Carbonado gas blast wipes out one crew

Originally published in The Seattle Daily Times, April 13, 1930

Miners on third level of Pacific Coast Coal Company’s workings victims of searing detonation

Twenty-two coal miners were reportedly killed in an explosion and rock slide in the Pacific Coast Company mine at Carbonado in central Pierce County, 34 miles southeast of Tacoma, last evening.

Eighteen bodies had been recovered at 11 o’clock last night, and rescue crews were working frantically to find the other entombed men.

The explosion was the worst tragedy in a coal mine in Washington State in many years.

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Meet the boats: Niord, Furlong to aim for repeat

Originally published in the Voice of the Valley, April 13, 1977

Last year’s Valley Days winner—as well as winners in two other 1976 races sponsored by the Cedar River Boat Association—were Bill Furlong, left, throwing a “victory splash’ at his partner, Bill Niord, after the finish of the men’s contest on Maple Valley Days. They’ll be trying for the big trophy again this year on June 4.

The boats are again taking to the Cedar in practice spins for the men’s and women’s Cedar River Boat Race to be held this year on June 4 as part of the annual Maple Valley Days celebration.

One craft, of course, will be manned by Bill Furlong and Bill Niord, who have come quite a way together in the last two years.

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