Cleveland School Fire

A few days ago I rode out to Camden and visited the site of the Cleveland School, a school that burned in 1923, killing 77 people. The fire occurred during the performance of a graduation play, which tragically was planned to be the last use of the building; the following school year it was no longer going to be used, and school children would have attended neighboring schools. Here is a very informative article about the event, including a map if you wish to visit. Hat tip to my friend Cole for telling me about this historic site!



There is a pump house in the shape of the school on the grounds.





This is a monument in memory of those who perished.





A couple of miles away is a cemetery in which there is a mass grave containing the remains of most of those who perished.





This handwritten tombstone is unrelated to the school fire, but I thought it was quite interesting.



A bit of good came from this tragedy in that laws were passed very soon afterward making buildings much safer.