Pioneer resident who died in Black Diamond

Originally published in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, May 10, 1914

Mrs. Margaret L. Morgans

Black Diamond paid tribute last Sunday, May 3, to the memory of Mrs. Margaret L. Morgans, who died there a few days before, after a residence of thirty years in that city. Mrs. Morgans was born in Dowlais, South Wales, June 12, 1839. She married John W. Morgans in 1856, and they came to America in 1865. The next year they moved to Contra Costa County, California, where they lived for nineteen years, until they came to Black Diamond.

Two years later Mrs. Morgans’ husband was drowned, and she raised an adopted family by her own exertions. The two children she reared were George and Maggie Jones. Never blessed with children of her own, she was a mother to all children who needed her.

She was active in church work in Black Diamond and was the friend of every man, woman, and child in the place. Her funeral, the services of which were conducted by Rev. R. Bushell, was attended by pioneers from all parts of the state.

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College of Mines

Originally published in the Pacific Coast Bulletin, May 1, 1930

The College of Mines Building on the University of Washington campus. See article by Professor Joseph Daniels.

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The Carbon River country: It flows with great magic

Originally published in The Tacoma News Tribune and Sunday Ledger, April 19, 1964

By Rod Cardwell

Left: Wilkeson sight, sculptor John Geise. Middle: Wilderness defeats man in Carbon River country. Right: Wilkeson quarry workers get a lift.

“Where the ladies’ rest room is now, they used to have a dentist’s chair,” said Eugene Wright, proprietor of the Carbonado Tavern.

The amiable, soft-spoken Wright, a Carbonado citizen for 49 years, was reflecting on the coal-mining boom days of another era … a hectic, happy, good-money time when the ache of a tooth and a thirst for a tall, cool one were treated under the same roof.

The magic of Pierce County’s Carbon River country is a spellbinding blend of faded greatness, of wild, mountain beauty … of mementoes Franklin D. Roosevelt … of tough, robust people who would live in no other spot on earth.

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Going north

Originally published in the Pacific Coast Bulletin, April 1, 1930

The Pacific Coast Cement Company’s Dall Island crew just before boarding the S.S. Queen for the island. We’ll endorse any statement to the effect that this is a fine-looking bunch. All went north with the exception of W.H. Green, plant manager, standing at the extreme right. Bon voyage.

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Memorial to miner will be dedicated

Originally published in The Seattle Daily Times, April 1, 1954

A memorial to Harry J. English, who died in a coal mine cave-in near Ravensdale Janaury 6, will be dedicated at 11 o’clock Sunday in the Presbyterian Church in Black Diamond.

A lighted cross will be hung behind the pulpit, and a plaque commemorating the event will be placed in the vestibule.

Rememberances from many persons in the Seattle–Black Diamond area were sent to a memorial fund for the church after Mr. English’s death.

The 40-year-old miner was buried in a cave-in about 400 feet underground. Rescue efforts were pressed for eight days, but the body was not recovered.

Mr. English was secretary of Local 6481, United Mine Workers, for many years and was active in Masonic and fraternal orders.

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The 1930 Central Council

Originally published in the Pacific Coast Bulletin, January 31, 1930

Perched on the twenty-first floor of the Smith Tower. Standing left to right: H.B. McFadden (retiring), W.R. Young (retiring), M.H. Davis (new), W.A. Wilson, Manager of Mines, G.F. Clancy, Assistant Manager of Mines, Ted Sthay (retiring), Robert Scobie, Jr., Supt. New Black Diamond Mine, Mike Semsick (new). Kneeling, left to right: James Craig (new), E.A. Bailey (retiring), James Sherwood, George Pearce (new), Robert Simpson, Supt. of Carbonado Mine, and A.R. Wesley.

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Yuletide greetings

Originally published in the Pacific Coast Bulletin, December 25, 1929

Nearing the season of holly, happiness, and good resolutions, it is again my pleasure and privilege to extend personal greetings to each member of the Pacific Coast family. May the Yuletide bring you much joy and contentment. And may the approaching milestone, Nineteen Thirty, spell naught but health, happiness, and prosperity to you and yours.

In other words, I wish you just an old-fashioned Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

E.C. Ward.

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A bathing beauty

Originally published in the Pacific Coast Bulletin, October 1, 1929

Snap of the left wing and center of our Carbonado washhouse. Sam Boxill has converted this place into a California bungalow. Velvety lawns, well-kept flower beds, and a riot of colorful flowers. Easy on the eyes, isn’t it?

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Victorious

Originally published in the Pacific Coast Bulletin, September 1, 1929

The New Black Diamond Mine Rescue Team which took the State Trophy and First Honors at the Second Annual State Meet held in Renton on August 17th. Reading left to right: A.G. Wallace, Virgil Wilkinson, Ace Byers, Harold Lloyd, Dave Taylor, and W.F. Evans (Captain). Kneeling is Ted Rouse, who acted as patient. This team also won third place in the First Aid events with a score well bunched with the leaders.

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Diamond days recalled

Originally published in the Auburn Globe-News, June 13, 1969

This is the concluding part of a series on coal mining in the Black Diamond-Ravensdale section of King County. Today’s story relates recollections of Fred Roberts who has lived all of his 90-plus years in and around Black Diamond. His memories of coal mining are bright and [illegible] if not altogether nostalgic. In the wake of earlier-day mining operations are situations that cause concern for present day mine owners. A few of their problems are touched upon in an accompanying story.

Three men who have lived much of their lives in a small coal-mining community of Black Diamond are, left to right, Val Sternis, Carl Steiert, who operates Black Diamond’s gas station, and Fred Roberts, 91-year-old former coal miner. Staff photo

By Elaine Fleming

The best thing that ever happened to Fred Roberts was when Pacific Coal & Oil Co. laid him off his job 48 years ago.

“If it wasn’t for that I wouldn’t be the man I am today,” boasts the stalwart, 91-year-old former coal miner who has spent all but nine years of his life in and around Black Diamond.

Roberts is the son of a Pennsylvania coal miner who came to live in Back Diamond with his wife and four sons in 1887—two years before Washington reached statehood. He and his wife eventually reared seven sons and two daughters in the [illegible] mining community that consisted of a single store. This was a combination general store and post office and was located where King’s Tavern is now.

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