Coalhurst celebrates centennial during Miner Days

Residents admit, the town has had its fair share of ups and downs. But through tough times, this community stuck together and in 2013 Coalhurst is celebrating its centennial anniversary.

“When something’s 100 years old, it’s huge,” said Kim Horak, of the Coalhurst Miners Days Committee. “For communities to stay together for that long, and this has a long tradition of tragedy, then happy and it’s building again. It’s a great thing to see.”

The centennial weekend kicked off revealing a new legacy wall mounted in the community’s Imperial Meadows Park.

Names will be added later this year, founders of Coalhurst, and nominated families.

With 100 years, comes a lot of history, the centennial celebration giving one man a chance to find his past.

“My dad told me a few stories about Coalhurst, and I believe maybe 40 or 50 years ago we drove back into Coalhurst and he pointed this house out to me,” said Yoshio ‘Joe’ Tomiyama. “He said ‘this is where we lived when we moved away from here.'”

Tomiyama was born in Coalhurst 78 years ago, returning this year to find that old house.

“I came to town to see if I could find that house but I guess it’s not available anymore,” he explained. “They probably moved it out or tore it down, but the place has changed drastically since.”

Though Tomiyama didn’t have luck in his search he says the community spirit is enough to teach him about the town’s past.

Spirit that has kept many here to grow roots of their own.

“It’s all about community. It’s a great place to live and raise your children. And having everyone here it’s just a great community,” said Horak.

The town has had events all year long gearing up for this centennial weekend. But the celebration’s not over yet, with one last event scheduled for December.