The Merrimack River has claimed many lives but seldom as many in one blow as yesterday.

The drowning of four boys is believed to be the worst local calamity on the river since the Lawrence Bathhouse Tragedy, which occurred 89 years ago in almost exactly the same spot -- on the north bank of the river just above the Great Stone Dam.

On the hot afternoon of June 30, 1913, 11 boys ranging in age from 8 to 15 drowned when a wharf leading from the river bank to a city-owned bathhouse collapsed. More than 20 other boys plunged into the river but were rescued.

It was the first week of school vacation, and the bathhouse had just opened.

The victims were Secundo Allegbro, 10; William Bolster, 10; Joseph Belanger, 8; John Cote, 8; Ronaldo Gaudette, 10; Joseph Hennessey, 15; Roland Jones, 9; Joseph McCann, 15; Flower Pinta, 11; William Thornton., 10; and Michael Woitena, 14.

Flags flew at half-staff throughout Lawrence, and the city paid the families of each of the victims $100 for funeral expenses. Not long after, the bathhouses were closed.

Deputy Lawrence Fire Chief Joseph Marquis said he did not know of a worse tragedy on the river in modern times than yesterday's.

"This is one of the worst water incidents we've ever been to. You expect one or two victims, you don't expect seven," Marquis said.