How a New York Disaster Touched Western Springs

On August 24,1928, 14 persons were killed and 98 injured when a New York subway train encountered a defective switch, derailed, and caught fire. The accident, which occurred at 7th Avenue and 40th Street, was one of the worst chapters in the subway’s history. And, one of the injured was Thomas Ford of Western Springs.

As background, Thomas Ford was born in England in 1864. At the age of 21, he came to the United States. In 1903, he and his wife, Edith, moved to Western Springs where he pursued a career in contracting with his partner, Myles Phillips. Their specialty was the construction of stone homes and buildings. Ford was also active in community affairs, serving as a village trustee and as an LTHS board member. See second photo.

Having achieved considerable success, Ford and his wife visited Europe in 1926. And, two years later, they decided to do so again. This time, they planned to sail from New York to England and then on to the Continent. However, while awaiting their ship in New York, Ford left his hotel to make sure their luggage had arrived at the dock. And, rather than use a taxi, he took the New York Subway.

The subway train on which Ford was riding was delayed five minutes while workers attempted to repair a switch on the tracks ahead. Thinking the switch was safe, the train was dispatched at normal speed. However, when it encountered the switch, the ninth car derailed and crashed against a platform, which sheared off the side of the car. News accounts indicated that the eighth car also derailed and that the cars were engulfed by fire.

Although power was immediately shut off, hundreds of passengers were surrounded by smoke, fire, and twisted metal. While never losing consciousness, Ford suffered two fractures to his left leg, four broken ribs, and lacerations to his right leg. He was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was re-united with his wife Edith. See third photo.

Initially, it appeared that Ford’s injuries were not life-threatening. But, in this era before antibiotics, the real danger was infection. And, within two days, blood poisoning had claimed his life. Ford’s remains were returned to Western Springs and, following a service at the First Congregational Church, he was buried in Hinsdale.

Several years later, Mrs. Ford decided to commemorate her husband’s life by donating a library to the village in his name. But, where should it be located? In the early 1930’s, the Village Club owned tennis courts that were located on the corner of Wolf and Chestnut. And, since the club was financially strapped due to the Great Depression, it agreed to sell the corner property for the library construction. The price was $3,000, a substantial sum at that time.

Soon after, construction began on the new library (see fourth photo). It would be completed in January 1932. And, what would be the building material? Stone, of course!  Thomas Ford would be proud.

Each week, the Western Springs Historical Society presents a “Blast from the Past”. To view prior stories, visit us at www.westernspringshistory.org or just click on the author’s name shown above.