Elizabeth had been watching ads for the opening of a new mine shaft at Black Diamond Mines and we were able to find time to attend. The newly opened sand mine was worked by the Hazel Atlas Glass Company from the 20's until the mid 40's and the sand was used for glassmaking. We have a couple of old Hazel Atlas canning jars in our antique collection. Race was a little nervous at first but he quickly got over it and had a great time in the shaft. The mine was opened for self guided tours on this special occasion. Normally only guided tours are available and only by appointment. After visiting the mines we walked around and looked into the other mines even though they weren't open and took a mile long journey up the mountain to visit Rose Hill Cemetery. Most of the graves date form the 1870's when the coal mines were going strong. Many of the miners were born in South Wales. It was enlightening, sometimes we forget how easy modern life is, to see how many of the graves included unnamed infant children, toddlers, kids and teenagers.
