Manitowoc Pilot, April 17, 1868

THE SEA BIRD DISASTER - The Lost from Manitowoc.

The past week has been a sad one for Manitowoc. A calamity, the recital
of which could not be listened to without a thrill of horror, had it
occurred in some distant part of the country, has been brought to our
very doors. Other great disasters have occurred on Lake Michigan, 
involving even more serious loss of life, and Manitowoc has happily
escaped. But when the waters closed over the wrecked and burned Sea Bird
last Thursday, a score of hearthstones in our midst were made desolate,
and gloom and depression settled upon our entire community.
The first dispatch, received here about 3 o'clock Thursday afternoon,
announcing souls that the Sea Bird had burned off Waukegan early that
morning, caused unspeakable anxiety and distress, for a large list of
passengers, many of them the heads of families and among our best
citizens, had embarked on the ill-fated steamer. Subsequent telegrams
were vague and unsatisfactory, serving only to confirm the first-the
Sea Bird had been burned, and probably many lives were lost-and at
6 o'clock the wire, from some cause, refused to work, and no more
messages could be received or transmitted.
It would be hard, indeed to describe the excitement and anxiety that
prevailed. The mental anguish and torture of suspense suffered during
that long night, by those who had near and dear ones on the burned
steamer, no pen can describe. The telegraph office, and the sidewalk
in front of it, were crowded until a late hour by an eager and excited,
yet patient throng, who watched and waited for further tidings until
it was evident that nothing more would be learned that night, when
they turned away with heavy hearts. During the night the wire was
put in working order, and the first message that flashed over it on
Friday morning brought confirmation of the worst fears of the most
despondent. Of between seventy and eighty passengers and crew on
board the doomed vessel, only two were saved. Only two and neither
of these were from Manitowoc. But there was still left the hope,
realized, alas, in the few instances, that some might have left
the boat at Milwaukee or Racine; and the intelligence received
later in the day, that JAMES H. LEONARD had been so miraculously
rescued near Evanston, revived the hope that others might yet
be saved. As the days wore by and no tidings came, this last
hope gave place to the conviction that all, save these three 
were lost.
The following, from this place and vicinity are believed to have
been lost with the Sea Bird:

JAMES A. HODGES, Clerk of the Sea Bird. Was born in Taunton, Mass.,
and was 40 years of age. He came to Wisconsin in 1849, and was 
employed as warehouse clerk by Messrs. Kellog and Strong, at
Milwaukee, with whom he remained until the spring of 1857, when, in
company with Mr. Peter Johnston, he came to Manitowoc, and the two,
for the six years following, carried on a general receiving and
forwarding business on the North Pier, under the well known firm
name of Johnston & Hodges. In 1862, Mr. Hodges withdrew from the
firm to join the army and enrolled himself as private in Company
K, Twenty-first Regiment, of which he was soon made the First
Sergeant. He served with his regiment at Perryville and in other
actions, and at Stone River was captured by the enemy and confined
in Libby Prison. Upon being released, his health was so much
impaired that he was transferred to the Invalid Corps, and was
selected by General Sweet, Commandant of Camp Douglas, as his 
Private Secretary, in which capacity he served until the expiration
of his term of service. In July, 1866, he was appointed Clerk of the
new steamer Orion, and remained on her until the close of the season
of 1867. This spring Mr. Goodrich transferred the Orion to the East
Shore Route, and placed the Sea Bird on this. At the request of Mr.
Hodges, who wished to be with his family, to whom he was much
attached, as often as possible, Mr. Thombs, clerk of the Sea Bird,
changed positions with him. Of unquestioned business capacity and
experience, his place will be hard to fill by his employer. Frank,
genial and warm-hearted socially, and generous to a fault, no one
could make his acquaintance without becoming his fast friend
forever after. He was one of the very few men who have no enemies,
and will be sincerely mourned by all who knew him. He leaves a 
wife and four children, the eldest 13 years of age, who reside in
the Second Ward.

GEORGE W. EMERY.  Was born in the State of Maine, and was 38 years
of age. Mr. Emery came to Manitowoc in 1856, and engaged in the
grocery and provision business, opening a store on Commercial
street, and subsequently on York street. In 1862, attracted by the
promising prospects of the Lake Superior region, he closed out his 
store here and went to Marquette, Mich., where he engaged in 
shipping live stock and did a general merchandising and regular
forwarding business. His family remained here, however, and he
made frequent visits to them, and had several times made large
purchases of live stock in this county in the way of his business.
He was on his way to Chicago to contract for the shipment of 
goods to Lake Superior when he met his fate. Mr. Emery was a
shrewd, enterprising business man, straightforward and honorable
in all his dealings, a firm friend, and an indulgent husband and
father. He leaves a wife and three children, who live in the
Second Ward.

CAPT. N.T. NELSON.  Was born in Norway, and was 43 years of age.
By occupation he was a mariner, from his early youth. He came to
Manitowoc about 18 years ago, and since that time has resided
here with his family, following his occupation as a vessel
captain. He was on his way to Chicago to purchase a tug for use
in our harbor, if he could find one that suited his purposes.
Captain Nelson was an upright, hardworking, public spirited man,
who was universally esteemed, and whose death is a serious loss
to our community. His liberality was only limited by his means,
and no worth object of aid was ever turned away by him empty-
handed. He leaves a wife and seven children, who live in the
Second Ward.

CAPT. JOHN SORENSON.  Was born in Norway, and was 40 years of
age. Like Captain Nelson, he was an old salt-water sailor, and
was also a first-class ship carpenter. He came to Manitowoc 
about 19 years ago, and since that time has usually sailed
during the summer and worked at his trade in the winter time.
He had just sold his interest in the schooner Walhalla, but
there was some mistake in the papers, and it was for the
purpose of having this rectified, that he was on his way to
Chicago. He was an honest, industrious man, a good neighbor
and a good citizen, and his loss will be deeply felt. He
leaves a wife and two children, who reside in the Fourth Ward.

JOSEPH D. DOUCETT.  Was of Scotch descent, and aged about 37 
years. He came to this county some ten or twelve years ago to
follow his occupation, that of lumberman, but a wound received
in the service incapacitated him for severe manual labor, and
at the time of the disaster he was keeping a boarding house
for the employes of Vilas & Co.'s woolen mill, four miles
up the river. He was on his way to Chicago on business relating
to an application he had made for a pension. In October, 
1861, he enlisted as a private in Co. E, Fourteenth Regiment,
and was subsequently promoted to be a corporal and detailed
as one of the regimental color guard. At the battle of
Corinth, in October 1862, while his regiment was being driven
from its position by the overwhelming numbers of the enemy.
Doucett, in endeavoring to save the colors from capture, was
borne to the ground by a bayonet thrust, and left for dead
on the field. He was taken and cared for by the enemy, and
when he recovered and returned to his friends in the January
following, was welcomed as one from the dead. Always prompt
and faithful in the execution of his duty, brave even to
rashness, and upright and honorable as a man, the army rolls
do not contain the name of a better soldier than was Jo.
Doucett. May his memory be ever green. He leaves a wife and
two children, who live near Vilas & Co.'s mill.

JAMES LEYKOM.  Has lived in Manitowoc with his parents since
his early boyhood, was a shoemaker by occupation, and had
just completed his 21st year. He was on his way to Chicago
to care for his brother, John R. Leykom, who has been ill for
several weeks past, when, just on the threshold of manhood,
he met his sad fate. He was a young man of correct principles
and much promise, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.
His father's family reside in the Third Ward.

