1914-07-21ll

Two accidents involving street cars in downtown Hamilton could have easily resulted in fatalities.

Street traffic in Hamilton in the summer of 1914 was a congested mish mash of many horse drawn wagons, automobiles and trucks, bicycles, motorcycles and electric street cars, not to mention pedestrians.

At times, that swirl of motion could result in serious accidents.

Such was the case in July, 1914.

The first accident took place on Saturday, July 18, 1914:

“A little commotion was caused at the junction of King and Hess streets by a lady being dragged along a few yards by a street car, and finally flung into the sidewalk.”¹

¹ “Clung to Car”

Hamilton Spectator.  July 20, 1914.

Mrs. Cooper, who resided at 87 Hess Street, attempted to leave a Hamilton Street Railway electric car before it had come to a complete stop:

“After her feet touched the ground, she still clung to the board rail, and when, at last, she did release her hold, she was, of course, thrown violently down.

“She was picked up and taken to the druggist at the corner of Hess street, where she was found to be suffering from a sprained ankle and general shock.

“At the time of the accident, the car was proceeding at the rate of four miles an hour.”¹

Three days later, another accident involving a street car took place on King street:

“Hugh Usher, a 19-year-old who resides with his parents at 3 Hunter street west, while riding his motorcycle on King street east, about 1 o’clock this afternoon, was struck by a King street west car, and seriously injured.

“The accident happened at the corner of King street east and Victoria avenue. Usher was riding eastward, and in turning out to pass an automobile met the street car head on.

“He was removed to the office of Dr. G. C. Leach, 409 King street east, where it was discovered that he was badly cut and bruised. Dr. Leach dressed and stitched the wounds, after which the injured man was removed to his home.

“The motorcycle was badly wrecked.”²

² “Cyclist Hurt : Avoiding Automobile, Hugh Usher Crashed Into Street Car”

Hamilton Spectator.   July 21, 1914.