The old newspapers were full of small acts of courage that were forgotten almost as soon as they were printed.
In Washington, D.C., one of those moments happened along the Potomac River at the foot of Wisconsin Avenue, where 4-year-old Raymond Rose was playing near the waterfront. In an instant, the child slipped from a log, fell into the shallow water, and rolled helplessly in the mud.
Nearby was 12-year-old Louise Philpott.
She did not stop to worry about her clothes or the mud along the riverbank. Seeing the little boy in trouble, Louise waded into the dirty water, reached him, and dragged him safely ashore.
By the time Raymond’s mother reached the street, her son was already on his way home with the girl who had rescued him.
Girl, 12, Saves Child From Potomac Waters
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Falling overboard at the foot of Wisconsin Avenue, only a short distance from his home, and being rescued by Louise Philpott, 12 years old, was the experience of 4-year-old Raymond Rose yesterday morning.
The little child was playing about the river front when he accidentally fell from a log, landing in shallow water and rolling in the mud.
Giving no thought to the question of ruining her clothes, Louise waded through the muddy water and dragged little Raymond ashore.
Mrs. L.E. Rose, mother of the rescued child, told of the accident, reached the street in time to greet her child on his way home with his rescuer.
Raymond was none the worse for his experience.
John F. Smith, residing on a boat anchored off Analostan Island, fell overboard late Saturday night while alighting from a canoe at the foot of 26th Street. He was rescued from the river by persons whose names were not obtained by the police.
Source: Evening Star. Washington, D.C. July 14, 1924.
