BREWSTER – November 29, 1895 was one of the darkest days in Putnam County history when tragedy struck outside the Village of Brewster and that day was remembered in a ceremony and dedication on Sunday.
The Tilly Foster Mine Disaster killed a group of hardworking immigrant miners, many of them Italian, who had come to this country seeking opportunity but instead died in dangerous and difficult working conditions.
At the time, the Tilly Foster Mine was considered the world’s deepest open-pit mine, extending nearly 600 feet. The Italian miners who worked there faced harsh conditions and, even in death, were denied the dignity they deserved. Rather than being remembered by name, they were identified only by numbers assigned by their employers.
Although the disaster drew international attention, the miners were never given a proper burial or memorial. Records indicate that at least seven of the Italian miners were buried at St. Lawrence O’Toole Cemetery in Brewster.
The Putnam County Italian American Social Club decided to ensure that the victims of the horrific event received the honor and recognition they deserved by erecting a memorial to commemorate the lives of the seven men killed in the explosion.
At a dedication ceremony Sunday along the Putnam Rail Trail in Southeast, Italian American 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.”
Putnam Legislature Chairman Dan Birmingham lauded the club for its efforts. “This was a touching and fitting unveiling of the memorial to those immigrants who came to this country to make better lives for them and their families. Their sacrifice speaks to the unwavering spirit of America that inspired and spoke to all our immigrant ancestors as they looked to America as the land of opportunity and responsibility.”
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