Lawrence “Bones” Freiermuth of Indian Orchard recently told the story of a terrible car accident that took place 60 years ago, on July 6, 1958. Earlier that Sunday, Bones (19) and his friend Bill Malti (18) had failed to qualify for further racing at the Beach Lake track. Instead, they took their Ford Coupe stock cars and raced them on a dirt road in Berlin Township. At 2 p.m, traveling about 100 mph, Bones’ loose front tire pulled his car into a ditch, causing an accident that nearly took his life.

 The events of the next few hours are a testament to the excellent medical personnel in Wayne County all those years ago. Bill Malti drove Bones to his parents’ house in Indian Orchard, and his parents drove him to Dr. Niesen in Honesdale. From there Bones was taken to Wayne Memorial Hospital for 11 hours of surgery on his fractured cranium, performed by Dr. Harry Propst. In a coma for a month and a half and fed by a tube down his nose, Bones recovered and recently reflected on the excellent care he received and his gratitude for those who gave him these 60 years of life. 

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society, 810 Main St., Honesdale. The museum and research library are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. and museum only 12 noon to 4 p. m. Sunday.