From the Niagara Falls Review:
One of the most dramatic and tragic events in the history of Niagara Falls took place 100 years ago Saturday.
Feb. 4, 1912, a Sunday, was a clear, windy and very cold day in Niagara Falls. Nevertheless, hundreds of people — both residents and tourists — were on hand that morning to view the gorgeous winter scenery around the falls and to take a walk on the ice bridge.
One of Niagara’s most spectacular winter creations, the ice bridge is essentially a suspended glacier, often of great thickness, that stretches across the gorge just below the Falls. Beginning in the 1880s, it became a popular winter playground. Local businessmen even set up concession shanties out on the ice where one could buy drinks, including whisky, hot dogs, souvenirs and get a tintype picture taken.