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The Disaster
The Disaster
On Thanksgiving Day, November 29, 1900, one of the biggest sport's disasters in American history took place in San Francisco, CA. On this day the entire city was excited for a football game between college rivals: Stanford and Cal Berkeley. A crowd of over 19,000 people came to Recreation Park in the mission. But men and boys who couldn't afford the price of a ticket or couldn't get in found another place to watch the game. It's estimated that 500-1000 people stood atop the Pacific Glass Works with a clear view of the football match. The roof of the Glass Works was not equipped to handle the weight and 20 minutes into the game it broke open from the middle. Beneath the victims of this terrible disaster was a roaring furnace and a 45 foot drop onto hard firebrick. In all 23 people would die horrible deaths and countless others would be hurt in a forgotten tragedy.
One of the firefighters on the scene, Captain C. J. Hogan described the scene: "I saw shocking sights during the war, but what I saw yesterday was the most heartrending I have ever witnessed. I have seen 100 men lying wounded on a battlefield, but it was nothing to the scene in the glass works."
Stanford vs. Cal Berkeley
Stanford vs. Cal Berkeley
San Francisco Examiner, November 29, 1900
The Big Game
The Big Game
On November 29, 1900, Thanksgiving Day, two rival teams met at San Francisco's Recreation Park to play. The Stanford Cardinals and the Cal Berkeley team had the entire city hyped for their appearance. Stores began to sell dark red and blue and gold items and the streets were filled with anticipation.
The two teams were considered a good matchup and everyone believed the game would be a good one. On the 29th those who bet were looking at 10-7 odds that Stanford would win but just earlier in the week those odds had been dead even.
Both teams held rallies at home before travelling to the city. Over 19,000 people would flood to see the game and many more would come down to find a way to see the game even without the $1 for a ticket.
Recreation Park
Recreation Park
Recreation Park 1900, photo taken from Newspaper of the time (see works cited)
"Central Park"
"Central Park"
Recreation Park was on 16th Street between Folsom and Harrison Street. It would be one of several Recreation Parks. In 1906, this one would be destroyed by the San Francisco Earthquake and would be rebuilt in another area of the mission.
In 1900, this area was an industrial area with factories all around. Many of the people working here also lived here and that included immigrants.
Recreation Park 1900, photo taken from Newspaper of the time (see works cited)
The Glassworks
The Glassworks
The Pacific Glassworks was across the street from Recreation Park on 15th Street. It had gone through renovations and over the month of November the workers had been readying the furnace to be at peak performance the following Monday. The factory itself consisted of two buildings about 100 feet in length. Around the factory were two fences. One side was a 8 foot wood fence with two feet of barbed wire on top. On the other side was a 12 foot fence. Inside each building was a furnace.
San Francisco Examiner, November 30, 1900
San Francisco Examiner, November 30, 1900
The Furnace from Glassworks
The Furnace from Glassworks
On the day of November 29, 1900, one of the furnaces was on and employees were readying it for Monday. Twelve gallons of molten glass sat inside a furnace that ran much of the length of the building. Inside the furnace it was 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit and around the furnace where firebrick held it together it was 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Around the furnace were hot pipes where oil kept the fires going.
Outside the building workers tried to keep people from coming inside. Though several stories would surface of people being bribed or threatened to let people inside. The roof above the furnace was only strong enough to keep a ventilator in place and not to hold the weight of a crowd.
This is the area Charles Yots (aka Ignace Jocz) and Clarence Jeter were working when the roof caved in.
Newspaper Photos
Newspaper Photos
Above: Line waiting to see the deceased, SF Call, Nov 30, 1900Below: Inside the Glass Factory, SF Examiner, Nov 30, 1900
People falling from roof, SF Chronicle, Nov 30, 1900
Above: James Davis, Superintendent of Glass Factory, SF Chronicle, Dec 1, 1900Below: People at the scene of Glass Factory
The Inquest
The Inquest
Jury members look at the scene of the Glass Works, SF Chronicle, Dec 1, 1900
During the week following the disaster over 200 people were interviewed to give a better picture of what had happened. On December 5, 1900 an inquiry was held and over 50 witnesses testified. Workers from the Glass Factory testified, as did members of various police stations. The room was filled with family and loved ones of victims. The jurors at one point became very angry with the lack of effort on behalf of police. At the end of the inquest it was ruled that only the victims carried any blame for the Thanksgiving Day disaster.
