The May Pole

Editor,

What Has Become of Sierra City’s May Pole?

It seems a circle of stones is all that remains of a once-lively pagan tradition carried out every May in downtown Sierra City.

I have not forgotten the first time I saw the May Pole, plaited from top to bottom in brightly colored ribbons. I was in town for a visit with my grandmother, who was born in Sierra City and participated in the May Pole Dance as a girl. The dance had already taken place, as it did every year on May 1st (I rather envied the girls and boys who participated). Imagine the sight with snow-capped buttes and spring blossoms.

The ribbons would remain until the winter carried them away. Then, of course, they would be replaced in the next spring ceremony.

But that was all many years ago.

More recently I noticed the pole had been painted in blue and white stripes. But I have not heard of any dancing.

And then, last year it came down. In a storm I was told. And now it is gone all together.

Will it be replaced?

I’d like to see that.

Laura Todd

Sierra City