Article Date: March 1st, 2011
Category: March 2011, Next AKCHO Meeting
Date: Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 9:30 AM
Hosted by:Â Black Diamond Museum
Meeting location:Â 32627 Railroad Avenue, Black Diamond, 98010
Phone:Â 360-886-2142
Website: www.blackdiamondmuseum.org/
Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/BlackDiamondHistory
Program: The Coal Industry and its Importance to King County: 1880 to 1930s
Contrary to conventional wisdom, coal mining was King County’s first major industry. Mining operations were prevalent throughout East King County in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with several local towns producing high-quality coal for much of the Pacific Northwest as well as San Francisco.
Founded in the 1880s by the California-based Black Diamond Coal Mining Company, Black Diamond played a vital role in King County’s Coal Era. The town has a rich and varied heritage, with many historic homes and buildings – including the renowned Black Diamond Bakery – dating back more than 100 years.
The Special Guest Speaker will be author and historian, Mr. William ‘Bill’ Kombol, whose weekly column, “When Coal was King,†appears in the Voice of the Valley newspaper. “Black Diamond: Mining the Memories,†published by the Black Diamond Historical Society, will be available for purchase.
For further information, you may contact JoAnne Matsumura, Black Diamond Museum Archivist, at 360-886-2142.
Driving and Parking Directions
The Black Diamond Museum is located at the foot of Baker Street and Railroad Avenue, .2 miles west of SR 169 (Maple Valley Highway.) Click here for driving directions. Parking is available in the Eagles Hall parking lot across from the Museum.
Public Transportation
Metro routes 143, 149 and 912 offer limited service to Black Diamond. For further information, please call METRO at 206-553-3000 (press 0 for a live person) or visit their website at Online Trip Planner.
