AN UNSAFE SAFETY TEST

Even safety tests
were unsafe
Household and workplace accidents were much more frequent in the 19th and early 20th century than they are today. This story jumped out at me because the Skaneateles, NY, workplace was owned by McLaughlins and the injured included my great-grandfather. The doctor who was called also is a McLaughlin, but one who fits into the Skaneateles family in an unusual way, as indicated in the obituary at the bottom of the page.

The Auburn Citizen, February 25, 1897

Four seriously injured
A Boiler Explosion at the Glenside
Woolen Mills, Skaneateles
SKANEATELES, NY., Feb. 20 – An explosion occurred shortly after noon today in the boiler room of the Glenside woolen mills, seriously injuring four men.

J. M. Whitman of Philadelphia, a boiler expert, was making some tests on the boiler when the exhaust pipe suddenly burst and blew out through the ash pan with terrific force, scattering hot clinkers, ashes and steam about the room.

William Major, head fireman, and his assistant, Sidney Slater, were badly burned about the face and head.

Mr. Whitman was seriously burned about the face and received an ugly gash over his right temple from a clinker.

James H. Huxford, proprietor of the Glenside hotel, had just entered the boiler room with Mr. Whitman’s lunch when the explosion occurred. He was horribly burned and it is feared he may lose his eyesight. The skin was almost completely burned off his hands.

Dr. D. J. McLaughlin was called and is relieving the awful suffering of the men.

Expert Whitman had been called by the Glenside company to test its boiler.

The Skaneateles Press, November 12, 1909

Dr. Dennis J. McLaughlin, formerly of Skaneateles, died at his home, 1622 Fairmount Ave., Philadelphia, Thursday morning, November 11, 1909, after a long illness, aged 52 years.

Dr. McLaughlin was a native of Philadelphia and came to Skaneateles to practice medicine thirty-one years of age. He married Miss Margaret McLaughlin, daughter of James McLaughlin of this town. He resided for a time on Railroad st. in this village, removing from here to Skaneateles Falls about twenty years ago, where he practice several years. Eight years ago he returned to Philadelphia, where he built up a good practice. During his residence in Skaneateles, Dr. McLaughlin made many friends,, who will regret to learn of his death in the prime of life.

Dr. McLaughlin is survived by his wife, four daughters, Annie, Louisa, Mary and Margaret, and two sons, Hugh and James, besides his father, Hugh McLaughlin, one brother, Daniel, and one sister, Mrs. Pierce.

Funeral services will be held from his late residence, 1622 Fairmount ave., Philadelphia, Pa., Monday morning, November 15th, at 10 o’clock. Interment in Philadelphia.

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