PATRICK C. DENAHAE.  Was born in Ireland, and was 28 years of
age. He came to America when but 11 or 12 years old, with his
parents, who moved to this county a few years later. In 1862
he went to Chicago and engaged in business, where he had
continued since, and prospered; and only last May the Pilot
announced his marriage with a daughter of Mr. Michael Doolan,
of this village. With every prospect of a long life of
happiness before them, he has been suddenly deprived of 
existence and a shadow cast up her young life for all time.
Mr. Denahae intended returning to Manitowoc to live, and
brought with him from Chicago about $1200 to purchase a lot
he had fixed upon near the corner of Buffalo and Ninth
streets. The property was sold, however, before his arrival,
and this money was on his person at the time of the disaster.
He was a generous, warm-hearted young man, and his untimely
death is lamented by a large circle of friends. His wife,
and an infant child, but a few weeks old, are with her
parents, in the Second Ward.

FRANZ KLIMMER.  Was an old resident of Manitowoc, and aged 
about 50 years. About a year ago he sold his farm, just
out of town on the Calumet road, and went to Chicago to
go into business with a son-in-law. He came to Manitowoc
for the balance of the money, due on his farm, which he
got and left with his son-in-law here, Mr. Haegen, but had
about $500 on his person when lost. He leaves a wife and
two married daughters.

WENZEL HAVLICHEK.  Lived in the town of Mishicott, was 26
years of age and a farmer by occupation. he leaves a wife
and three children.

CASPAR LEGRO.  Lived in the town of Mishicott, was 21 
years of age, a farmer and a single man.

ALBERT MRWA.  Lived in the town of Mishicott, was 25 years
of age, a laborer and a single man.

HENRY PFEFFER.  Was a young man, 21 or 22 years of age,
and unmarried. He was the keeper of the tavern on the 
corner of Main and Marshall streets, nearly opposite the
Catholic church. He had business in Milwaukee, but
concluded to go on to Chicago, for company, with James
Leykom, between whom and himself there existed a strong
friendship. He leaves a widowed mother.

CHARLES RIECHEN.  Was about 40 years of age, and had been
a resident of Manitowoc for the past 12 years. He was the
master carpenter in Goodrich's shipyard here, and was 
highly esteemed by those who knew him. He leaves a wife
and one child, who live on the South side.

FRED. HENNING.  Was a single man about 20 years of age.
He lived in the town of Newton.

R.H. HUNT.  Had been in Manitowoc only about three
weeks, and was on his way to his home in Leonidas,
Mich. He was 32 years of age, and, we believe, leaves a
family.

WILLIAM BARTER.  Had made it his home here for a year
past, was about 40 years of age, and a single man. He
was a brother in law of Mr. Cox, of this village, and
was on his way to Chicago to work at his trade, painting.
During his stay here he made many friends who will
regret his death.

AUGUST WILDE.  Was 19 years of age, and a shoemaker by
occupation, but shipped as a deck hand. His father and
mother live near Klimmer's farm, on the Calumet road.

AMOS MYER.  Was about 21 years of age, and has lived here
14 or 15 years. Was working as a deck hand on the steamer.
His mother and step father live here.

FRED. FLOSBACH.  Was 18 years of age, has a mother and
brothers and sisters living here. Was formerly
employed in the Nord Westen office, and had shipped as
a deck hand.

HENRY NIEMAN.  Was about 20 years of age, and had
shipped as a deck hand. His father died about four
years since, and upon him has since devolved the support
of his widowed mother and younger brothers and sisters,
to whom his loss will be irreparable. Those acquainted
with the family speak of him in terms of the highest
praise. He was honest and industrious, a dutiful son
and an affectionate brother.

JOHN FOUCKS.  Was about 19 years of age and a deck
hand. Has friends on the South side.

MISS TERENE OLSON.  Was born in Norway, and was aged
about 33 years. Had been employed in Mr. J.C. Johnson's
tailoring establishment, and was on her way to Chicago
to visit some friends. Miss Oleson came over from the
old country only last year.

JOHN WALLA and his wife ROSALIE, with their four
children, took passage on the steamer here, intending
to go to Nebraska to buy a farm. They were Bohemians,
only arrived from the old country last fall, and had
been living during the winter in the town of Mishicott.
At Milwaukee Mr. Walla got off and went up into the 
city to see a sister who lives there and when he
returned the boat was gone. His life was thus spared,
but his wife and four children, the eldest a boy 
16 years of age, were all lost.

The above, so far as we have been able to learn,
includes all who embarked on the ill-fated steamer
at this port who have not since been heard from. 
To the bereaved ones, whose firesides have been thus
rudely desolated, will go out the earnest and hear-
felt sympathies of all; but their grief is beyond
the reach of human sympathy. Let us trust that He 
who tempereth the wind to the shorn lamb will, in
His own good time, assuage their sorrow, and that
they may, in time, even find a sweet though sad
pleasure in recalling to memory the virtues of their
loved ones, wh are "not lost, but gone before."


(Date would be July 22, 1906 - Sunday)

BOLT STRIKES GRAND STAND; 5 KILLED
Terrible Catastrophe at West Side Ball Park Sunday Afternoon When
Lightning Strikes Stand
5 KILLED OUTRIGHT; 4 SERIOUSLY INJURED; SCORES STUNNED 

THE DEAD
SKUHRA, ALBERT, age 32 years
HANDL, WALTER, age 17 years
WOELLERT, IRVING, age 20 years
KNUTZEN, WILLIE, age 13 years
KLAUCK, TONY [Anton], age 13 years

By far The most serious fatality that has yet visited Manitowoc 
occurred Sunday, afternoon at the old west side ball park, 16th and 
Wollmer streets, when, during, the thunder storm that raged, a bolt 
of lightning struck the south east corner of the grand stand, came 
down the post at the entrance and killed outright five young men and 
boys besides injuring a dozen others. It was at 1:30 when the fatal 
stroke occurred and but for the fact that there were comparatively 
few on the grounds and less than a dozen in the grand stand or in 
close proximity to it, the death list would have been much larger. 
The five who lost their lives were Albert Skuhra, Walter Handl, 
Irving Woellert, Willie Knuzen, and Tony Klauck.
Such excitement as followed the shock has never been seen in Manitowoc. 
A half dozen doctors, summoned from as many telephones, hurried to the 
grounds in autos and carriages, through the pouring rain, and the scene 
as the bodies of the unfortunates were laid out on the grass near the 
grand stand and efforts made to resuscitate them was heart rending in 
the extreme. Parents, brothers and sisters of the unfortunates crowded 
around the loved ones, almost hysterical and it was with difficulty 
that the doctors were able to work over those in which there was some 
hope of reviving.
Walter and Frank Boehm, Harvey Kono and Theo. Burmeister were among the 
lads that were the most seriously injured and were revived. A score of 
others, standing in front of the stand, when the bolt struck, were 
knocked to the ground, some unconscious, but were soon brought around. 
There were less than 100 on the grounds when the bolt struck. The 
Plymouth team, who were scheduled to play the Schreihardt’s at 2:30 in 
the afternoon, was out in the field practicing although it was commencing 
to rain. Some  of  the Schreihart players were just coming into the ground. 
The five who lost their lives were grouped around the entrance of the grand 
stand.
Suddenly, without warning, there was a bolt of lightning; that struck 
the roof of the stand, tore its way for three feet down the slanting 
side, and then went down the corner post, into the ground. It was all 
done so quickly that no one can explain just what occurred for the next 
few moments. Skura, was standing against the post with two others, and 
all toppled over, dead. Two other lads were just outside on the steps 
leaning into the stand, and they toppled over with a sign of an outcry. 
The others that were stunned cried out for help and doctors. A half 
frightened lad, seeing every one falling in and about the grand stand, 
rushed out of the grounds and ran to the residence of Editor Mackey of 
the Herald, that adjoins the ball grounds on the south. He at once 
telephoned for Dr. Patchen, who came to the scene through the driving 
rain in his automobile.
Frantic women in the neighborhood rushed into the park and added much 
to the excitement. The wife of Albert Skura, arrived on the scene and 
became hysterical. Closely following Dr. Patchen came Doctors Gleason; 
Meany, Luman and Thurtell, all of whom had been summoned by telephone 
from nearby residences. The news of the terrible accident at the west 
side park spread like wild fire through the city and soon, all avenues 
to the grounds, despite the fact that there was a down pour of rain at 
the time, were thronged with an anxious mob of people, some of them 
parents of the dead, who were not aware that their sons had met death 
until arriving at the park. 
Doctor Patchen superintended the work of trying to bring as many as 
there was any hope for to. A hasty examination showed that Skura, Handl, 
Woellert had been killed by the first shock. Young Knutzen was thought 
to show some signs of life and he was carried to a residence just across 
the street from the ballpark exit but it was soon seen that he was past 
recovery. Little Tony Klauck, who was a son of a widow living at the 
corner of York and Seventh streets, showed more signs of life than any 
of the others. Dr. John Hoyer, who was present worked over the lad for 
half an hour. At one time, he opened his eyes and seemed to take notice 
of what was going on around him but he soon fell off again and was past 
recall.
Walter and John Boehm, young lads who were stunned by the bolt were taken 
to their home on 20th street and after much hard work were brought around 
all right. Harvey Kono and Theo. Burmeister two other lads were believed 
for a time to be fatally hurt but after doctors had worked over them for 
some time, they were revived and taken to their homes in carriages. A 
number of others were knocked down by the bolt but were able to proceed 
to their homes on foot with the assistance of relatives and friends. 
Scenes about the grounds while the patrol wagon was busy taking the dead 
away beggar description. For a long time the identity of the youngest of 
the five dead, Klauck, was unknown but finally a brother of the lad arrived 
at the park, not knowing that his brother was there, and on looking at the 
dead form, lying on the seats in the grand stand, said it was his brother.
The patrol in charge of the officers Carle, Dueno and Trochelli, came to 
the grounds and removed the body of Walter Handl, to his home on S.13th 
Street and returning conveyed Irving Woellert to the home on 20th street. 
A third trip was taken and young Klauck removed and in the meantime the 
undertaking wagon of Urbanck & Wattawa removed the remains of Albert Skura. 
The Patrol made one more trip and removed the Knutzen boy. By this time, a 
crowd of over 1,000 people had gathered at the park. All thoughts of playing 
the game between the Schreiharts and Plymouth were abandoned early in the 
afternoon. It was indeed fortunate that the bolt came when it did and not 
one hour later when there might have been a larger number in the grand stand 
and the death list correspondingly larger. With the removal of the body of 
Albert Skura, the crowds filed mournfully out of the grounds.
Albert Skura, the oldest of the quintate that lost their lives was about 32 
years old, and married being survived by a wife and child. He was prominent 
in union circles of the city, being a member of the Manitowoc Central Labor 
Council, deputy organizer of the State Federation, and a member of the 
Longshoremen’s union. The unions meet this evening to make arrangements for 
his funeral. He had been hired to sell tickets at the grand stand for 
yesterday’s game, this being the first time he had, ever officiated. His 
death was instantaneous, he leaning against the post and receiving the full 
shock of the bolt.
Walter Handl was 17 years old, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Handl, residing 
on S. 13th street and has been employed for the past three years in a north 
side meat market. He will probably be buried Tuesday.
Irving Woellert was the son of Chas. Woellert, tailor, and was 20 years of 
age. He will be buried Tuesday. Willie Knutzen, was 13 years of age and 
resides with his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. C. Knutzen on N. 15th street. 
He was a carrier on the Daily Herald. He will be buried Tuesday afternoon.
Tony Klauck was 13 years of age and resided at Seventh and York streets. He 
will be probably be(sic) buried Wednesday and the body taken to Kiel for 
interment. All the injured are getting along nicely. It was reported last 
night that Theo. Burmeister, also had died but this report proved to be 
untrue. Walter and Frank Boehm and Harvey Kono are all recovering from the 
effects of the shock to their nervous system.
It was an accident that will not soon be forgotten and its occurrence on the 
first day of the week will serve as topic for lesson by the pastors of the 
city in their talks.
Manitowoc Citizen, Thursday, July 26, 1906.  Front page.


Manitowoc Herald News, Manitowoc, Wis. February 26, 1920 P. 1

1 DIES, 2 DYING, SCORES HURT IN ALUMINUM GOODS PLANT FIRE
Blast Sends a Sheet of Flame Over Girl Workers Setting Clothing Afire
Three Living Torches, Panic Stricken, Leap from Third Story - 
Pitiable Scenes as Rescuers Give First Aid -
Relative Mingle Cries with Victims of Explosion
One of the worst disasters of its kind in the history of the city occured shortly 
after ten o'clock this morning when an explosion caused by spontaneous combustion 
in a blower on the third floor of the Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Co. resulted 
in the possibe death of three, the serious injury and burns to thirteen, with minor 
injuries to a score of others of the women employes.
The explosion occurred on the third floor, the blower being located near an L 
connecting the old with the new factory plant, immediately adjacent to the satin 
finish room of the mammoth plant in which were at work some 200 or more girl 
employes.
Immediately after the explosion a sheet of flame burst from the blower, enveloping 
the girls seated at their work benches and soon their clothes and their hair were 
on fire, the flames igniting a number of paper boxes in the room adding a possible 
conflagration to the already heart rending scene.
 
GIRLS ARE PANIC STRICKEN.
The shrieks of the wounded and dying and the confusion in smoke filled rooms beggars 
description. The girls ran hither and thither in their efforts to find the fire 
escape, crowding each other in their efforts to escape.
Officers and employes of the company on the other floors rushed to the scene as 
rapidly as they could to maintain order among the panic stricken employes and to 
direct the effors of the fire fighters and the improvised staff of nurses together 
with the doctors who did all in their power to alleviate the sufferings of the 
injured and to calm those who were fortunate enough to have excaped injury.
Doctors offices in the city were importuned to send aid at once and soon every 
physician within calling was in the building, rendering first aid. The ambulance 
was on the scene immediately and as fast as one load of injured could be taken to 
the hospital, another was on its way while scores of volunteers with closed cars 
aided the ambulance corps and took those who were not severely burned, to their 
homes.
The entire basement floor of the hospital was turned into an emergency room with 
cots and every available bed filled up with the victims.

A PITIABLE SCENE.
Doctors who began arriving at this time had an almost impossible task in their 
work, 
while every sister of the institution was called into action. Drug stores 
hastily put up all the available quantities of unguentin and other oils and 
ointments suitable and the victims were swathed in saturated lotion to alleviate 
their terrible suffering.
The moans and cries of the victims together with the hysteria of relatives who 
had become apprised of the explosion and assembled in the corridors impotent to 
help, on their knees in prayer, formed a picture pitiable in the extreme.

BEGS TO DIE.
"I want to die" "God help me" "Where is mother," and other pitiful outcries of 
the victims who lay on their cots, writhing in pain, some with their hair burned 
from their scalps, others with flesh virtually dropping from them, comprised a 
scene that even the physicians and nurses, accustomed as they are to these 
pictures, could scarcely withstand.
When it was thought all the most severely hurt had been taken from the scene, the 
ambulance still brought two or three girls at a time and soon every available 
place on the basement floor was taken up by cots.

BURNED BEYOND RECOGNITION
Doctors and nurses together with officials of the company worked feverishly and 
performed their tasks heroically. Administrations of anaesthesia were given and 
in some cases, the bodies were entirely swathed in ointments to alleviate their 
terrible suffering.
It was almost impossible to recognize the features of some of the most severely 
injured. The flames as they burst forth blackened their skin, burned their hair 
from their scalps and for hours afterward identification was difficult.

FLAMES EASILY EXTINGUISHED.
The fire department with a lead of hose soon extinguished the incipient blaze in 
the finishing room which together with the sprinkling system that had been turned 
on soon eliminated the danger of fire. Chief Trochlell followed the fire 
department from the station on his own initiative while Miss Harriet Haughton, 
the intepid little telephone girl, sent out call after call to physicians, 
relatives and remained at her post doing a real heroic work.
While all seemed to agree that the explosion and ensuing fire were caused by 
spontaneous combustion, it had not been proven an established fact. So much 
confusion ensued that it was impossible to gain an accurate account of just how 
the disaster occurred. So violent was the concussion that the explosion was 
plainly heard all over the city, doors in the satin finish room and a hallway 
connecting with the tram were blown from their fastenings, while every window 
on the third floor practically was shattered, and the steel frames bulged out.

LEAP FROM WINDOWS.
The panic that ensued was perhaps the worst feature of the catastrophe, a number 
of employes with clothing on fire crowding the fire escape and leaping, some 
headlong, some virtually diving, to the snow covered ground, three flights below. 
In two instances the falls of the girls were broken when their bodies struck a 
shed but this only added broken bones and internal injuries to those who took 
their death leaps.
Carl Meier, one of the machine shop employes, heard the explosion and thought it 
had occurred outside of the building and rushed out to see just what had happened.

EMPLOYE DESCRIBES SCENE.
"There was a roar as if from exhust steam," said Meier, "and I looked up at the 
building and was horrified to see a girl step out on the fire escape on the 
third floor, her clothing a mass of flames and I cried to her not to jump that 
I would be up for her in a minute. Unmindful, and without a realization of the 
possible death that might follow her action, she leaped from the ledge and landed 
on the small shed near one of the shops and I went to her, expecting to pick up 
her dead body. It proved to be Anna Schade and although I expected to find her 
to be maimed and breathing her last, I found that she was partically uninjured 
except for burns to her body and an injury to her spine.

GIRL CALLS ON HIM.
"As I picked her up, I heard a scream from above and glancing to the third floor 
fire escape, saw still another girl jump from the landing and before I could get 
out of the way, she fell on Anna and me, and we were violently thrown in a heap 
from the impact."
"I called to Charles Tidsburg who came running to which out any endeavor to stop 
any more of the girls who might be tempted to follow in the wake of these two 
unfortunates and as I did so, still another girl leaped from the landing but 
Tidsburg, who saw her, caught her in his arms and broke her fall. His act saved 
this girl's life."

GUARD FOR ESCAPE.
"The one who had jumped as I picked up Anna was so severely burned and so badly 
injured by her fall that when we placed her in the ambulance, I sthink she was 
breathing her last."
"By this time other employes had rushed to the third floor and stood guard over 
the fire excape landing to prevent any more of the panic stricken girls from 
leaping."
Greatest excitement prevailed all over the city when the news spread like wildfire 
and soon the Aluminum Goods plant and vicinity were filled with relatives and 
anxious friends in their endeavor to learn the identity of the victims and the 
severity of their injuries. It was at first reported that two of the girls had 
been killed out-right but this proved untrue. None was dead when the police, the 
physicians and volunteers carried them to the ambulance. Nearby homes were thrown 
open and victims carried there out of the cold, wrapped in blankets, to await 
their turn to be taken to the hospital.

GIVES LAST SACRAMENT
Carl Isselmann, Richard Findlan and officers of the Aluminum Goods staff directed 
the work of rescue and went to the hospital to do what they could for the stricken 
victims and their families. Taxis became available immediately after the disaster 
and as the less injured were assisted from the building, they were placed in these 
and taken to their homes.
The cold caused more or less additional suffering, the victims being wrapped as 
well as they could in blankets and overcoats, since some of the girls had 
practically every vestige of clothing burned from their bodies before they could 
be carried out.
At the hospital Father Scheidhauer and his assistant administered the last 
sacraments to a number who were thought to be dying and the most severely injured.

ONE DIES FROM BURNS
The first victim of the accident to give her life is Miss Addie Holtz, aged 30, 
who died at the hospital at one o'clock, death being due to burns and the shock. 
Miss Holtz, who was a daughter of Mrs. John Holtz, Route 7, had been employed 
at the Aluminum Goods plant for seven years or more. 
Miss Holtz had made her home with her sister, Mrs. B. H. Hansen, 423 N. Fifth 
street. She had about decided this morning not to report for work, owing to a 
slight attack of illness but later decided that she would go to the plant this 
morning and possibly not work this afternoon if she did not feel better.
Two other girls, severely burned, were this afternoon reported in critical 
condition and it was feared that they would not survive.
Dazed by the shock and excitement many girls who had escaped serious injury, 
some with bruises to the hands and bodies sustained in the rush to escape, 
huddled in the corridors where they were later found by relief workers,and 
provided with transportation to their homes. None of the girls were able to 
give a coherent account of the terrible experience and at the homes of some 
of them when seen, they could not even recall how they had reached home.

BLOWER WAS CLEAN
General Supt. Hugo Vits, of the Goods Co. was at Two Rivers at the time of the 
accident and hurried back to the city to assist in the care of the injured. Mr. 
Vits said this afternoon that the only way he could account for the explosion 
and fire was that some foreign substance must have been drawn into the blower 
and came in contact with the brushes which operate inside and caused the 
ignition. "The blowers could not become clogged" said Mr. Vits. "We have men 
whose business it is to attend to cleaning the blowers at stated times and the 
work is never neglected. A small bit of iron or some other substance may have 
gotten in and formed contact with the brushes to cause the ignition." Mr. Vits 
said.
George Vits, president of the company is in California on a business trip and 
has been notified of the accident.
Employes of the plant were dismissed and the factory was not open this afternoon, 
officers devoting themselves to caring for the injured and their relative.

PALL OVER CITY
The tragedy has cast a pall over the city and on every hand the terrible accident 
is the subject of discussion. Supt. Vits and officers of the Aluminum Goods 
company express keen sorrow and deplore the accident and are doing everything 
possible for the unfortunate victims.
*********
THE FIRE'S TOLL

The Dead
ADDIE HOLTZ, 423 North Fifth Street, died from burns at hospital. Lives with 
Captain H.B. Hanson and sister-in-law, Catherine Hanson.

The Injured
ESTHER RUSCH, Valders, Wis., daughter of Otto Rusch, reported severely hurt. 
    May die.
LILLIAN SPINKER, 1125 South Eleventh street, daughter of John Spinker. Badly 
    burned about body. May die.
ANNA SCHADE, 1131 South Fourteenth street, daughter of Mrs. Martha Schade, 
    burned about face and hands, injury to spine when she leaped from the third 
    story fire escape. Will recover.
JOSEPHINE SCHLIESLEDER, 1125 South Fourteenth street, daughter of Frank Schliesleder. 
    Burns may be serious.
PAULINE KOMOROWSKI, board on South Fourteenth. Will recover.
BLANCHE KOMOROWSKI, 1109 South Twenty-fifth street.
FRANCES BUDYCZ, 1133 South Nineteenth Street, daughter of Andrew Budycz, may recover.
EMELY BECKER, 1130 South Nineteenth Street, daughter of John Becker. Very badly 
    burned about body.
FRANCIS RYSTICAN, 2009 Hamilton Street, face and legs, arms badly burned.
Manitowoc Herald News, Manitowoc, Wis. February 26, 1920 P. 1
************ 
FIFTH BLAST VICTIM IS DEAD
2 OTHER GIRS BATTLE FOR LIFE IN THE HOSPITAL
Preparations Making for Funerals of Aluminum Plant Dead
With the death of four more girl victims of yesterday's Aluminum plant explosion 
and fire the toll was brought up to five today, while two more are in critical 
condition.
LIST OF THE DEAD.
Following the death of Addie Holtz yesterday afternoon, four other victims of burns 
in the fire, succumbed last evening and during the night, the dead being:
ADDIE HOLTZ, 30 years old, 423 N. Fifth street.
FRANCES BUDYCZ, 23 years old, 1138 S. Ninth Street.
PAULINE KOMOROWSKI, 21 years old, Seventeenth Street.
JOSEPHINE SCHLEISLEDER, 19 years old, 1125 S. Fourteenth Street.
ESTHER RUSCH, 20 years old, Valders
All five of the girls were so severely burned that death was but a matter of hours 
and came as relief from the agonizing suffering.

VICTIMS BADLY BURNED.
Miss Komorowski was the second victim of the accident to give up her life, passing 
away shortly after 6 last night and the deaths of the Budycz, Schleisleder and Rusch 
girls followed soon afterward.
Death was a mercy to the unfortunate girls, all of whom suffered burns to the body, 
face and hands, four of the girls having the flesh burned from their bodies while 
the fifth had her lungs so badly affected that nothing could be done for her. The 
girls had there been a chance of recovery, would have been scarred for life by the 
terrible burns and would undoubtedly have preferred death rather than to have faced 
the future maimed and scarred as they would have been.

ONE GIRL A NEWCOMER.
Four of the five girls had been employed at the plant of the Aluminum Goods Co. for 
years, Miss Rusch being the only one who had been with the company for a period of 
less than four to seven years.
The Rusch girl, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otto Rusch, of Valders, had been employed 
at the factory only eight weeks. She was born in Liberty and was 20 years of age. 
Besides her parents she is survived by three sisters, and three brothers, Walter, 
Adolph and Hugo and Mrs. Irene Evenson, Liberty, Misses Agnes and Leona Rusch at 
Valders. The funeral will be held from the home in Liberty Monday at 1:30 with 
interment at the Lutheran cemetery there.

WITH COMPANY EIGHT YEARS
Frances Budycz had been employed at the plant for eight years. She was a daughter 
of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Budycz, 1133 So. Nineteenth street and was 23 years of age. 
She attended St. Mary's school previous to being employed. Three sisters, Mrs. J. 
Becker, Mrs. Anton Zogrodnik and Mrs. J. Dempsky and four brothers, Joseph, Frank, 
Lucian and Stanley survive with the parents. The funeral will be held at St. Mary's 
church Monday morning.

POPULAR WITH ALL.
Josephine Schleisleder, another of the victims, was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. 
Frank Schleisleder, 1125 So. Fourteenth street, and was 19. She had been employed 
for four years and was one of the most popular girls in the department. Her parents, 
one brother Leo and three sisters, Margaret, Stell and Dorothy, survive. The funeral 
will be held from St. Boniface church Monday morning.

HER CHUM ESCAPES INJURIES
Pauline Komorowski, whose chum, Clara Javorsky, employed in the same department and 
with whom she roomed, escaped without injury, was 21 years of age, having been born 
December 17, 1899. Since the death of her mother she had made her home with the 
Javorsky family on Seventeenth street and had been employed at the Goods plant for 
five years. She is survived by her father and two brothers, George, who is at Camp 
Grant, and John of this city. The funeral will probably be held Monday morning from 
St. Mary's church.
The condition of two more of the fire victims is reported critical this afternoon 
and it is feared that one of them, at least, will not survive. Miss Emily Becker, 
who was burned about the body and head, is in dangerous condition. It is believed 
that three of the girls at the hospital will live.

TELLS OF THE EXPLOSION
Anna Schade, a forewoman at the aluminum factory, who was blown completely across 
the room to the door of the fire escape by the explosion yesterday and who rolled 
from the fire escape to plunge to the ground twenty feet below, her fall broken by 
landing on the roof of a shed, today told of her experience in an interview with a 
Herald-News representative. She is in the Holy Family hospital where she will 
recover.
"When the explostion of the fan came I was blown across the room almost to the fire 
escape door." she said. "I could not use my legs and crawled out on the fire escape. 
I felt that some other girl had hold of me but did not look to see who it was. When 
I got out on the fire escape I became frightened that I would be trampled on by the 
girls rushing from the room and rolled over the edge to the ground. 

HER ESCAPE MIRACULOUS
"I did not know how badly I had been hurt but knew that my clothes were afire. Just 
exactly what happened after that I do not know."
In a further statement Miss Schade, who is the least hurt of the victims of the 
diaster that are in the hospital and had a miraculous escape, said that the burns 
to her arm were quite severe but that she did not feel much pain and that, as far 
as she knew, she was all right otherwise. She is resting easy and expects soon to 
be able to be about again.
Miss Schade has not been advised of the death of the other girls, it being deemed 
inadvisable to inform her owing to her condition as the result of the shock she 
sustained.
Carl Meier, who worked heroically in rescuing the girls and in assisting in their 
transportation to the hospital,
Continued on Page 5...
had a narrow escape from himself becoming a victim when his clothing caught fire 
from the burning dress of Anna Schade, while Mr. Meier was endeavoring to extinguish 
the flames which enveloped the girl. A hole was burned through his clothing to the 
skin but fortunately he had presence of mind to smother the fire and he suffered no 
ill effects.

PITIFUL SCENES AT HOSPITAL
Scenes at the hospital yesterday and during the night were pitiful in the extreme 
as memebers of the stricken families of the injured girls sought admission to their 
bedsides and when death claimed one after another gave way to the terrible anguish 
which they experienced. Several physicians remained steadfastly at their posts at 
the hospital during the afternoon and night, while Carl Isslemann, Richard Findlan 
and Hugo Vits, of the executive staff of the company, were in constant attendance 
to assist in every way possible for the care and comfort of the injured girls and 
their relatives.

NURSES FROM MILWAUKEE
Only immediate relatives of the injured were admitted to the hospital and the 
taxis provided by the Aluminum Goods Co. were busily engaged all night in
carrying parents and other relatives to the bedside of their loved ones. Hundreds
of friends kept the telephone busy making inquiries as to the condition of the 
injured girls and nurses and attendants at the hospital labored heroically in 
their work of ministration. A special force of nurses was rushed from Milwaukee 
last evening at request of officers of the company.
The Revs. Scheidhauer, Kubeczwski, Keicher, Machmiller and R. Piel remained at 
the hospital during the night to comfort the unfortunate victims and in cases of 
death to administer the last rites of the church.
Everything possible was done by physicians to alleviate the sufferings of the 
fire victims, Physicians working in relays during the night in attendance upon 
the patients.
The bodies of the dead were removed to undertaking establishments to be prepared 
for burial before being taken to their homes.
Manitowoc Herald News, Manitowoc, Wis. February 27, 1920 Pages 1 and 5
*********
Funeral Of Four Victims Of Blast Held
Funeral services for four of the victims of the Aluminum Goods 
disaster were held today, three in this city and one at Valders. 
The funeral of Miss Addie Holtz, was held Saturday afternoon 
and today in this city the burial of the Schleisleder girl was 
held from St. Boniface and funerals of Miss. Budycz and Pauline 
Komorowski held from St. Mary's church. The burial of Esther 
Rusch was held at Valders this afternoon. A large outpouring of 
relatives and friends attended all of the services.
No more deaths have occurred among victims of the accident, 
reports from the hospital at noon today sayingthat all of the 
five patients still under care there were improving
Manitowoc Herald News, Monday, March 1, 1920

**************************************************
 
PIECE OF WIRE IN BLOWER CAUSE OF FATAL BLAST
Industrial Board Investigates at Company's Request
A piece of wire, No. 7 size, and about eight feet in length, which had wound 
itself about the pan operating the blower, causing the spark which ignited the 
dust passing through the blower, was responsible for the tragedy at the plant 
of the Aluminum Goods Manufacturing company, which has claimed a toll of five 
deaths.
This statement was made today by C.W. Kenniston, representative of the state 
industrial commission who arrived last night to make an investigation into the 
explosion and fire and to ascertain the cause. Mr. Kenniston was sent here by 
the commission at request of Superintendent Vitz of the Aluminum Goods 
Manufacturing Company, when report of the accident was made by wire yesterday 
afternoon.

MYSTERY IN WIRE
Just how the wire got into the fan has not been determined, but it is believed 
that it was through accident and that possibly the wire may have been used in 
cleaning the ducts leading to the fan and had been drawn in by the strong force 
of the system. This matter is being looked into by experts of the commission, 
also. 
The fan is about thirty-five inches in diameter and the blower pipe tapers from 
fourteen inches down to four at its other end.
Mr. Kenniston stamped as absolutely false reports published by some Milwaukee 
papers that the accident was due to explosion of acids and an acid tank, 
declaring that there was no tank in the system and there was no foundation for 
the report in the Mailwaukee papers. 

A HEALTH PROTECTION
"The system was installed as a protection to health and comfort of employes of 
the company, which, since my very first reports on it, has given every assistance 
to the industrial commission in complying with the law. The unfortunate accident 
was due solely to the wire about the fan causing the spark which fired the dust 
resulting in the explosion. I might say that the condition was one wholly 
unthought of and without the presence of the wire, no trouble would have been 
experienced."

ASKED FOR INVESTIGATION
Superintendent Vits said that the industrial commission had been asked to take 
charge of the investigation because the company was totally at a loss to explain 
the cause of the accident and its engineers were desirous that the state experts 
take charge. Mr. Kenniston explained that fine dust was at all times susceptible 
to explosion under conditions that would ordinarily ignite dust. He said that 
the system at the Aluminum Goods plant was not a large one. The fact that it was 
winter with doors and windows of rooms closed probably contributed to seriousness 
of the accident as the force of the explosion was confined to the room until it 
had forced the doors and windows.

A PREVIOUS ACCIDENT
A report circulated today that a similar explosion had occurred last summer was 
explained by Superintendent Vits, who said that some little trouble had been 
experienced with the blower system last July but that it had not been serious and 
that the cause, at that time, had been established and the trouble culminated, and 
that there was no connection between the cause at that time and incident as the 
force of the explosion yesterday."
Mr. Kenniston remained here today to make further investigations. He will submit 
report to the commission.

DAMAGE OF NO MOMENT
No survey has been made by the company of damage to the building Superintendent 
H.L. Vits having issued orders that there was to be no survey or repairs until 
after the industrial commission had completed its work.
"The damage to the building is a matter of no moment in view of the terrible toll 
of the tragedy", said Mr. Vits. "The building can be replaced, the lives lost, 
never, and the company is not concerned now with the damage to property."
The various departments of the plant resumed work this morning except the statin 
finishing department where the explosion occurred. Many employes were absent today, 
suffering from the shock and excitement of yesterday's catastrophe.
Manitowoc Herald News, Manitowoc, Wis. February 27, 1920 P. 1
***********************************

3 BLAST VICTIMS HOVER BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH
Little Hope for Them is Given by Physicians at Hospital

No further deaths occurred today among victims of the Aluminum Goods plant fire, 
although the condition of three of the five injured girls at the hospital 
continues to be extremely grave and little hope is entertained for the recovery 
of two of the number. All of the patients were reported as showing slight 
improvement today and hospital authorities said that Miss Schade, who appeared 
to have been the least seriously burned but who may have sustained an injury to 
the spine, was doing well and it was believed was out of danger.
Officers of the Aluminum Goods Manufacturing Company have left nothing undone 
in caring for the patients and giving the injured girls every chance for life. 
When the force of nurses was brought here from Milwaukee to assist the hospital 
force, it was found that every ounce of unguentin in the city had been exhausted
and telegrapic order was sent to Milwaukee for 300 pounds and the request brought 
fifty pounds, all that could be obtained in Milwaukee, was forwarded and is being 
used.
The girls whose condition is today reported critical are Emily Becker, Frances 
Rystickan and Blanch Komoroski. Lillian Spinker, another of the injured girls, 
is reported to show marked improvement and it is believed by physicians will 
survive.

MAY TEAR DOWN WALLS
Rebuilding of that part of the factory plant in which the satin finishing 
department was located, as result of the explosion, may be necessary because of 
the damage to the walls which were force out two to five inches on both sides of 
the room in which the explosion occurred. Officials of the Goods company today 
said that it was expected that the walls would be torn out and unless some new 
plan was adopted relative to construction of an addition, the walls would be 
replaced.

STEEL WINDOWS BULGED.
The force of the explosion was so great the the steel window frames were bulged 
out and the heavy brick walls forced to give. The walls are not dangerous, it 
is said, but the company is not taking chances and will rebuild the structure. 
Supt. Vits said that no action had been taken as yet and that none was 
contemplated until later.
"The walls will be taken out and replaced, however, and the company will assure 
itself that the structure is safe," said Mr. Vits.

TO IMPROVE BLOWER SYSTEM.
While Engineer Kenniston, of the State Industrial Commission, in his survey of 
the blower system in investigating the cause of the explosion, found that the 
system was sufficiently large and modern and that the equipment was good, a 
complete re-survey of the system is to be made at once. The system was installed 
about two years ago.

FUNERALS ON MONDAY.
The funerals of the victims of the accident will be held Monday. The body of 
Esther Rusch, the Valders girl, was taken to her home in Liberty yesterday 
afternoon and burial will be held there Monday afternoon. The bodies of Addie 
Holtz was taken to the home of her sister Mrs. Hansen and later to the Holtz 
home on Route 7, while the bodies of Frances Budcyz, Josephine Schleisleder 
and Pauline Komorowski was taken to their homes. Two funerals will be held 
from St. Boniface church and two from St. Mary's Monday morning.
Manitowoc Herald News, Manitowoc, Wis. February 28, 1920 P. 1


The Sheboygan Press, December 17, 1912

EXTRA!
FATAL WRECK OCCURS NEAR KIEL   
Milwaukee Flyer Crashes Into Freight Engine and Crew of Passenger 
Engine Killed—Scalded to Death—Physicians Rushed to Scene from 
Plymouth.  
(First part of this story is in the crack and hidden)

A collision a half mile north of here at 3:15 this morning 
between the south bound flyer and a freight engine resulted 
in the death of the engineer and fireman of the passenger 
train and an unknown who was stealing a ride and several of 
the passenger were injured. 
The engine and mail car of the flyer were derailed the track 
____up for some little distance.  

