Buddy

Seven Southwick residents were on their way to picnic in Springfield on July 10, 1924. They were riding in a heavy sedan driven by Mrs. Victor Johnson.

Around 9:00 a.m., Mrs. Johnson attempted to turn onto Springfield Road (today's Feeding Hills Road) from College Highway. She may have miscalculated her speed as she made the sharp turn, for she lost control of the car and struck a tree. (Some reports say it was a pole; however, a tree is believed to be correct.)

All seven were hurt. Passing motorists loaded the injured into their vehicles and rushed them to Noble Hospital.

Besides Mrs. Johnson and her two children, Victor Jr. and Emerson, the others were: Miss Muriel Root, Mrs. Emma L. (Dexter) Treworgy, Miss Nina Morgan, and Mrs. Frederick Morgan. Mrs. Morgan's condition was the most serious.

- - - 

Mrs. Victor Johnson went to the Center primary school in Southwick on April 23, 1925. While she was inside talking with her son Emerson's teacher, he went outside to wait for her. (Some reports say he went outside for recess, and his mother may or may not have been inside the school.)

At about 3:25 p.m., a truck owned by Edward Gillett struck and killed Emerson. Raymond Nicholson, the driver, was taken to the hospital. He was later arrested on charges of manslaughter and driving to endanger the lives and safety of the public.

Dust kicked up from the automobile in front of Nicholson may have blocked his vision as they traveled down Depot Street, where the accident occurred.

Emerson Lloyd "Buddy" Johnson

August 25, 1919 - April 23, 1925.