Defiance of age

The city of Colfax has recognized the Codger Pole as a unique attraction. Restoration work is now underway on the pole and surrounding park.

They are finally getting some appreciation.

It has been a long time coming.

The pole, born out of the famous Codger Bowl, a rematch of St. John and Colfax football teams 50 years after the fact, was the creation of John Crawford.

Crawford, raised in Colfax, was an actor, playwright, musician and author.

More telling, he was imaginative. Much to the chagrin of many, he pushed his ideas until he got his way, not letting the lack of imagination in others deter him.

Crawford did not put the bowl game or pole projects together by himself, but he was the major promoter and organizer of both.

To his credit, he did not give up. Many people wished he had.

He wanted the little park done right, and it was. A visit to the pole shows that.

Although it is now showing its age, the park still stands as a celebration of youthful spirit and a joy of life.

That defiance of age is what made the rematch famous, and it is what makes the park special.

Along with the positive changes happening in Colfax, such as getting Val Gregory to help coordinate town activities, new ideas, some interesting projects and recent remodels and face lifts, a renewed defiance of age may be the biggest change of all in town.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher