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Diamond was established as a major supply center for
cattle and sheep ranchers, and travelers. At its peak, the town had a population of
about 50. Today, the town consists of the the historic Pete French Round Barn,
the Round Barn Visitor's Center, the renovated Hotel Diamond, the Diamond
Craters - Oregon's Geologic Gem, the school, a modern community building, and a few residences. A row of
100-year-old poplar trees still shade the McWilliams' home. A stone building
constructed by Charlie Hawkins still stands to remind us of bygone days.
This building once served as a store, post office, community meeting place and
dance hall.
The people who live in Diamond are friendly and very
neighborly. If a neighbor needs help, the community gets together and
lends a hand.
Points of interest
Hotel Diamond, McCoy Creek Inn, Diamond Craters, the
Pete
French Round Barn, the Round Barn Visitor's Center and the Kiger Mustang Lookout.
Crops
and soil
Crops grown in the Diamond area consist of meadow hay and
small amounts of alfalfa. The ground is sufficient for gardening, but
the bug infestation is high due to the mild winters. The growing season
is from mid May to mid September. Some of the old timers say you may end
up planting your garden three times.
The soil in Diamond is not exceptional but it is good.
The cattle seem to be a good source of fertilization for the ground.
This makes the soil richer and better to grow vegetables and fruit in than it
would otherwise be possible.
Climate
The climate in the winter is mildly cold, seldom below zero
degrees. The summers are nice, warm during the day and cool in the
evening. The temperatures range between the high 70's and low 90's,
seldom getting over 100 degrees.
Mileage from Burns
The total highway miles from Burns to Diamond is 52 miles.
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