Virginia Dickey (1907-1933)
 LHS freshman class, 1924 |
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The following June 15, 1933, Lowell Tribune article was found on page 1, column 6:
VIRGINIA DICKEY DROWNED SUNDAY P.M.
POPULAR SHELBY GIRL MEETS UNTIMELY DEATH IN KANKAKEE RIVER
The entire south end of the county was saddened last Sunday afternoon when word was given out that Miss Virginia Dickey, a popular young lady, 23 years of age, of Shelby, had met death by drowning in the Kankakee river. Her swimming companion at the time of the fatal tragedy was Samuel Sirois, Jr., also of Shelby, who did all in his power to save the young lady, but was unable to do anything.The tragedy occurred at Ahlgrim Park, Water Valley, popular gathering place for those who enjoy the out-of-doors. The Dickey family had gone to the park to spend the day and had eaten their dinner there. After dinner Miss Virginia and Sammie Sirois went into the river for a swim. Miss Dickey was wading in the water and it is thought that she stepped into a deep hole, and not being an expert swimmer she was drawn under the water by the swift current and was unable to save herself. Young Sirois went to her rescue but was unable to save her.
Soon after the drowning a net was stretched across the river near Schneider so that if the body floated that far it would be caught in the net. The pulmotor squad of the Crown Point fire department was called and they were soon at the scene of the drowning and waited for more than an hour, so that if the body was found they might be able to save the young lady's life. The fire departments of Schneider and Lowell were called and they with many others made desperate efforts to locate the body, but failed to do so. All night Sunday and all day Monday until 10 p.m., when the body was finally located on the north side of the river near Wildwood, scores of motor boats were plying the river back and forth in a desperate effort to locate the body.
At about 10 o'clock Monday night Earl Sirois and John Hall of Shelby, were out on the river and when near Wildwood saw what looked like a bathing cap on top of the water. They investigated and found that the search for the body was ended for it proved to be Miss Virginia. When they went to lift the body into the boat they found that it was entwined around a large limb and it took no small effort by the two men to get the body free from the limb. After getting the body in the boat it was taken to Ahlgrim Park, where Sheets & Son took charge and brought the remains to Lowell.
The death of Miss Virginia has cast a gloom over the entire community as she was well known both at Shelby and Lowell and surrounding communities. She was a graduate of Lowell High school and was a very popular young lady and greatly interested in all school and social activities.
Miss Virginia was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Dickey. Mr. Dickey is a merchant at Shelby, and at the last election was the Republican candidate for County Commissioner from the third district.
Funeral services will be held at the Christian church at 2 p.m. in charge of Rev. Madsen, pastor of the Crown Point Christian church.
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