Gate savers: Historical preservationists offer chains, welding to prevent theft in Butte

By John Grant Emeigh of The Montana Standard - 05/06/2007

A historical preservation group wants to make stealing antique gates a thing of the past.

After a rash of thefts of wrought iron gates, the Butte Citizens for Preservation and Revitalization decided to help property owners protect their valuable gates.

The group will give away free chains or will weld a bolt to the hinge to prevent the gate from being removed.

Mitzi Rossillon, a Butte CPR board member, said the service will be provided on a “first come, first serve basis.” Last month, Butte-Silver Bow police received four separate theft reports of antique, wrought iron gates. Sheriff John Walsh said gates and fences are among antique thieves’ favorite targets.

Rossillon wants to help people save their property because of the historical significance of these gates.

“We want to enhance and preserve the historic heritage of Uptown Butte and wrought iron fences are part of that heritage,” she said.

Many of these fences on the Butte Hill were placed there more than a century ago.

Preservationist Jim Warner said he and CPR member Robert Edwards will gladly do their part to save these historical gates.

“We just can’t stand to see all this thievery,” he said.

For details, call Butte CPR at 723-2174.

Reporter John Grant Emeigh may be reached via e-mail at john.emeigh@lee.net or by telephone, 496-5511.