Labor Day 1900 deadly collision in Hatfield.
A daily feature from our surrounding historical societies.
The most tragic accident in Hatfield's history took place on Labor Day weekend, back in 1900, when an Atlantic City bound express train plowed into the back of a milk train stopped at the Hatfield station.
This collision resulted in over 13 deaths and more than 90 injuries, some crippled for life.
A daring photographer scrambled to the top of Geo. S. Snyder's nearby windmill to capture this picture of the crash scene.
According to the society’s followers on Facebook, the current site of the tragedy is the Salter’s (formerly Woodburner’s) location at the intersection of E. Broad Street, Market Street and E. Lincoln Avenue.
“The building where the restaurant (Doyle’s) currently is was at one time George S Snyder's store before they moved to their location on Cowpath Road,” wrote Dan Kirby.
Geo. Snyder's estate and windmill.Hatfield Museum & History Society followers shared their memories and thoughts on the tragedy on Facebook.
Fran Waldspurger Wood’s great-great grandfather was a victim of the crash.
“He was on his way to Philly to pay the mortgage on the farm. When the family claimed his body, the money was gone. It was tragic for the family, as they lost the farm,” Wood wrote on the society’s Facebook post.
“I remember mom telling me one of our relatives died in this. I think he was a Landis,” wrote Jana Sheaffer.
“My grandmother’s father Harvey Landis, a farmer, was unloading his last can of milk onto the milk car when the trains collided. He was badly injured and died soon after the collision. He left behind his wife and six children. He had $50 and a watch on him when he left in the morning which was never found,” wrote Linda Gehman.
Two lanterns from the wreck are on display at the Hatfield Museum.
Hatfield Museum and History Society was incorporated as a nonprofit on Dec. 18, 1991, through the efforts of Rev. Greg Dimick and Larry Stevens, both members at the time of the Hatfield Chamber of Commerce Historical Committee. The purpose of the Hatfield Museum and History Society is to preserve the history of the Hatfield Community, according to its website.
Donate to the nonprofit historical society here. Follow the Society on Facebook.
