If you have not already done so, I want to encourage each one of you who have not taken the time to visit the Black Diamond Museum, pick up a pamphlet or check out a book at the library and learn about the rich history of Black Diamond coal. See why coal miners from California traveled a 1000 miles north to Black Diamond in search of more coal, that precious commodity from times past.
Below is a brief description of landmarks I pulled out of the Black Diamond Tour Guide pamphlet you can receive at the museum -
See the corresponding pictures (as of June 2009) to the left as they are numbered below:
- Black Diamond Cemetery (24431 SE 325th St) The town cemetery dates back to pre 1880 and is the final resting place for many founding families.
- Union Stump (Roberts Drive / Branch Rd West of Cemetery) When Black Diamond miners began to organize a union, they were not allowed to gather on Company property, so they congregated at a spot outside of town near the cemetery
- Gattavara’s Store (24306 Roberts Drive) The Gattavara Store was privately owned and built in 1922. The building has been know as the Morganville Tavern, The Dinner House (and now Mama Pasarelli’s)
- Garrett’s Service Station and Residence (24203 Roberts Drive) In the 1920’s, Garrett’s sold gas at 12 cents / gallon and delivered groceries by truck.
- Black Diamond Depot (32627 Railroad Ave) Built in 1886 by the Black Diamond Coal Company, the depot was an integral part of the town’s activity. After serving many purposes over the years, the depot became the home of the Black Diamond Historical Society Museum in 1982.
- Black Diamond Jail (South side of museum) Starting in 1909, men who got too rowdy celebrating payday could find themselves here on Saturday morning.
- Post Office, Bank / Koerner’s Drug Store and Confectionary (32700 Railroad Ave) Built in 1893, this building originally served as the post office and was later expanded to include a bank. After the town banker ran away with the money in the 1920’s, the building then became a drug store and confectionary as it is commonly called today.
- Black Diamond Store (32709 Railroad Ave) The Black Diamond Store was a privately-owned business started in 1900 before the PCCC acquired the town. It has also housed a tavern, a saloon and today serves as a bookstore.
- Black Diamond Bakery (32805 Railroad Ave) Established in 1902 by Bill Hadley, the bakery is the only historic building in Black Diamond still existing as its original use. Baked goods made here have been a favorite of locals and visitors for over 100 years.
