Public owns cobblestones

By The Standard Staff - 07/20/2007

Yes, there are some logistics to work through, but Butte-Silver Bow should lay claim to the historic cobblestones unearthed when contractors dig trenches to replace utility lines.

As Julie Crowley of Butte Citizens for Preservation and Revitalization puts it, “Those are historical artifacts and there does need to be a policy for them. They were paid for by taxpayer dollars over a century ago.” The truth is, the county should have drawn up a policy years ago. County historic preservation officer Mark Reavis estimates that miles of cobblestone streets have already been lost as contractors over the years dug the pavers up and either dumped them, gave them away, kept them or sold them. That’s just how it’s always been done.

Fortunately, thousands more stones probably still lie waiting, and county officials should move quickly on a policy to ensure they’ll be stockpiled for future public use.

The stones could be building blocks for a miners’ memorial wall. Or they could be used in pathways through the mineyards or around the future Granite Mountain Memorial Interpretive site. Maybe Norm DeNeal would want some for a future garden project. Ellen Crain could use more in the Archives’ alley.

The possibilities are many, and any option is better than having the stones sold out of town and lost for good. They are part of our history and we should keep them around.

True, contractors should not be expected to spend their time separating and transporting the pavers unless the added cost is included in their contracts. But since most excavation takes place in the summer, maybe seasonal work crews could help. CPR members have also volunteered to assist.

“Whatever it takes,” Crowley said. “We have to find a way to work with the contractors and make sure these stones are saved.” Reavis plans to discuss the issue Aug. 7 with the historic preservation commission. Commissioners should direct staff to move quickly on a policy to cover pavers and any other artifacts discovered during excavations for both public and private utility work.

Then we’d urge the Butte-Silver Bow Council of Commissioners to give its necessary approval. It’s better late than never, to start saving Butte’s version of the Yellow Brick Road.