Lack of volunteer help imperils Black Diamond Labor Day fete

Originally published in The News Tribune, April 23, 1995

By Lisa Kremer
The News Tribune

For 47 years, Black Diamond’s Labor Day celebration has displayed the essence of a close-knit small town.

There were three-legged races. A greased-pole climb. A shoe-kicking contest. And a parade everyone in the community could join—and did.

But this year, organizers are afraid there might be no three-day Labor Day celebration. Only three people came to the last organizational meeting, said Lorianne Taff, who was there.

Taff moved to Black Diamond less than two years ago.

“I fell in love with the town and the charm of the town, and I want to see it preserved,” Taff said.

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Black Diamond miners win mine rescue meet

Originally published in The Seattle Daily Times, September 9, 1914

Pete Frederickson, Black Diamond butcher, won the prize for the most handsomely decorated auto.

That the team entered by the local miners’ union was victorious in the mine rescue and first aid meet held in Black Diamond on Labor Day, defeating the fire bosses’ team organized by the mine operators, is the report to Seattle by William Short, state district secretary of the United Mine Workers, who served as master of ceremonies at Black Diamond’s celebration of the holiday.

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Black Diamond, Carbonado will fete Labor Day

Originally published in The Seattle Daily Times, September 2, 1928

Two cities to hold joint celebration on grounds of Moore Park tomorrow; many features planned

Special to The Times.
CARBONADO, Saturday, Sept. 1. — Residents of Black Diamond and Carbonado will join in a Labor Day celebration here Monday, the principal event of the day to be a monster picnic. A program of sports for the children at 9 o’clock in the morning at N.D. Moore Park will start the celebration.

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Historic spot: Union Stump

Originally published in The Seattle Times, September 2, 1958

A plaque was placed on a cement-encased stump in a field near Black Diamond yesterday, commemorating it as the rallying point where 200 miners met May 15, 1907, and organized Local 2257, United Mine Workers of America. Albert Donati, president of Local 6487, placed the plaque. Standing on the stump were, from left, Fred Roberts, Sam Nicholls, and William C. Lewis. Roberts and Lewis signed their names to the charter on the stump the day the local was founded. Nicholls is president of District 10, United Mine Workers.

A decaying tree stump in a field near Black Diamond was the rallying point for miners of the area yesterday during the annual Labor Day celebration.

The old stump, now encased in cement, was the spot where 200 miners met on May 15, 1907, to organize Local 2257, United Mine Workers of America.

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Black Diamond plays host to coal miners

Originally published in The Seattle Daily Times, September 1, 1913

BLACK DIAMOND, Wash., Monday, Sept. 1. – Miners from Renton, Carbonado, Wilkeson, Ravensdale, Taylor, and Newcastle are here today to help the local union of the United Mine Workers of America observe Labor Day. The day’s program opened this morning with a parade of 2,500 miners led by a band from Carbonado.

Following the parade the crowd went to the baseball park, where representative of the miners’ organization addressed the gathering. William Short acted as chairman and speeches were made by Martin Flyzik, vice-president of the district, and Frank Farrington, international representative of the mine workers’ organization.

Original plans for the speakers included an I.W.W. from Seattle, but members of the local who learned of the plan prevailed on the committee to cancel the engagement.

Races and a baseball game between Black Diamond and Taylor were held this afternoon.

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Frog-jumping contest set at Black Diamond

Originally published in The Seattle Sunday Times, August 24, 1958

A bullfrog-jumping contest will be a highlight of Black Diamond’s annual Labor Day weekend celebration.

The number of entries still is undetermined, said John Crivello, a Black Diamond businessman.

“It all depends on the number of frogs the kids can find in lakes and ponds between now and post time,” Crivello said.

The weekend of celebration will begin at 10 o’clock Saturday night with a dance in the town Masonic Hall.

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Black Diamond festival begins today

Originally published in The Seattle Times, September 1, 1968

Georgia Paletta will reign as queen of the annual Black Diamond Labor Day festival today and Monday.

The 18-year-old Lake Sawyer girl is the daughter of Mrs. Robert Paust of 29807 232nd Ave. S.E. Miss Paletta will be crowned at ceremonies today at 1 p.m. in the city park.

Her court includes Princesses Jodine Dal Santo and Pauline Bunker, both of Black Diamond.

After the ceremonies, the day’s activities include a four-mile walking race with contestants from Oregon, Montana, California, Idaho, and Washington competing; a frog-jumping contest; boys’ bicycle race, and entertainment.

Monday’s program starts with a parade at 10 a.m. and judging of floats and participating marching groups. A fast-pitch softball game will highlight the afternoon activities.

Vic Weston, long-time sports figure in the Puget Sound area, is festival chairman.

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