On Tuesday, August 11th, Tom Clarke, proprietor of Arby’s on Metropolitan Ave., fellow members of the General Slocum Memorial Association, and All Faiths Cemetery Directors presented Martin Luther School senior, Isaiah Kablack, the $500 first place award for his essay on the General Slocum Tragedy.
On June 15, 1904, the General Slocum steamship set sail on the East River carrying over 1,300 passengers, most of whom were women and children and members of the East Village’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Mark at 325 East 6th Street. Not long after departing, the General Slocum caught fire while still in the East River, resulting in over 1,000 horrifying deaths. The General Slocum disaster was regarded as the worst maritime disaster in naval history until the Titanic, and the greatest loss of civilian lived in New York City history until September 11th.
“It is important to remember the lives that were lost in the tragedy,” Tom Clarke said. “By teaching the history of the tragedy to the youth of our community, we are showing respect to the lives lost and the families of the victims,” said Clarke, an active member of the Middle Village Community.
President and CEO of All Faiths Cemetery, Daniel Austin Sr., Vice President of All Faiths, Daniel Austin Jr. and Anthony Mordente, Esq. co-presented the award to Kablack, further educating the Martin Luther student about the history and importance of commemorating the lives lost. “It’s truly an honor to receive this award,” said Kablack. “The General Slocum tragedy is a very important historical event and everyone should be educated on its significance,” the senior and varsity basketball player stated.
As Kablack and the four award presenters congregated at the General Slocum Memorial Monument in All Faiths Cemetery, the moment truly signified the culmination of education, honor and community pride.
