Neither a COVID resurgence or construction sheds at the site of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fireâGreene St. and Washington Placeâ stopped committed activists from marking the anniversary of one of the deadliest industrial accidents in U. S. history.
One hundred forty-six garment workers, mostly young Jewish and Italian immigrants, died when locked stairwells and exits prevented their escape from a fire at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Firetruck ladders reached only the sixth floor, while fire engulfed the upper floors. Workers on the 8th and 9th floor either burned or jumped to their death to escape the flames. The youngest was 14, the oldest 43â123 women and girls and 23 men. On the anniversary date March 25, across the street from the actual buildingâ NYUâs Brown Building then named the Asch Building, the names of those who died were written in chalk on the sidewalk. Later that afternoon, carnations appeared, each with the name of one who perished.
