Binghamton has been in the news before in a tragic way. This past April was not the first time.
Many people know about the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire in New York City in 1911. Not too many people have heard about a somewhat similar fire in Binghamton in 1913. 33 people died during a fire at the Binghamton Clothing Company on Wall Street in Binghamton. On the 96th anniversary of the fire, this past July, a monument was finally dedicated.
Many things like this are lost in the "mists of time". I am glad that this chapter of Binghamton's history was officially recognized this past July.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
13 comments:
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My great aunt - Nellie Connor - died in the Binghamton fire. July 22, 2013 will be 100th anniversary. Its a tragedy similar fires continue to occur around the world.
ReplyDeleteKevin O'Connor
To Kevin O'Connor: Nellie Connor was my great aunt, sister of my great grandfather, Timothy O'Connor. I happen to be on here researching the family history and would be interested to hear from you if you get this!!! You can e-mail me at rockmyshammy@aol.com. This would be very exciting to me if it ever comes to be. Yours truly, Ginger Cawley.
DeleteHi Ginger Cawley. By way of introduction, my name is Diane Dow. Your great grandfather - Timothy J. O'Connor's wife, Sarah Jane Stack, is my great aunt.
DeleteI was just at the O'Connor family reunion this past Sunday. I don't I've ever met you before, but I can tell you and I are related.
Regards, /Diane
Hello Kevin O'Connor: I believe we met once a very long time ago. My name is Shawn (Russell) Simmons and my Grandmother was Catherine Russell. I believe she was Nellie Connor's great niece. Like Ginger Cawley, I am also researching my family history and would be very appreciative of any information and pictures you may be willing to share. Thank you so much for any help you can give. My email is smcdermott02@gmail.com
DeleteGinger and Kevin --
ReplyDeleteMy Aunt (my mother's sister) Patricia Donohue has advised that there will be a dedication at the plaque honoring those from the fire at the Riverwalk on Court Street at 2pm on 7/22/13. Pat will be reading the poem she wrote about the fire.
Sharon Beavan
My Aunt will be reading a poem written by a guy from Buffalo about the fire -- not something she wrote. (oops!)
ReplyDeleteI am looking for any relatives of Mary Pryor. Trying to see if any relation to my family
ReplyDeleteUnknown, I am posting again today on the 105th anniversary of this tragedy, because I fear these comments will be buried. I am linking to these so that others will know to read my posts from years ago.
DeleteI haven't come across the name Mary Pryor in any of the Donohue documents that I have (but I'm still going through them). If I come across any, I have this page bookmarked. Just as an aside, my mother (Nellie's niece) also passed on July 22nd (1989). Sharon
DeleteSharon, thank you for your comment. I went to Spring Forest Cemetery last fall and tried to find the monument to this tragedy, but wasn't able to. I should try again, as we are coming up on the July 22 anniversary. I'm not a native of the area but I worked in downtown Binghamton for many years (until COVID struck and I was sent home to work) and I've put a note on my calendar to refresh this post next week. I appreciate all the comments I've received over the years. AM
DeleteAM - This website states where the monument is. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/binghamton-clothing-factory-fire-monument
ReplyDeleteThe monument is at the top of the hill on the south side of the cemetery. Enter through the Mygatt St. entrance and bear left through the valley and up the hill. The stones stand in a clearing and are easily visible from the path. Be sure to check out the other expansive monuments and Masonic art around the rest of the cemetery grounds. Hope you can find it! I live in Virginia, so I will try and stop by the next time I'm in NY.
Thank you!
DeletePS - there is also a memorial stone to her at St. Patrick's Cemetery.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67965389/nellie-theresa-connor