Scott Joplin
...line (the Katy), noted how many spectators showed up at train
wrecks. He convinced the line to stage a collision with him as the promoter. After months of
hype on posters spread throughout northern Texas, the event came to pass on September
15, 1896. There were about 40,000 paid spectators who came by Katy excursion trains for
a nice picnic lunch. It took hired law enforcement several hours to push the onlookers back
far enough from the planned point of collision. The trains, painted red and green and towing
cars filled with railroad ties, touched noses. Then each backed up a mile or so, and the
crew jumped out after setting the trains at full throttle. The 60 mph collision, of which the
point of impact is shown in the accompanying photograph, was spectacular as promised.
Crush did not take into account the possibility of boiler explosions, of which there were two,
and three spectators were killed while many more were injured. The photographer, Joe
Deane lost an eye from a flying bolt. Whether Joplin witnessed this event is not known, nor
is it certain whether or not the piece was commissioned. As with the popular E.T. Paull
marches of the time, it includes descriptions of activity to explain what is happening in the
music, including the spectacular collision. When you hear the wreck coming on my
rendition, back away from the speakers. You have been warned.
Combination
March...
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