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Gibraltar Talks Programs Focuses on Fish Creek Tragedy, Sinking of the Hackley

Come to the Gibraltar Talks program on July 14 at Fish Creek’s Old Town Hall to hear the story of the sinking of the Hackley.

The wonderful storyteller, Mr. Dickson, will set the mood for the story. Mike Burda, one of the three divers from the 1981 salvage attempt, will bring first-hand answers to many questions as well.

The story begins at 5:45 pm on October 3, 1903, for what seemed to be a calm evening, which changed in a matter of 15 minutes. Only an hour into the journey, the crew attempted to head to Green Island for shelter. With a violent squall, the Hackley was turned onto its side, ripping the vessel into bits. Eleven people perished, eight survivors clung to wreckage for 14 hours in hopes of rescue, and the Hackley is now peacefully sitting at the bottom of Green Bay waters off Green Island.

Why is it Fish Creek’s tragedy, though? So many of the passengers were tied into Fish Creek’s beginnings. Six of the eight who lost their lives were residents, along with four of the eight saved were residents. Imagine how this community must have felt losing The Barringers, who cared for one of the leading hotels of the time, and Freeman Thorp who was a prominent businessman.

Light refreshments will be served, and donations are welcome. For more information, email [email protected] or call 920.559.6234.

 

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