On Labor Day weekend, the three historic mills in Mora - La Cueva, St. Vrain, and the Cleveland Roller Mill - hosted the 2nd annual 2024 Valley of the Mills tour. This initiative aims to revive these historic buildings, promote the cultural heritage of the region and make it a yearly recurrence.
However, the preservation and promotion of these sites has become a complex and at times contentious issue within the Mora community. Local residents hold a range of perspectives on the best path forward. Some see the mills as the means to showcase the hard work and ingenuity of their ancestors, and at the same time an obligation to protect such legacy for future generations.
Others believe in a more modernist approach arguing that although there should be respect for the mills historical significance, there are practical realities of maintaining these aging structures to consider, therefore, thoughtful renovations could make them more viable for the 21st century.
These differing viewpoints reflect the larger tensions in Mora between preserving cultural traditions and embracing economic progress. The 2024 tour aimed to be a constructive step in finding common ground. Attendees were asked to fill out a survey, which highlighted the community's strong interest in reconnecting with Mora's collective memory.
Visitors highlighted the need to also provide food sustenance with musicians and vendors of local products. This will also be taken into consideration by the organizers in the future.