The dead are:
Engineer, M. Foley, Milwaukee.
Fireman, Fimneck, Green Bay.
Unknown, believed to be from Sheboygan Falls, Wis 
The flyer was nearing Kiel at a __rate of speed and had just 
ap-___the air a minute previous to the collision with the 
engine of the freight train which had taken siding ___of Kiel. 
With a crash of the ____the steampipes were broken and Engineer 
Foley and his firemen were so badly scalded that it was almost 
impossible to recognize them.  The fireman has sustained a 
fractured skull which resulted in instant death.  The cries of 
Engineer Foley could be heard for blocks and until he became 
unconscious it was heart rendering.  He was taken on board a 
special train and rushed to Milwaukee but died on the train.  
The unknown who met his death, was riding between the tender 
of the engine and the mail car and one of his limbs was torn 
from his body ___ death a few minutes after the collision.  
Papers in his pockets give his home as Oconto Falls, Wis.  
While the mail car was thrown off the track, fortunately the 
mail bag escaped.  It was rumored about Kiel that the switch 
lights had not been burning but this cannot be verified at this 
time.  Just previous to the arrival of the passenger a freight 
train had taken siding off the main track with a view of allowing 
the passenger to pass by.  Through some error the engine was run 
too near the switch, a portion of the pilot extending out; the 
flyer crashing into the engine. None of the crew of the freight 
engine were injured.  
The instant death of the firemen came as a welcome relief for 
had he escaped injury, he death would only have been delayed 
for a time as the broken steam pipes caused a volume of steam 
to penetrate every part of the cab and the fireman’s body was 
so badly scalded that it was with an effort that his garment 
were later removed.  
The body of Fireman Fimneck was removed to undertaking parlors 
in Kiel where it will be prepared for burial and taken to Green 
Bay, his home.  The body of the unknown is also in the same 
undertaking establishment awaiting advice.  A helping crew was 
sent from Green Bay to Milwaukee and it is expected that the 
debris will be cleared away by afternoon, so that the train 
service would be resumed.  
Officials of the Railway Company refused to give out any 
information as to the cause of the wreck, though they intimate 
that there will be an investigation to fix the responsibility.  
Physicians were rushed from Plymouth and other places along the 
line to minister to Engineer Foley and also attending to the 
injuries sustained by some of the passengers.
********
Sheboygan Press, December 18, 1912
 
UNKNOWN WAS ALBERT ALLARD
The unknown who was killed in yesterday's railroad wreck at Kiel 
has been identified as Albert Allard, a young man from Wayside, 
Brown county,  He was stealing a ride and was found dead in the 
wreckage
********
Sheboygan Press, December 20, 1912
 
WAS PASSENGER ON WRECKED TRAIN
Peter Molitor of this city was a passenger on the train which 
was wrecked near Kiel a few days ago but escaped injury.  Mr. 
Molitor is second mate on the steamer John P. Reiss and was on 
his way from Superior to Milwaukee.  At the time of the wreck 
he was asleep in the smoking car and was shaken up when the 
crash occurred.  He assisted in carrying Engineer Foley from 
the engine.  
*********






BIG EXPLOSION SHAKES THE CITY TUESDAY AFTERNOON
Static Electricity Believed the Cause of Explosion
in Benzine Washer, Injuring Three
A terrific explosion shook most of the city Tuesday afternoon when the 
drying and washing cylinder on the second floor of the old building of 
the Aluminum Goods plant blew up. The explosion scattered coffee pots 
into the street below, blew out many windows, severely injured several 
employees and started a blaze. The explosion made the windows rattle 
several blocks away. It smashed all the windows on the second floor of 
the plant for a distance of a hundred feet on both sides and bent and 
broke the steel frames.
The building is absolutely fireproof and equipped with a sprinkler 
system. With the sprinkler system and the city fire department at work 
promptly, the blaze was extinguished in a half hour. The fire was quite 
a large one owing to the large quantity of benzine which is used for 
washing the pots and kettles, becoming ignited. Several of the employees 
operating the drying and washing apparatus were knocked unconscious but 
were rescued by their fellow employees who made careful examination to 
see that no one was left a prey to the flames and smoke. Jos. Borusky 
Jr. sustained a bad gash on the forehead and was removed to the 
hospital. William Gloe was also cut quite badly as was also James Teke. 
All the men will recover.
The drying and washing cylinder is located on the north end of the 
spinning department. The kettles and cans are washed in benzine and then 
sent through the cylinder for drying. It is believed that the presence 
of static electricity caused the spark which resulted in the explosion. 
The sides of the iron cylinder were blown outward by the explosion and 
it is considered remarkable and very fortunate that no lives were lost 
or more serious injury and damage inflicted. The loss consists in the 
broken windows and inconvenience and delay in cleaning up and making 
repairs.
The Reporter, Fri., Feb. 16, 1923




