100 yrs. since Falls ice tragedy

NIAGARA FALLS, NY (WIVB) - Saturday, Feb. 4, marks 100 years since one of the most tragic days at Niagara Falls.

Hundreds of people were at the falls to view the spectacular winter scenery and to walk on the ice bridge in the gorge at the base of the falls. It was a popular tourist attraction, with shacks built to sell drinks, even whiskey as well as souvenirs.

As the day warmed on that Sunday afternoon a huge crack developed in the ice and the crowd scurried to safety.

Toronto visitors Eldridge and Clara Stanton were stranded on an ice floe.  Well-known river man William "Red" Hill, Sr. tried to direct the couple to safety, but they were in a state of shock and instead ran in the other direction. Despite efforts, such as throwing ropes from a bridge to save the couple, they were swept to their death by a crashing wave about an hour after the ice bridge starting breaking up.

Burrell Hecock, of Cleveland, was another victim of this tragic incident.  He was with friend on a winter holiday when he fell to his death off the ice.  His friend managed to cheat death by a narrow sliver.

You can get a glimpse of what it was like to visit the Falls ice bridge in some historic photographs and postcards.

Read more about the ice bridge tragedy in Niagara Falls Info here.