Klondike Dam Mishap.

HENCH, BERGEN, CUMMINGS, LIAS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 7/8/2007 at 09:15:42

Maquoketa Record, September 12, 1906:
Clifford Hench, Joseph Bergen and Thomas Cummings had an experience Wednesday afternoon, which it is safe to say they do not care to have repeated. They were taking a ride in Harry Lias' launch, just above Klondike Dam, when the engine refused to do its work and the boat drifted over the spillway. The boys jumped, Hench and Bergen making their way out safely, but Cummings, a lad of twelve years, was not so fortunate and was carried over the dam clinging to the rear of the boat, but was later rescued and assisted to a place of safety by men who were working on the dam. The propeller of the boat came in contact with the lad's foot, cutting a frightful gash in the heel, laying it open to the bone. Electrician Asken rendered prompt care to the injured, binding up the wound and bringing him to town at once. The little fellow was nervy and stood the trying ordeal without a whimper. It was very lucky that things were not worse than they are.