Remembering Sopris: A Colorado Town Forever Imprinted on the Heart

In the 1970s, the vibrant echoes of Sopris, a once-thriving coal mining town in southern Colorado, were silenced as waters rose to envelop its very soul. Giuseppe Incitti, a resident, poignantly documented this heartbreak in a letter, declaring, “Consider the town of Sopris finished. It will be buried under water.” As the construction of a dam transformed the landscape, the memories of Sopris became both a testament and a tribute to the rich history it harbored.

A Town Lost but Not Forgotten

The Final Farewell

It was a bittersweet day in 1970 when residents gathered for one last hurrah. Surrounded by friends, family, and memories, they bid farewell to beloved landmarks and cherished traditions. Among them, the iconic stones on the hill that read “L.H.S.”—a legacy of Lincoln High School—stood as a silent sentinel. These stones symbolize the generational ties that once bound the community together. Incitti’s reminiscences, rich with nostalgia, underline the deep connection between the residents and their home.

Memories that Endure

Now 92, Domenic Incitti, Giuseppe’s son, recalls this enclave with vivid clarity. "We had it good," he reminisces with palpable warmth, evoking images of warm bread baked in backyards and the camaraderie of celebrations in local dance halls. As he prepares to join a reunion this summer, he yearns to reconnect with those who experienced Sopris firsthand, now gathered along the shores of Trinidad Lake.

Tradition Amidst Change

A New Generation’s Promise

Reunions have morphed from decade-long gatherings to more frequent remembrances, driven by the realities of mortality. Genevieve Faoro-Johannsen, a fellow Sopris native, has spearheaded this initiative to ensure that the stories of Sopris are not relegated to mere whispers of the past. People travel from afar, driven by the weight of shared history and an unyielding desire to remember their roots.

The Holy Reverence of Sopris

The emotional connection to Sopris runs profound. Marco Terry, also a former resident, recounts a priest who reverently paused upon hearing the name “Sopris,” recognizing its sacred significance. The profound impact of this town fosters a sense of familial identity that’s vital to those who shared its cobbled streets and bustling community life.

The Indomitable Spirit of a Working Class Town

The Mining Heritage

At its inception in the 1880s, Sopris emerged as a beacon of hope for countless immigrants seeking a brighter future. The Colorado Fuel and Iron Co., led by John D. Rockefeller, facilitated the growth of this coal town, establishing homes and a myriad of businesses to support the community. Incitti, along with thousands of others, worked tirelessly in the mines, often risking their lives for a better tomorrow.

As the years rolled by, strikes for labor rights resonated through the community. The struggles of miners laid the groundwork for future labor rights, with families torn yet bound by shared experiences. Mary Lou Sebben recalls, "You’d go underground, and sometimes some miners didn’t make it back out," highlighting both the peril and resilience of life in Sopris.

A Patchwork of Community and Culture

Life Beyond the Mines

Despite the challenges, life in Sopris was rich with tradition and community spirit. Weekly masses culminated in picnics and spirited baseball games—events that forged bonds. Families shared resources, from handbaked goods to garden vegetables, reinforcing the fabric of togetherness.

Faoro-Johannsen articulated beautifully: “How well you could swing a bat became as important as how well you could swing a pick.” The local school system became an anchor, nurturing the next generation amid shifting societal tides.

Legacy of Love and Laughter

As time wore on, Sopris evolved, but the essence remained unchanged. The children of Sopris, often oblivious to their financial struggles, embraced a sense of belonging and family. Crist Cunico later expressed heartfelt sentiments about Sopris in his poetry, reflecting on both beauty and loss.

The Floodgates of Memory: A Dam Built on Sentiment

The Rise of Trinidad Lake

The Purgatoire River, the very lifeblood of Sopris, ultimately became its downfall. After years of devastating floods, the decision to build a dam culminated in Ichitti’s emotional letter, mourning the inevitable transformation of their beloved land. Many residents, like Sebben, salvaged pieces of their past, sentimentally clinging to remnants of a once-vibrant community.

Facing the Future Together

Despite the reservoir that now covers Sopris, its people have not dwindled into mere memories. The upcoming reunion symbolizes resilience, a gathering of shared histories and an affirmation that while the town may be submerged, its heart endures.

“Friends are friends for life,” Faoro-Johannsen states with conviction, a reminder that the spirit of Sopris lives on. As they gather this summer, surrounded by the placid waters of Trinidad Lake, they will remember their roots, the rocks that spelled “LHS,” and the love and laughter that intertwined their lives.

In a world often quick to forget, the legacy of Sopris remains an enduring love letter to community, resilience, and the ties that bind us through time.