The Perils of 'Coasting' in Downtown Seattle

Once in a great while the youth of our city have an opportunity of enjoying 'coasting,' the most exhilarating of all winter sports. Monday evening, after the light fall of snow had partially melted and then become frozen, the sleds and 'double runners' began to multiply in number until the different hill sides seemed alive with joyous humanity. Second street, from Pike street toward Union, was the favorite 'hill.' Although the young folks were enjoying themselves hugely, yet several sad accidents occurred. One large 'double runner' containing three ladies and five gentlemen was steered into a fence. The result was that one young man was carried home on a sled, while a great number of smaller sleds were tangled in the wreck of the large one. A young man named Bruce, a convalescent of Providence Hospital, had his face severely cut. Many other bruises and sprains were sustained. The most sad of all the accidents was that sustained by Thos. J. Littell. While coming down Second street, at the intersection of Pike, he missed his way, and with great momentum struck head foremost against the edge of the walk. For two hours he lay unconscious, and now he is not very much improved. Dr. Weed was called, and stated that this was a very serious case. The injuries were internal, and if the result is not fatal, it is liable to cripple him for life.