It was 108 years ago, on July 22nd 1913, that the City of Binghamton faced the most deadly single event in our history.
A monstrous fire started in the basement of the Binghamton Clothing Company, a 4 story factory on Wall Street which made men’s overalls and jeans.
The fire skyrocketed up the stairs, trapping those on the 3rd and 4th floor. NewsChannel 34 spoke with former Broome County Historian Gerry Smith about the event.
The Factory:
The Binghamton Clothing Company was owned by Reed Freeman and employed about 100 people.
All the factory workers were women expect for two. Most of the workers were also immigrants.
Freeman’s wife worked in the factory as well. Unlike factories in New York City at this time, the Binghamton Clothing Company did not employ children.