The heightened tension in the Copper Country came to a peak during the winter of 1913. On Christmas Eve 1913, the Calumet Women’s Auxiliary of the WFM organized a party in the Italian Hall for the children of striking workers. The party, held on the second floor of the building, turned into a nightmare as someone reportedly yelled “Fire!” into the crowded hall. There was no fire. People streamed down the stairs, but someone or something caused a clog to develop in the stairway. Body piled upon body in the hall's stairwell, causing the deaths of 73 people, including almost 60 children. The event became national news overnight and further polarized the local community. Confusion about exactly how many died, who may have called “fire,” and whether exit doors opened inward or out remain shrouded in mystery and are still debated today.