Black Diamond girl wins $250 P-I prize

Originally published in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, September 26, 1963

Daneel Kuzaro

The Post-Intelligencer Social Security game will help send a pretty Black Diamond teenager to the University of Washington next year.

Blonde Daneel Lynn Kuzaro, 17, a senior at Enumclaw High School, was yesterday’s big winner of the $250 prize.

With the winning Social Security number of xxx-xx-xxxx, Daneel collected her money, most of which will be put in her college fund.

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For Black Diamond Citizen of the Year volunteering comes naturally

Originally published in the Enumclaw Courier-Herald, September 17, 2003

By Jessica Keller
The Courier-Herald

Black Diamond’s Citizen of the Year, Bob Kaye, has been involved in the community for more than 20 years. Photo by Jessica Keller

Black Diamond resident Bob Kaye had no idea when his wife took him to the Labor Day festival parade, it was he who was going to be honored as the 2003 Black Diamond Citizen of the Year.

“It was totally unexpected,” Kaye said. “I was totally astonished because typically it’s somebody whose been in the town and has lived there for 96 years.”

Kaye was nominated because of the numerous things he has done for the community since moving there from England in 1968.

Through the years, Kaye has worked on the Labor Day Committee and has helped arrange the sporting events. He was on the school board for a number of years and was instrumental in the plan for the Black Diamond school to be annexed into the Enumclaw School District.

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Last high school class graduates June 3, 1943

Black Diamond High, built in 1921, was located on the same site as the current Black Diamond Elementary, next to a wooden grade-school built around the turn of the last century.

“After twenty-five years, our old high is closing its doors,” reported Black Diamond High’s student newspaper, The Sparkler. Ceremonies June 3, 1943, were subdued due to the “war and all.”

The traditional Class Night was canceled as was the Baccalaureate. There was no Mother’s Tea as most of the mothers were working in defense plants. Many of the school’s typewriters were sent back to the Underwood Typewriter Co. in Auburn to be used elsewhere. And even the town’s library was closed due to a lack of staff.

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Black Diamond council race pits Sorci against Scherr

Originally published in the Enumclaw Courier-Herald, October 20, 1999

By Katie McCarthy
The Courier-Herald

Incumbent Mario Sorci thought he wasn’t going to run for Black Diamond City Council this year, but he decided he couldn’t leave the city in its growing stage.

The manager of Anesthesia Equipment Supply in Black Diamond has been a councilman for 10 years and is adamant about keeping the Black Diamond on its current track and maintaining its rural charm.

“You have to develop because of the city’s growth management,” Sorci said. “But you have to work through it and make it happen.”

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It’s back to school time!

Originally published in the BDHS newsletter, October 2021

By Sherrie Evans

As the students of our community headed back to school on September 1, it gave us thought to share information on the history of the Black Diamond School District, its consolidation with Enumclaw, and the various school buildings. In researching this information, we tip our hat to JoAnne Matsumura, historian, and former museum archivist, for the vast information she provided. We also thank Geri Garton, former principal at Black Diamond Elementary, for her assistance, and long-time volunteers Barney Carnino, Gomer Evans, Jr., and Howard and Dorothy Botts.

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Black Diamond: Labor Day focus—Treat the kids

Originally published in the Voice of the Valley, September 15, 1982

By Diane Olson

Vivian Petchnick, a resident of Black Diamond for over 45 years, was selected the 1982 Black Diamond Citizen of the Year for her service to children through Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, Rainbow, and Labor Day.

The sun shined on Black Diamond’s 1982 Labor Day celebration—an annual community event for kids and families.

Black Diamond’s tradition, throughout its 100 years of existence, has always been to “treat the kids” whether it is at Christmastime, Fourth of July, or Labor Day.

Families, some brand new, some with deep roots as old as the town, all were a part of the weekend of good fun and friendly feelings.

One three-year-old caught the spirit immediately as he waited in joyful anticipation for Monday’s parade to commence, his enthusiasm fired by Sousa marches playing over the loudspeaker.

Then the fire alarm finally announced the parade’s beginning. The youngster stopped hopping up and down long enough to peek down the road and shout with delight, “Oh he’s got his lights on!” After more jumping and peering he finally asked his dad, “When are they going to throw the candy out?” “Is that all you came for?” grinned Dad.

Soon an obliging hand tossed some candy from the passing fire engine. There was enough for all.

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Graduation exercises are held at Palmer grade school Friday evening; seven students advance

Originally published in the Enumclaw Courier-Herald, June 12, 1930

Graduating exercises for the eighth grade were held at the Palmer school Friday evening, June 6. There were seven in the group which was the largest class that has been graduated for a number of years. Those who received diplomas were Lucille Geelhart, Anna Whitehouse, Clara Walters, Carl Wolshlagel, Willie Wolshlagel, John Zaputil, and George Fornalski.

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Black Diamond pioneers recall stirring days of the long ago

Originally published in the Enumclaw Courier-Herald, April 1, 1948

By H.J. Glover

Pictured here is the Franklin coal mine in 1898. It was one of the great mines of bygone years, and many local residents are familiar with this scene. Some wild baseball games were held nearby so say the old-timers.

Historians may fail to record or to adequately paint many of the scenes and events which were a part of the early day community life of Black Diamond, but nevertheless the vivid memories of those years live in the hearts of the men and women who were the pioneers, and like a torch whose flame is undying, will be passed from hand to hand as the generations come and go.

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City will pay insurance for school’s gymnasium

Originally published in the Enumclaw Courier-Herald, December 12, 1990

The Black Diamond City Council agreed to pay the insurance on the elementary school gymnasium to help community center director Dorothy Botts buy time while she looks for grant money for its purchase.

Botts told the city council at its regular meeting Thursday night that the Enumclaw School District plans to surplus the gymnasium. She said the center board would like to purchase it, but does not have the available funding now.

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Gymnasium move scheduled for January

Originally published in the Enumclaw Courier-Herald, December 11, 1991

Black Diamond mover and shaker Dorothy Botts is at it again.

This time the Community Center director is going to shut down the city for a day so she can preserve history for a lifetime.

Botts plans to move the old Black Diamond Elementary School gymnasium from its location at the school to a three-acre, city-owned site across from City Hall in early January.

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