“The New Market Wreck”
Description
"The Southern Railway had a wreck at ten o'clock one morn, Near Hodge's and New Market ground...." A conductor misreads his orders, and two trains collide. The singer hopes the other conductor is in heaven, and adds other details
Notes
According to Cohen, there is a second song about this event, "The Southern Railroad Wreck," by Charles O. Oaks. It seems to be rarely encountered; neither that nor this appears to be traditional. - RBW
Historical references
- Sep 24, 1904 -- the New Market Wreck. The conductor of the #15 train admitted to misreading his orders and causing the wreck; reports say that at least 56 people died
Recordings
- Mr. & Mrs. J. W. Baker, "The Newmarket Wreck" (Victor 20863, 1927)
- George Reneau, "The New Market Wreck" (Vocalion 14930, 1924)
References
- Cohen-LSRail, pp. 227-231, "The New Market Wreck" (1 text plus an early sheet music print, 1 tune)
- Roud #4904
- BI, LSRa228