The Story Behind "1913 Massacre"

The twinkling lights and heartwarming melodies of the season often evoke a canvas of joy and celebration. Throughout history, art and song have woven tales of both jubilant gatherings and the ache of empty chairs at the table, capturing the bittersweet essence of the holidays. Amidst the jingle bells and merry tunes, these expressions remind us that holidays encapsulate a spectrum of emotions, from unbridled happiness to poignant remembrance, crafting a tapestry of human experience that resonates through the ages.
"Stories of tragedy, things that have happened, have been recorded, not just in drawing or writing, but in song. That was how traditions and stories were passed down, because there are lessons in those songs. These horrible incidents are incredibly moving and they touch a nerve with humanity and I think artists realize that and they pick that up and they carry it forward." - Cady Shaw, Director
On Christmas Eve in 1913 in Calumet, Mich., more than 500 striking miners and their families were gathered for a Christmas party on the second floor of Italian Hall, when the cry of "Fire!" started a stampede that crushed or suffocated 73 victims, 59 of them children. The identity of the person(s) who started the stampede has never been determined.
In 1945, Woody Guthrie recorded and released the song, "1913 Massacre," based on this event, commonly known as the Italian Hall Disaster. In this video, Woody Guthrie Center Director Cady Shaw talks about the song and the story behind it.

[@user-wy4pw1pu2x]

So sad 😢

[@MultiAyler]

My great grandmother survived the massacre, a man fell on her and it forever changed her ability to walk she ws 13 at the time. I almost didn't exist cause of copper boss goons.