Flesh and Blood So Cheap

The city was shocked by the disaster. Police on the scene were left shaken by the gruesome sights. Stunned survivors walked home and were received by relieved family members. The trauma lingered with them for decades after the event.

Retrievable bodies were taken to a large shed that acted as a temporary morgue. Family members identified charred remains by remnants of jewelry, clothing, and hair. Their losses were not only emotional. Many of the dead had been breadwinners for their families. Without their income, many families would struggle more than they already were.

On April 5, 1911, a massive funeral procession made its way through the city. Some 400,000 people came to watch, of whom at least 120,000 joined the marchers. Despite the huge number of people, the procession was silent. Some of the marchers carried banners supporting unions or demanding fire protection. A few days earlier, on April 2, “civic and religious leaders, progressive reformers, members of the Mink Coat Brigade, and workers” (130) attended a meeting at the Metropolitan Opera House. Little was agreed upon until Rose Schneiderman stepped forward. She spoke about the uselessness of bureaucratic solutions when “the life of men and women is so cheap and property is so sacred” (132).