Big Brutus celebrates 50th Retirement Anniversary; Fest is coming up

Big Brutus, the largest electric shovel in the world, is celebrating its 50th retirement anniversary this year. This colossal machine offers visitors a unique opportunity to travel back in time and delve into the rich history of mining.

It's also an opportunity for former miners to dig into their memories.

"The best job I've ever had," reflects David Kimrey, a former Big Brutus operator.

"Work was a hobby," recalls Carmen Boccia, a former Big Brutus miner.

"And loved every day of it," adds Jimmy Lovell, another former miner.

These are just a few of the miners who worked at Big Brutus more than half a century ago. Their passion for their former workplace and coworkers, whom they regard as family, is evident.

"Every day you come to work, it is something different," says Jimmy Lovell.

After Big Brutus retired, the miners wanted to ensure that new generations could enjoy this historical site.

"There was a lot of interest in it, and people would come tour. She was always a little too interested, even when we were operating. Tourists would come, look at it, and climb all around," shares Boccia.

"I want to see it build up and keep a door to my kids and grandkids, great grandkids, so they can say 'My granddad worked there. My dad's grandpa did this.' I'll be long gone, but they'll be talking about it," expresses Lovell.

The Big Brutus museum is not only a place for visitors to learn about mining history but also a space for retired miners to relive their memories.

"You had all the weather to contend with. Sometimes it was nice, like a summer night. It was great. But if it was raining or snowing, it didn't matter; that machine had to keep moving," recalls Larry Spahn, a former Big Brutus electrician.

"It was a lot of responsibility, for one thing. And I enjoyed moving dirt. I liked playing in the dirt," says Kimrey.

The celebration of Big Brutus's legacy continues, keeping excavated memories alive.

Don't miss the Big Brutus Annual Fest on June 1st, from 11 AM to 7 PM. Come and be a part of history.

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