Black Diamond hosted a visit from King County Councilman Reagan Dunn, with progress reports on Grants from King County awarded during the Covid pandemic.
The Black Diamond Museum has launched major upgrades and additions to the displays that depict the historical significance of the community. Grants totaling $4,500 over the last five years paid for display cabinets, lighting, painting, and historic murals that encompass both the top and lower floors of the museum. Sherrie Evans, Museum Treasurer, said “Grants also help pay for funda- mental upkeep such has cleaning, maintenance and supplies, which are major costs. ”A recent fundraiser to replace the furnace and install air conditioning was completely paid for by private donations. “We have incredible local support,” said Evans.
The Museum has tightened its presentations by categorizing sections according to the major influence of trades and services throughout the community. Namely, Coal Mining, Railroad, Retail, Medical, Fashion and Schools dominate the upper level. New signage and timeline posters clearly explain the use of artifacts and industry since the settling of the region in the early 1800s.
The lower level of the museum has been re-designed this summer to form clusters of trades that have influenced the region. The evolution of older technology spans from household appliances to automobile service, metal forges, retail, blacksmithing, logging, and even local taverns and show halls. Each display has been painstakingly arranged with thousands of artifacts that have been donated to the Historical Society since it was formed in 1976.
“With the advance of trades and industry throughout the region, it is more important than ever to respect the history of our com- munities,” said Dunn. “The Black Diamond Museum tells the most accurate story of the lives of our forebearers. It is more orga- nized and thorough than any museum that exists in King County. Museums of larger cities tend to lose that focus on their heritage, but this museum tells a clear story.”
Such praise belongs to the hosts of volunteers who have built the museum from the shell of the old Railroad Depot on Railroad Avenue. The museum was built and is run entirely by volunteers, donations and grants. It was designated as a Historical Landmark for the State of Washington, a title long pursued and finally captured through the work of Sherrie Evans.
“This is the happiest place in town,” said Mira Hoke, the artist who painted numerous murals throughout the museum. “For any- one who wants a sense of what Black Diamond was and is, get to know the people here!” Hoke was gifted with the job of lifting the story of Black Diamond onto the blank walls behind the displays. Interestingly enough, many of the murals are painted “life-sized” so that the actual artifacts of a particular trade can be attached to the painting.
Mayor Carol Benson particularly liked the Model-T painting with an actual wheel attached to the right front axle. “I like the way that the art and the displays are put together,” said Benson.
The museum has been closed throughout the spring and summer, but is slated to re-open with a huge celebration in October.
Dunn’s visit moved to the Black Diamond Community Center where he received an update from Executive Director Cheryl Hanson and input from active participants of the programs.
“Grants reaped from the County through the help of Dunn’s office have totaled $189,000 over three years,” said Hanson.
“These are YOUR tax dollars making a difference in YOUR community,” said Dunn. Major programs through the Community Center aid veterans, senior citizens, children of all ages and lift the spirit of the community of all ages with seasonal celebrations. King County’s Senior Housing issues, brought to light by Betty Leonard, included expansion of the housing, quality of life and costs of living.
“The Covid Pandemic has been especially rough on our seniors,” said Hanson. “Lack of social contact is difficult for people who are living an already quiet life.” The Community Center has been serving their usual Tuesday and Thursday Senior lunches via drive-up service. Seniors call ahead to reserve a meal, then drive up to accept their packaged hot lunch. “We have people who miss face time with each other so much, that a few have pulled up their own chairs in the parking lot and eat their lunch together,” said Hansen, “with social distancing, of course.”
The pandemic has also curtailed fundraisers for the Center. Live auctions, in particular, had to be re-shaped to honor social distanc- ing. “People in the community are stepping forward to fill this void. New fundraisers such as an Art Walk, parade-style food drives and a huge local garage sale have helped.”
“There will be cuts across the board in the new King County Budget, up to 14%,” said Dunn. The Cares Act has been a huge factor in supplementing community and city services, but County cuts are affecting law enforcement services and other areas. “Fortunately, Black Diamond has wisely maintained their own city police department,” said Dunn. “Effects from reduced county law enforcement will affect you indirectly, as more convicts are released or even not prosecuted. Criminals tend to move throughout the area, in- cluding through suburban cities and rural areas.”
