The Flat Rock Dam Drowning Incident

On Thursday, May 30, 1901, most residents of Philadelphia were probably celebrating Decoration Day. It was the traditional date that was set aside to acknowledge, mourn, and honor those who fought and died in the Civil War. Years later it would become a federal holiday, renamed Memorial Day, and moved to a Monday so people could enjoy a three-day weekend.

A group called the Elm Social Club used the time for recreation just as many do today. Composed of teens and young adults, they arrived at Rose Glen along the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia. After a picnic lunch, some of them ventured out onto the river in two rented rowboats.

One boat with five girls and three boys aboard quickly encountered an unexpectedly swift current caused by recent heavy rainfall. While trying to navigate the current and return to shore, the boat continued to drift downstream. The boy who was rowing decided to go through the river locks to avoid the dam.

Unfortunately, the locks were not in operation. In an attempt to reach shore, the oarsman turned the wrong way and the boat continued on its fateful course. This artist’s sketch shows the route taken by the boat.

Reaching the crest of the dam, the now frantic passengers stood up and the rowboat plunged into the rushing water and dropped 12 feet to the rocks below. Witnesses to the accident reported that none of the girls resurfaced, one boy attempted to swim to shore but perished before reaching safety, and another boy who had clung to the boat was rescued almost a half mile down the river.

Among the dead were Bertram Osmond, age 18, Ray Riker, age 19, and Mary “Mazie” Kenney, age 15. All three were laid to rest at Mount Moriah. The other drowning victims were Florence Dinsmore, Florence Bohn, Maud Rutter, and Mary Sullivan.

Bertram Osmond is buried in Section 102, Lot 108. Ray Riker is buried in the Wall section, Row 31, and Mary’s grave is in Section 103, Lot 103.