The Victims
The Victims
Hector McNeill, 15
November 29, 1900Hector McNeill was the first victim to be buried after the tragedy. He worked at the White House flower shop and for O'Conner and Moffat. He was loved by his fellow workers and employers. He left behind a mother and a little sister for whom he was the main provider. He spent his nights at the YMCA Night School and had only moved to San Francisco a few months prior from Texas with his family. His employers raised money to pay for his funeral. He went to the game with $.50 and told his family he'd be back for dinner. He was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Charles Monahan, 34
November 29, 1900Charles Monahan died at City and County Hospital and was identified by papers in his pocket. He was taken from the scene unconscious and never came around. He had internal injuries and a fractured skull. He worked in laundry service and lived in San Jose.
Fred Lilly, 21
December 3, 1900Fred Lilly was the son of a merchant in New York and had only been in San Francisco a few weeks. His skull was fractured and his frontal bone caved in. He also suffered internal injuries. His father came to San Francisco to take him home for burial.
Thomas Rippon,24
November 29, 1900Thomas Rippon died at home after fracturing his skull, spinal column and right thigh. His friends visited him in the morgue to grieve. He lived on Haight Street and his funeral was held at Sacred Heart Church. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery,
Cornelius McMahon, 12
November 30, 1900Cornelius McMahon was a schoolboy who died at City and County Hospital. He was so excited to watch the football game that he didn't sleep the night before. He suffered severe burns and a fractured skull. His mother didn't leave his side while he was in the hospital. His service was at St. Dominic's Church. His schoolmates were his pallbearers. He was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Eben Pearson Tice, 39
December 1, 1900Eben Tice died at home. He was a laborer at the Haslett Warehouse Co. He left behind a wife, a two year old and a newborn born in January 1900. His fellow workers were pallbearers. His service was at the Golden Gate Undertaking Co. He was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Robert Miller, 15
November 29, 1900Robert Miller worked for Nathan Dohrman and Co. as a messenger. He was identified by his father and a friend. He was loved and held in "high esteem" by his employers. He had spent the majority of his life at the Protestant Orphan Asylum but was taken in 3 years prior to his death by Mrs. Milton. His employer paid for his funeral. His fellow co-workers were pallbearers and he was buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery.
Mekke Van Dyk, 46
November 29, 1900Mekke Van Dyk went by Marquis or Mark Van Dura. He was an immigrant from Holland. He was killed instantly.
J.A. Mulroney, 38
November 29, 1900J.A. Mulroney was identified by a card inside his pocket.
Charles Cummings, 15
December 1, 1900Charles Cummings was a schoolboy who rand errands for Southern Pacific.
John Brough, 19
November 30, 1900John Brough was a law clerk for R.B. Mitchell. He was one of the last people taken off of the furnace.
Talleyrand Barnwell, 15
November 29, 1900Talleyrand Barnwell was one of 5 children. He was a schoolboy at the School of Mechanical Arts. He was identified by his younger brother. He was buried at Cypress Lawn Cemetery. Pallbearers were his fellow classmates.
Ellery Crandell, 13
December 1, 1900Ellery Crandell died at St. Luke's Hospital. He had a many serious injuries including a fractured thigh and arm. He fell unconscious after he was taken to the hospital and doctors believed it was possible he died from shock. He lived on Market Street with his mother who was separated from his father, who lived in San Jose. He was the sole provider for his mother and he worked as a messenger for S.N. Wood & Co. His employers held him in "high esteem" and trusted him. They also paid for his medical bills and funeral. He was buried in Irvington, now known as Fremont.
William Eckfeldt, 12
November 29, 1900William Eckfeldt wore a corduroy suit to see the football game. Earlier that day he attended church at the Third Congregational Church. This is where he also went to Sunday School. On the day he died he offered fruit as a Thanksgiving offering to the church. He was identified by his father at the scene of the Glass Works. He was one of four children.
Edgar Flahavan, 11
November 29, 1900Edgar Flahavan was a student at Mission Grammar School. On the morning of the game he kissed his mom and went down to see the crowds. He was a fan of the Berkeley team. At his funeral his coffin had a beautiful floral football on it with blue and gold pieces for the Berkeley team. A service was held at St. Charles Borromeo Church. He was buried at Mount Calvary.
