteer Fire Department along with the Palmer Lake Historical Society, town officials, and citizens of the Tri-Lakes area. Harry Krueger, leader of the 1976 project, provided historical insight based on his first-hand knowledge from the 1976 effort, as well as his knowledge from caring for the star in his childhood.

Krueger allowed use of his land for storage of equipment. This was an effort to update the star to meet the electrical codes for safety and efficient use of power as well as to enable the star to be activated remotely. The improved electrical system ensured safe and effective operation of the star and resulted in the star using 25 percent less power. As with the 1976 updates, a helicopter was used to deliver a large 2200-pound spool of heavy wire to the top of the site. By this time, the star used special five-filament light bulbs that could withstand the forces of high winds as well as deer that occasionally cross under the star with their antlers coming in contact with the bulbs. Mr. Tim Wagner completed a survey of the star in January 2009. His survey data played a major role in describing the star in the nomination. Tim passed away suddenly on January 20, 2013; two days after the History Colorado unanimously approved the star for the register.

In the passage of time and the two major endeavors to help the star survive, the Palmer Lake Star has maintained its original design down to the precise number of light bulbs in the position and height that gave the same appearances as in December 1935. The Palmer Lake Star has greeted travelers and citizens as they crossed over the Palmer Divide going to and from Denver. Even as the interstate system was built in the 1950s, the star shone upon them as they traveled from its site on Sundance Mountain. Since 1935, the citizens of Palmer Lake have kept the dream of a star on Sundance Mountain alive and shining brightly.

Experience the magic of the Palmer Lake Star. Visit our village… especially during the December holiday season. Come see the Palmer Lake Star!