Once again, it’s that time of the year for Black Diamond Historical Society’s (BDHS)
annual Franklin tours with this year’s tours taking place on Saturday, February
4 & Sunday, March 4.
The theme for the 2012 tours is life’s opportunities among a diverse ethnicity in
a company coal town. BDHS members Don Mason and Dan Hutson will be conducting the
tours again this year. As they did in last year’s presentations, they will be showing
their oversize photographs during the tour.
A little more background of Franklin reveals that workers from around the world
had heard how much coal was needed for heat, factories, cooking, business operations,
ships, and many other uses, that they were willing to come to a strange land – America
– where the opportunity seemed lined in riches of honey and gold. Upon arrival,
some had only a few dollars while others arrived with very little. Those who lived
frugally were able to have certain amenities.
While there were many reasons for the ethnicities to migrate to this country and
ultimately to Franklin, some of the reasons for migration included improving themselves,
providing a better life for their families through modest wage increases, and having
the opportunity to have their children educated. Children of all ethnicities attended
the same school house.
Quoted in the Black Diamond: Mining the Memories by Diane and Cory Olson, Vera Dudik
Kidd (pictured above far left front) said, “There were a lot of colored people in
Franklin... We didn’t know what segregation meant. We just played with them [African-American
children] nicely.”
The Company provided a doctor to administer medical assistance to all ethnicities
in the coal town of Franklin – something that not all coal companies provided until
ruled by law. It also made English classes available to those who wanted to learn
– including the women folk. And while many inhabitants could not read or write,
the opportunity for mail from home was still made available at the Franklin Post
Office in the Company Store 1886-1916, before being changed over to Black Diamond.
Labeled by some as ‘a melting pot’ community of many ethnicities, each group brought
its own beliefs, traditions, food, occupations, sports and much more. Each group
also had their own Lodges including the Sons of Italy, the Masons – of which African-Americans
had their own Masonic lodge chapter, the Finnish had United Finn Brotherhood of
the World, the Slovenians met in Krain (near Krain Corner in Enumclaw), and the
Knights of Pythias (K of P) with their own lodge building in Franklin (which will
be seen in the oversize photographs).
Over the years, Franklin was a community building life together. However, in 1891,
strikebreakers were brought in and with them brought race wars. According to news
clippings and legal records, the National Guard was brought in and fences built
in order to keep some people in or out as needed. Pinkertons were also brought in
to keep law and order. Then by 1898, there is a photograph (to be shown on tour)
of a busy coal mining town. From all appearances each group had found their own
way to blend or congregate within their own ethnic group.
Participants need to arrive at the Black Diamond Museum at 12 (noon) in order to
sign in and attend a short orientation. There is a suggested $5 donation per adult
while Seniors, Veterans and children under age 12 are free.
Following the orientation, participants will caravan to the location by 1 p.m. and
begin their hike of about 1.8 mile. The hike will include some elevated terrain,
so participants are encouraged to come dressed for the hike as well as weather.
Black Diamond Museum is located at 32627 Railroad Ave. in Black Diamond. Additional
information can be obtained from the Black Diamond Historical Society at: http://www.facebook.com/BlackDiamondHistory
or on the web at http://www.blackdiamondmuseum.org
Please send questions and comments to blackdiamondhistory@comcast.net or call the
Museum at 360-886-2142.