William Valencia, 18
November 29, 1900William Valencia was a descendent of General Valencia of whom Valencia Street in San Francisco is named. He worked in a cooper shop and attended Lincoln Grammar Night School. His coworkers were his pallbearers. A service was held at St. Boniface Church and he was buried at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Leon Girard, 16
November 30, 1900Leon Girard lived on Mission Street. He was a schoolboy and a native of California.
Robert Harrison, 15
Robert Harrison had only been in San Francisco since the beginning of November. It is reported that he had run away from home but his family set the record straight. They say he had wanted to see the west his entire life and he and a friend set out to do just that. He traveled from his home in Topeka, Kansas and wrote his parents about his adventures. He was do to go home shortly after the game. Shortly after his death his father sent a letter thanking the city for taking care of his son.` He is buried in Iowa.
Lawrence Miel, 9
November 30, 1900Lawrence Miel was the youngest victim of the Big Game disaster. He was conscious when he made it to the hospital and asked for his mother. She was a schoolteacher who never left his side at the hospital. Hundreds attended his funeral which took place at his home on 23rd Street. He loved football and had decorated his bedroom with pictures of college players. His mother did not know he had gone to the game.
Dante Monaco, 16
November 30, 1900Dante Monaco suffered a skull fracture and did not regain consciousness after the disaster. He was a student at Lick School. He left behind a mother, brother and sister.
Virgil Newby, 15
November 30, 1900Virgil Newby lived in Dixon, CA. He was his parents only son. He had a large funeral in Dixon at the Baptist Church. He was buried at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery and the Dixon and Danville bands played. There was a procession of the Knights of Pythias and Foresters of America.
Moses Ottenstein, 15
November 30, 1900Moses Ottenstein was born with one leg shorter than the other. At the Glass Works he was horribly mangled and died at the Receiving Hospital. He lived on Folsom Street.
Thomas Pedler, 28
3 years after 1900Thomas C. Pedler fractured his spine and after years of surgeries was the last victim known to have died.
Big Game Score
Big Game Score
The Stanford/Berkeley Football game continued even as the Glass Works roof caved in and people were dying. In the game it was believed that the event was a way to draw attention from the players and maybe gain a game advantage. In the last five minutes Stanford won the game with a 5 pt field goal.
The Heroes
The Heroes
In all 23 people died after the roof caved in at the Pacific Glass Works and over 80 others were hurt. It was difficult to find exact figures on those who were hurt as it was difficult to find how many people helped the dead and wounded. By all accounts many people who were at the scene, came upon the scene, or even involved in the horrible disaster, work diligently to help others. Doctors and nurses around the city worked, often performing many surgeries, in an attempt to save the lives of the people who fell from the roof. The coroner spent considerable effort to respect the victims as well as identify them and make sure the bodies were sent home for services and burial. There are many people whose names we'll never know who helped but below are a few that were highlighted by the newspapers at the time.
Charles Yotz (aka Igance Jocz) & Clarence Jeter
Many of the people at the Pacific Glass Factory did everything they could to help the boys and men who fell from the roof. Charles Yotz and Clarence Jeter were mentioned over and over for their heroics. Jeter rushed to shut the oil valve off and then pulled 9 people from the furnace. Yotz pulled at least 20 burning his hands in the process. Both men went back to work that same day.
People in the area pulled victims onto anything they had and rushed them to hospitals or their homes.
A small boy, only called Reedy, helped man after man either home or to the hospital.
Firefighters were quickly on the scene and many risked their own lives saving men and boys from the rafters and the walls of the Pacific Glass Works. One fireman, John Blythe, who was off duty at the time, heard of the disaster, commandeered a nearby horse and went to the scene where he took victims to hospitals and homes as quickly as possible.
Another firefighter went to the scene and unexpectedly found his own son among the injured.
At the hospitals doctors and nurses sprung into action. They also sent out a call to anyone willing to come in and volunteer to help the injured. Citizens from all walks of life came to the aid of victims. Tax collector Harry Scott was one of the first volunteers and he was shown how to bandage and dress wounds. Many, many more volunteers would follow.
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