29 Jul 1903
Page 1
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Newspaper
Lowell Daily Courier
Location
Lowell, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Jul 29, 1903
Page
1
A blast at 906 am from two United States Cartridge Co powder magazines in Riverside Park Tewksbury near Lowell killed about 20 and injured roughly 75. The blast wrecked dozens of buildings, burned several homes, and shattered windows across the city, with destruction described as a thunderous shock felt miles away.
A partial roster of those affected by a shock lists people headed toward a tragedy. Initial reports indicate the cause remains unclear as investigators pursue the source of the incident.
Rescue workers describe a devastating blast at Canobie Lake Park in Lowell near Acton street. Spectators watched as 20 houses within a quarter mile burned, with women and children evacuated. Authorities list several victims including Mrs Victoria Perrousse and John Sullivan while noting missing workers and a six-man crew from a powder magazine.
The report lists multiple injured individuals from addresses on Robbins street Central street Crosby street Billerica street Agawam street and Riverside park among others. Personal names include Guyette Goodwin Gellino Peltier Sullivan Riggs Belanger and others with varied injuries described as badly hurt not badly hurt or uninjured. Fire bells rang from box 138 soon after the explosion and life saving efforts were noted.
Inventory clean up notes promote a two day sale of tan shoes for ladies gents misses and children. Stock taken August 1 as tan shoes are scarce. all listed styles including hand turned tan vid kid oxfords patent vamp oxfords beaded options and Vici kid sandals cut from 3.00 5.00 down to 2.00 per pair for adults and 1.00 for misses and children. Men’s tan vici kid bars priced at 8.50 during sale. Display in show windows.
The Biz Shoe House of Lowell notes activity involving O Sullivan Brothers aged 60 in opposition to city hall interests. The report references a Lowell business matter and local government interaction centered on the shoe trade and municipal affairs.
At 11 o clock the death toll was estimated at 25 with 61 houses in the village destroyed or damaged. Dr. O Connor reported the river near Six Arch bridge was filled with dead bodies. Selectman Blaisdell and firefighters battled to control a blaze as the Wigginville schoolhouse survived the blast while streets along Billerica Burton and Acton faced total ruin.
At the Emergency hospital a heartrending scene followed a fire alarm as wagons arrived with victims. Zephirus Verusse saved his daughter amid debris, while his wife, likely dead, and other relatives suffered severe injuries. Jeremiah McCarthy, a potato peddler, was struck and assisted by bleeding women and children as the house collapsed. The family and nearby house sustained heavy damage. details continue on page seven.
The Merrimack Women’s Department invites visitors to rest and enjoy a convenient stop while touring Lowell’s points of interest. The shop showcases summer furniture and electric fans on the street level with no stairs. Staff offer stationery and telephone service, plus assistance. Inventory two days away features value cuts on Shirt Waists Skirts Coats and Silk and Cotton Shirt Waist Suits with prices halved to five dollars, seven fifty, eight fifty and ten dollars for White Lawn and White Linen options.
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