April 23, 1940 — a date in which at least 209 people lost their lives in the horrific fire of the Rhythm Night Club, formerly located a 1 St. Catherine St. A fire that caused chilling screams and a burning stench that could be smelled for miles and for days. A fire that has gone down in history. It is now ranked as the fourth deadliest assembly and club fire in U. S. history.

In Watkins Street Cemetery (located in the 1300 block) there are three mass graves of Rhythm Night Club fire victims. These graves, located in section M, consist of those that were unrecognizable due to the terrible fire. This section is marked by a monument and two benches (donated by Isle of Capri Casino). Ray Brown also donated an aluminum sign, located in N section in memory of the fire victims. There are 32 individual graves throughout sections D, H, G, N and K. These graves can be identified by a red marker for each of the deceased.

After the fire, it was learned that some parents, sure their children were sleeping, encountered some terrible truths when the covers were turned back and discovered the beds were empty. Some of the victims had camouflaged their beds by placing pillows to look as if they were asleep while slipping out to attend the dance to hear a Chicago-based band. The youngest person identified in Watkins Street Cemetery was 17 years old. My family also suffered a loss when we lost family member Green Smith Jr.

This historical fire was part of the reason that caused fire codes to be changed. The number of exits, flammable materials and maximum capacity were some codes affected by this fire.

The Worthy Women of Watkins Street Cemetery began caring for this cemetery in 2005. This non-profit organization was formed to maintain and continue the upkeep of the 108-year-old resting place. Not only are there Rhythm Night Club victims but there are also veterans as well as many friends and loved ones laid to rest. If you would like to make a donation, please do so to Worthy Women to Watkins St., P. 0. Box 17893, Natchez, MS 39122.

Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated.

Dorothy Sanders is a member of the Worhy Women of Watkins Street Cemetery.