BREWSTER – November 29, 1895 was one of the darkest days in Putnam County history when tragedy struck outside the Village of Brewster.
The Tilly Foster Mine Disaster claimed the lives of a group of hard-working immigrant miners, many of them Italian, who came to this country in search of opportunity, but instead met an untimely death under difficult and dangerous working conditions.
At the time, the Tilly Foster Mine was recognized as the deepest open pit mine in the world, reaching nearly 600 feet. The Italian miners who toiled there endured harsh conditions and, in death, were denied the dignity they deserved. Instead of being remembered by name, they were identified only by numbers assigned by their employers.
The disaster made worldwide headlines, yet the men themselves were never given a proper burial or memorial. Historical records suggest that at least seven of the Italian miners were laid to rest at St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery in Brewster.
The Putnam County Italian American Social Club has decided to ensure that the victims of the horrific event receive the honor and recognition they deserve by erecting a memorial to commemorate the lives of the seven men killed in the explosion.
Club President Randy Calano said, “The poor souls never had a proper burial. They never had an identity. This monument will now serve as a lasting tribute to their sacrifice and a way to restore their humanity to history by honoring these forgotten laborers, whose hard work helped shape the foundation of Putnam County.”
The memorial will be placed along the Putnam Trailway near the old Tilly Foster Mine.
County Executive Kevin Byrne recalled the victims as “Italian immigrants who came here seeking opportunity and helped build the foundation of our community through hard work and sacrifice. Their story deserves to be remembered.”
Comments