Black Diamond’s oldest business is also its most famous. Plus, it’s one of the finest bakeries around. Willard (Bill) Hadley built the bakery and oven in 1902. He and his family were involved in ownership and operations until at least 1928. Willard Hadley’s daughter Francys was born in the bakery and she wouldn’t be the last. During most of the 1910s the Lapham brother were proprietors. This photos dates to 1911-12 and shows John or Eldon Lapham beside the horse. Standing in front of the door are Aurelia Minaglia and Jack Evans, the baker. The two married shortly thereafter and in 1916 Aurelia gave birth to twin sons inside the bakery. The boys were named Victor and Vincent Evans. In the early years the Roma Bakery owned by the Vernarelli family competed with this one but eventually closed down.
The Black Diamond Bakery changed hands over the years but experienced its most significant changes under Doug Weiding, who purchased the property and business in 1985. Doug added a deli/restaurant wing in to the south and by 1994 completed a coffee and gift shop addition to the north. Seoung and Moon Bang acquired the building and business in 2007 from Doug and his wife Shari. Weiding died in 2010. New owners, Eunjeong Kim and Insung Kang purchased the business in July 2018. The bakery is famous for its breads, pastries, and bountiful breakfasts and since 2007 has expanded the menu to include dinner. Fitting its long history of service to the community, the bakery stayed open during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to their rich history, businesses like the Black Diamond Bakery are the fabric of a small town. Their existence over more than a century is a testament to dedicated owners, service to customers, and quality of product. If you’ve never visited the Black Diamond Bakery, located at 32805 Railroad Ave., you’re due for a treat – literally. This photo comes courtesy of JoAnne Matsumura.
