The Summit of Mt. Crumpit
Atop the summit of Mt. Tom, overlooking Easthampton and Holyoke, Ma. can be found a number of pieces of graffiti which have accumulated over the years. Amidst the rock and rebar we one will also notice a large star, several feet wide and ornamented with lightbulbs, affixed to the side of the summit railing. These artifacts aren’t just random, they are directly linked to local legend.
In two separate spots, the paint on the concrete spells out two related phrases. The label “Mt. Crumpit” and the words “To Whooville” with an arrow pointing towards the townscape visible in the distance.
The summit of Mt. Crumpit, the fictional mountain home of the Grinch overlooking Whoville, is known for its iconic spiraled peak and steepness. This visual similarity to the peaks of Mt. Tom seems to become more than just a coincidence when one learns that Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), who wrote “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!”, grew up in the neighboring city of Springfield, Ma. Because of this, local legend has grown to suggest that Mt. Tom was the inspiration for Mt. Crumpit.
The link between the mountain and the winter holiday season extends beyond just fictional characters. For over four decades, the star atop Mt. Tom has served as a luminous holiday tradition for the residents of Easthampton, Holyoke, and the surrounding Pioneer Valley. The star was established over 40 years ago simply as a community decoration intended to bring festive cheer to the Pioneer Valley during the winter months. What began as a seasonal lighting display grew into a beloved local tradition, maintained for decades by volunteers who wanted to ensure the festive spirit remained visible from the valley floor.
In recent years, the star has transcended its role as a seasonal decoration to become a broader symbol of community resilience. According to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, in March of 2020, the “star keepers” made the decision to re-illuminate the star out of season, transforming it into a “beacon of hope” during the uncertain early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Visible from the valley floor, the light served as a nightly reminder of solidarity, reinforcing the deep connection between the local community and the mountain that overlooks it.
Notes:
- The extensive “Amazing World of Dr. Seuss” exhibit at the Springfield Museums collects and showcases a wide range of items from the life of Theodor Geisel.