A black and white real photo postcard of a soldier at the site of a pier collapse, Long Beach, May 1913
Entry/Object ID
2013.237.1.1
Description
A black and white real photo postcard of a soldier at the site of a pier collapse, Long Beach, May 1913. The man in uniform stands at the lower level with his right hand against a post. Wood debris from the collapse is visible as is part of the adjacent auditorium which partially collapsed in the tragedy. The event was a "British Empire Day" and part of a double-deck pier gave way, sending hundreds crashing down towards the sand and causing part of the auditorium to come apart. There were 33 deaths and 200 injured when rotting timbers on the pier broke, sending 400 persons crashing below. With some stains on the reverse, soiling and minor edge rubbing, the postally unused card is in good overall condition.
