Rowboat Capsizes at Chazy Lake, 5 drown
From The Plattsburgh Sentinel June 7, 1927
On Saturday, June 4th 1927 a fast moving storm roiled Chazy Lake into huge waves which capsized what the Sentinel called a rowboat, but which an eyewitness described to this reporter as a large canoe. A group of students from Dannemora High School were celebrating their annual school picnic with what should have been a pleasant afternoon of swimming, boating and play when the storm overturned their boat tossing them and their dog into the water. Only the teacher survived.
There were many heros in this sad story, local people who came to the aid of Miss Donk and saved her and others who searched for survivors and ultimately dragged the lake to bring the bodies of the dead home. Miss Donk was in very poor condition when pulled from Chazy Lake’s cold waters and was cared for by Mrs. Marvin, Doc Marvin’s wife, and Emma King at the home of Xavier King.
Of course we here at the Chazy Lake Times are very proud of the roles played by our relatives in the rescue, search and of all the support they offered to those who came to help and those who needed help. Our Uncles Fil and Sullivan were first to the boat to save Miss Donk; Grandmother Emma, despite failing health opened her doors to those who needed food and care and turned her parlor into a hospital room for Miss Donk while offering hospitality to all who needed a place to rest and repair before rejoining the sad search. Others from the area played important roles which are well described in the attached compilation of articles but our focus here at the Chazy Lake Times is unabashed turned toward our relatives. We invite you to tell of your relatives part in this story and look forward to sharing it with our loyal readers.
Read full contemporary newspaper accounts of the Drownings at Chazy Lake by clicking the link.
Mary King, Daughter of Patrick King of Chazy Lake Drowns in the St. Lawrence River
