It was special in more ways than one. The book itself is a rarity in documenting a town’s history. “Black Diamond: Mining the Memories”is based upon 100 hours of taped interviewsof folks who lived in the days of Black Diamond’s coal mining history. It took years for the tapes to be transcribed, totaling 700 pages of information.
Diane and Cory Olson compiled and edited this very rich history on behalf of Black Diamond Historical Society. The book was published in 1988. The Olsons were on hand this month for a book-signing event at the town’s depot museum.
Diane originally started writing for publication at the behest of Bill Ziegner, founder, publisher and editor of Voice of the Valley. Ziegner needed coverage of news in Black Diamond. Diane agreed but was a little perplexed at first about finding a newsworthy event. She finally attended a city council meeting and thus scored her first payment for writing. Her paycheck was 10-cents per each line.
Copies of the book, “Black Diamond: Mining the Memories,” is available at the museum on Railroad Avenue.