VANDE CASTLE / WICZEK ACCIDENT - September 1938

The Dead
Louis Vande Castle, 42, of 1853 Fairmont street, employed as a compositor 
of the Herald-Times, and a former official of the Manitowoc Typographical 
Union.
Martin Wiczek, 32, of 1010 South 19th street, employed in the rolling mills 
of the Aluminum Goods Manufacturing company, son-in-law of Mr. Vande Castle.
Mrs. Helen Wiczek, 20, bride of five weeks, daughter of Mr. Vande Castle.
Lorraine Vande Castle, 8 years old.
Joan Vande Castle, 7 years old.
Donald Vande Castle, 5 years old
********
CAR FALLS IN RIVER, 6 DIE
Newlyweds, Father-in-Law And Three Children Drown
Car Fails To Negotiate Curve on Southwest Approach To 21st Street Bridge, 
Plunging Through Guard Rail and Dropping 15 Feet
Six persons, members of a family group, were drowned Friday night when an 
automobile missed a curve at the southwest approach of the 21st street 
bridge, crashed through a wooden guard rail and plunged 15 feet into the 
Manitowoc river.
The victims, all residents of Manitowoc, were taken from the water within 
15 minutes after the crash, and firemen, policmen and physicians, in relays, 
worked frantically to revive them, but to no avail.
Wiczek Was Driving
The driver of the car was Martin Wiczek, 32, employe of the Aluminum Goods 
Manufacturing company rolling mills. With him were his bride of five weeks, 
Mrs. Helen Wiczek, 20; her father, Louis Vande Castle, 42, a Herald-Times 
compositor, and three other Vande Castle children - Lorraine, 8, Joan, 7, 
and Donald, 5.
They were riding in Wiczek's 1935 Pontiac coach, driving from the Wiczek 
home, at 1010 S. 19th street, to the Vande Castle residence at 1853 Fairmont 
street. 
Awaiting their arrival at home 
(new page)
were Mrs. Vande Castle and six children. The time was about 8:30, or a few 
minutes thereafter.
The car traveled north on 21st street. At the approach to the bridge, the 
street turns sharply to the east. A wooden guard rail, painted white with 
black diagonal stripes, runs along the north. There is a large sign with 
the word "SLOW" on the rail. Wiczek apparently missed the curve. The car 
plowed through 20 feet of guard rail and plunged 15 feet into the water. 
It was completely submerged but landed on its wheels, facing east. The 
headlights remained burning.
Heard Tires Squeal
Herny Hutchinson, a milk truck driver for Agon Haupt, was unloading his 
truck in the front of the White House Milk company condensery on the south 
bank of the river. He heard the tires of the Wiczek car squeal as the driver 
attempted to negotiate the turn. He saw the car crash through the railing 
and drop into the water. The machine turned completely over in the descent, 
Hutchinsen said, striking piling as it landed.
Hutchinson saw no other cars approaching from either direction. He shouted 
to Alfred Schmidt, 709 S. 24th street, a condensery employe; "Look out, 
it's going over." Then, as he saw the car hit the water he cried, "Call the 
fire department."
Condensery employes, called the fire department, the call being received 
at 8:15 p.m. From another source, a telephone call notified the police 
department. Truck Co. No. 1 of the fire department, in charge of Capt. 
Hiram Larson, and the police ambulance responded.
Firemen Lower Ladder
The car headlights still burning, was plainly visible. About 18 inches of 
water covered the top. The firemen lowered a ladder onto the top of the 
bridge. Efforts to chop a hole through the top were quickly abandoned. 
Firemen Maurice Gallegher and Harry Blumenstein, ropes tied around their 
waists, groped under the water and opened a door. The body of the youngest 
Vande Castle girl, Joan, was forced out by the pressure. She was carried 
up the ladder and artificial respiration attempted at once.
Two rowboats were pressed into use to remove the other bodies. The second 
person to be taken out was Mrs. Wiczek. As quickly as the bodies were 
brought to the shore, resucitation was begun along the river bank. It was 
not until a tow rope had been hooked to the submerged car from a wrecker 
and it was pulled to shallow water, that police firemen felt sure there 
were no more bodies in the car. Harry Blumenstein of the fire department 
was painfully cut on the wrecked car and was treated at the hospital. 
Assisant Fire Chief John Gaedke said that not more than 10 minutes
(Continued on Page 11, Col. 4)
CAR PLUNGES INTO RIVER; SIX DROWN
(Continued from page 1)
were requied to remove the six persons.
Work for Hours
Prone pressure resuscitation was carried on continuously with oxygen 
administered from time to time by the fire department's inhalalor. At 
times it was thought that pulse could be detected in Mrs. Wiczek and 
the youngest girl, Joan, but although the oxygen equipment was put into 
operation, revival was not accomplished.
The efforts to revive the six persons were continued for 90 minutes on 
the bank of the river. The victims were then moved to the Holy Family 
hospital where work was continued for another 60 minutes before all were 
officially pronounced dead.
Identification of the victims was not completed until 10:45. Wiczek was 
tentatively identified by friends some time earlier. Vande Castle was 
positively identified at 10:45 by E.H. Kruck, foreman of the Herald-Times 
composing room.
Thousands of persons milled around the crash scene. Traffic was badly 
snarled and police were required to direct the movement of automobiles.
As policemen and firemen worked over the bodies, the Rev. Martin Jaekels, 
pastor of St. Paul's Catholic church, administered last sacraments.
Seek Cause of Accident
Authorities sought today to determine the cause of the accident but had 
little to work on. The steel top of the car was caved in apparently when 
it struck the piling as it turned over in the plunge. All of the glass was 
broken. There was a large hole burned in the back of the rear seat and it 
was theorized that a fire might have started in the back seat, distracting 
the driver's attention and causing him to lose control of the machine. 
However, Emil Jagodinsky, a friend of Wiczek's, exploded this theory when 
he stated that the cushion had been burned about a month ago.
There was some speculation as to whether or not any of the occupants had 
been killed in the crash. Physicians said that there was evidence of skull 
injury on one of the small children and Mrs. Wiczek. County coroner, 
Gerald Rau, M.D., gave drowning as the official cause of death, however, 
injuries, he said, would be merely a contributory cause.
Dr. Rau and Dist. Atty. John R. Cashman conferred today on the matter of 
an inquest, but had not reached a decision early this afternoon. 
Only One Witness
Hutchinson apparently was the only eye witness to the accident. Schmidt, 
the condensery worker, caught a glimpse of the car as it slid into the 
water. Mrs. E.J. Kelly, 918 N. 14th street, was believed to be the first 
driver following the Wiczek car. She drove north on 21st all the way from 
Washington street and says she does not remember of any car having passed 
her machine and does not recall seeing any car ahead of her. As she drove 
onto the southwest approach to the bridge a stick of wood dropped on the 
hood of the car, Mrs. Kelly said. She then observed the hole in the guard 
rail and saw men running to the bridge railing and looking into the water. 
She continued over the bridge and parked her car.
An unknown person telephoned the police from the Texaco oil station.
Assistant Fire Chief Gaedke gave orders calling in firemen who were off 
duty. Those who reported and took part in the resuce work in addition to 
Capt. Larson, Gallagher and Blumenstein of the truck company who answered 
the call, were Capt. Ed. Woods, Captain Miles Panosh and Captain Archie 
Fehring, Lieut. Nels Peterson, Charles Petrick, Edward Metiver, E. Gaedke, 
Henry Koch and Palmer Rosinsky. Police officers who answered the call were 
Officers Elmer Scherer, Donald Sears, Ben Muchowski and Milton Larson and 
Alvin Mahlick. Among the physicians who rushed to the scene were Dr. R.G. 
Strong, city physician; Coroner Rau, Drs. Arthur and Theodore Teitgen, 
Dr. C.E. Wall, and Dr. William Rauch.
The car was towed to the Pritzl garage today.
Mass Funeral Service
The six victims will be buried at a single funeral service Monday morning 
at the Holy Innocents church. The funeral procession will leave the Shimek 
and Schwartz funeral home at 8:15 a.m. and the service at the church will 
be at nine o'clock. The Rev. E.A. Radey will officiate. The Rev. Henry Vande 
Castle, brother of Louis, one of the victims, will be in the sanctuary.
Burial will be in a single burial lot in Evergreen cemetery.
Mr. Vande Castle was born in De Pere in 1896 and after he finished school 
learned the printing trade. He came to this city in 1904 and entered the 
employ of the Brandt Printing and Binding company. He learned operation of 
the linotype machine and was employed on daily newspapers in this city.
He was with the Herald-News for years and after the consolidation with the 
Times continued as an operator for the Herald-Times. He was a member of the 
Typographical Union. The family resided at 1853 Fairmont street.
Married In 1916
In 1916 he married Miss Anna Marshek of this city. Survivors are the widow, 
three sons, Robert, 18, Ray, 17, James, 2, three daughters, Dorothy, 15, 
Lucille, 11, Pauline, 12; a brother, the Rev. Henry Vande Castle, Askeaton 
Wis.; three sisters, Mrs. Sheldon Gehrke, DePere, Mrs. Otto Holtz and Agnes, 
both of Green Bay.
Mrs. Marlin Wiczek, nee Helen Vande Castle, was born in this city 20 years 
ago. Before her marriage five weeks ago to Mr. Wiczek she was employed at 
the Aluminum Goods company.
Martin Wiczek, 32, of 1010 South 19th street, was employed at the rolling 
mills of the Aluminum Goods company. He is survived by two sisters, Mrs. 
John Stockwell, Milwaukee and Mrs. Joseph Soupa, Custer, Wis.; and two 
brothers, Leo, city, and Peter.
The bodies may be viewed at the Shimek and Schwartz funeral home Sunday 
after 3 p.m.
The six deaths brought to 15 the number of highway fatalities in city and 
county in a little less than nine months of 1938. During 1937 there were 
25 highway fatalities.
Manitowoc Herald Times, Manitowoc, Wis. Saturday, September 17, 1938 P. 1 and 11