On the back side of Black Diamond Museum is a 16’ x 8’ mural created in 2014 by local artist Mira Hoke. It depicts lifestyle in the early years of Black Diamond, perhaps the 1920s. On the right, stands the 1886 railroad depot which currently serves as the town’s museum. Pacific Coast Coal Company, as written on the horse-drawn delivery wagon, changed hands many times and is now known as Palmer Coking Coal located on 3rd Avenue. The only building on the left that is still standing on Railroad Avenue is now Black Diamond Grill (located behind the second telephone pole). Over several years, the other buildings housed an undertaker, hotel, meat market, show hall and barbershop.
Many of the residents depicted in the mural are familiar names to Black Diamond old timers. On the right, carrying his lunch bucket, is Bill McLoughry heading to his job in the coal mine. He passes Mr. Fournier, the town banker accused of stealing the bank’s funds. Leaning on the corner of the depot is town doctor, Dr. H.L. Botts. Next to him is Mrs. Davies who operated a confectionary. The couple is Ann and Carl Steiert who founded Black Diamond Historical Society. Carl was an auto mechanic in the building that is currently known as Black Diamond Automotive. Center front is Morgan Morgan, a mining superintendent. Note the lady on the left standing by the railroad-crossing sign; she is carrying a shotgun. The stump next to the sign is one of two stumps known in Black Diamond as ‘Miners’ Stump’ – platforms used by announcers standing to speak on behalf of the miners on strike.
Oral stories told by the townsfolk, accompanied by photographs, are recorded in the book, “Black Diamond: Mining the Memories”. Authors Diane and Cory Olson compiled over 50 interviews. The book is available for a suggested $20 donation at the museum.
“Black Diamond and How It Came To Be”
The “Mining the Memories” book served as inspiration for a three-part musical history of Black Diamond. The presentation, titled “Black Diamond and How It Came To Be,” is scheduled for the public to attend on Thursday, June 22, 6:00 p.m. at Sahara Pizza. About once a month, Sahara owners Tori and Ernie Ammons host the one-hour show that depicts history of the coal-mining town through song lyrics and visuals. It is put on by BD Historical Society officers and volunteers: president and musician Steve Israel, treasurer and narrator Sherrie Evans, and volunteer Dee Israel, slideshow. There is no cost or pre-registration to attend the musical show.
The historical presentation also goes on the road. They have appeared at retirement facilities, clubs, and social gatherings. The show can be booked through Jeff Montgomery, BDHS outreach coordinator, via email, museum@blackdiamondmuseum.org.
