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THE DAILY ASTORIAN • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015
HISTORIC
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Courtesy of the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum
The Ilwaco Wharf collapsed in 1899, sending rail cars into Baker Bay.
THE ILWACO WHARF COLLAPSE
By AMY BOZORTH
For The Daily Astorian
What could have been a disaster turned to a source of
local amusement after the May 22, 1899 collapse of the
Ilwaco Wharf and resulting train wreck.
As a train, consisting of a locomotive, boxcar and
combination boxcar-passenger coach, slowly backed its
way onto the Ilwaco Wharf, pilings under the train gave
way. The locomotive plunged into Baker Bay dragging
the tender and boxcar with it and landing in roughly 6
‘Save me first! I’m a
company officer.’
— a railroad official, on being trapped
feet of water.
Fortunately, the combination boxcar-passenger coach
caught on the dock as it fell, leaving it only partially
submerged. As the engine crew and some of the pas-
sengers on the combination car’s front platform swam
to shore, eight passengers were discovered still trapped
inside the car and had to await rescue.
Thankfully, despite damaged equipment, no lives
were lost during the disaster. In fact, one I.R.&N. of-
ficial gained local notoriety during the rescue attempt
for calling out, “Save me first! I’m a company officer.”
Amy Bozorth works in public relations for the Co-
lumbia Pacific Heritage Museum. The museum is locat-
ed at 115 S.E. Lake St. in Ilwaco. For information, call
360-642-3446 or visit columbiapacificheriatgemuseum.
org
Chickens crossing the
road, men too fond of beer
?
W
9-1-WHAT?
e are bringing back this weekly Friday Extra feature,
starting today. Follow reporter Kyle Spurr on his 9-1-What?
Twitter watch, where a few of the sometimes head-scratching
calls to area dispatch centers take centerstage. The full feed is at
www.twitter.com/9_1_WHAT.
THE BEST OF THE WORST CALLS TO ASTORIA 911 DISPATCH
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From left: Peter W on g, H illa ry Borru d , M a teu sz Perk ow sk i