On This Date in Minnesota History: December 18

December 18, 1907 – Margaret Higgins, the 11-year-old daughter of A. M. Higgins, was fatally injured this evening at Lake Calhoun, where she was struck by an ice boat, sustaining a fracture of the skull at the base. She died about 20 minutes later at the residence of Dr. M. Russell Wilcox on Calhoun Blvd., where she was carried by Charles Chamberlain, a young man who was skating on the lake.

Miss Higgins had just stepped from an ice boat in which she had been riding with Harold Fall, also 11 years old. Another ice boat was veering toward her, and in a spirit of daring, it is said, she leaped in front of the craft toward the shore, only a few feet away. But the wind was carrying the ice boat faster than she knew, and she was thrown violently many feet across the ice, the mast of the boat striking her at the base of her skull.

She was immediately carried into the home of Dr. Wilcox directly opposite the scene of the accident, and there every effort was made to save her life, but she was already past hope.

That boat that struck the girl was driven by L. H. Swatbout, according to information received by the police.

The parents of the dead child were almost prostrated when notified of the accident. The body was taken to their home this evening.

The Minneapolis Tribune; “Girl Is Killed By Speeding Iceboat. Margaret Higgins Dies of Injuries Received. Accidentally Steps in Front of a Swiftly Moving Craft. Immediately Carried Into Home of Dr. M. R. Wilcox, Where She Expires.”; Dec. 19, 1907; p. 1.

Sample of ice boat on Lake Calhoun  

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/5c/20/1d/5c201dd34e0f4bc17b1f09fa0fc7123f--minneapolis-minnesota.jpg

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