Shocking Car Accident on Main Street

Yumeto Kushibiki, Manager of "Fair Japan," Has His Leg Crushed

Amputation Was Found Necessary

Unfortunate Man Was Running to Catch Car, Slipped and Fell Under Wheels of Trailer.

Buffalo Evening News July 27, 1901

Yumeto Kushibiki, the general manager of “Fair Japan”, the Japanese Village at the Exposition, fell under an Elmwood Avenue trolley car this morning and the wheels passed over his left leg, crushing it so badly that the surgeons at the Sisters' Hospital where he was taken, declared amputation necessary. The leg will be amputated just below the knee.

The accident occurred about 11:15 o'clock this morning in front of the Tifft House. Mr. Kushibiki ran into the street to catch an Elmwood Avenue car bound for the Exposition grounds. The car was moving rapidly and as he tried to jump on the steps he slipped and fell under the wheels of the trailer.

The cars were immediately brought to a stop and after Mr. Kushibiki had been removed to a nearby store the Emergency ambulance was sent for. He was taken in an ambulance to the Sisters' Hospital, where it was at once announced that the leg could not be saved. If Mr. Kushibiki survives the shock of the amputation, he stands a good chance of recover as the surgeons say he is not injured internally.

The car which ran over Mr. Kushibiki was trailer 167. It was in charge of Theodore Gander of 12 Rees Street, conductor. The motorman on the front car was James Nesbit.

It is supposed that Mr. Kushibiki was on his way to the Exposition grounds. He was unable to give an explanation of the accident. The story of the conductors and information obtained by the police are to the effect that Mr. Kushibiki lost his balance when his hand was just on the rail of the foremost car and that his momentum caused him to fall directly in the path of the trailer.

The injured man is one of the best known among the Pan-American concessionaires. He is a Japanese, 35 years old and lives in bachelor apartments. He returned only yesterday from a trip to New York where he went to secure a number of Geisha girls for “Fair Japan.”

Second Operation on Mr. Kushibiki

Unfortunate Japanese Now Has His Leg Amputated Just Below Hip

Buffalo Evening News, July 31, 1901

Yumeto Kushibiki, manager of "Fair Japan," who was run over by an Elmwood Trolley car last Saturday, is recovering from the effects of a second operation performed on him at the Sisters' Hospital. His left leg was crushed just above the ankle by the car wheel that passed over it, and Saturday afternoon the leg was amputated below the knee. It was thought that recovery would be rapid, but gangrene set in, and Monday a second amputation became necessary. This time the operation was performed just below the hip.

This morning the hospital surgeons reported that Mr. Kushibiki was resting quietly. The injured leg has begun to heal and unless unexpected complications set in, the doctors say nothing should hinder Mr. Kushibiki's recovery.

Rapidly Recovering

Y. Kushibiki, Who Lost His Leg, Soon Will Be Able to Leave Hospital

Buffalo Evening News, August 24, 1901

Y. Kushibiki, the manager of "Fair Japan," who lost his leg a few weeks ago by being run over in front of the Tifft House, is rapidly recovering at the Sisters' Hospital. He is now able to ride about in a chair and to walk with the aid of crutches.

Mr. Kushibiki was operated on twice and at first it was thought he stood but small chance of recovery. A strong constitution pulled him through however, and it is expected that he will be able to leave the hospital before long.

Benefit for Mr. Kushibiki

Midway Concessionaires Will Put Star Attractions in "Fair Japan" Tomorrow

Buffalo Evening News, August 30, 1901

All is not humor on the Lane of Laughter, as the Midway is often designated, and 'neath Harlequin's mask ofttimes beats a sad heart. Yumeto Kushibiki, the genial little Jap who has devoted all his time for the past year in the building and installing of "Fair Japan," returned from the Pacific Coast about a month ago with the Geisha girls, and the day after his return, while attempting to get on a moving trolley car in front of the Tifft House, was thrown under the wheels and had his leg crushed. Amputation was found necessary, and he has since been confined in the Sisters' Hospital, hovering between life and death.

In the meantime his partner, Mr. Aral, has had charge of the Japanese village, and a monster benefit has been prepared in behalf of Kushibiki, to be given at the Japanese Village tomorrow. The various concessionaires have offered their services, and it is hoped that the people of Buffalo, as well as visitors, will respond generously to the call. Kushibiki came here at the request of the Exposition Company, and the benefit is endorsed heartily by the executive committee, who have keen admiration and sympathy for him in his misfortune.

The entertainment to be given on Saturday will be of unusual character, and visitors will get more than their money's worth, as well as contributing to a worthy cause. Gaston of the Beautiful Orient, Manager Bostock of the Wild Animal Show and other concessionaires have offered to loan for the day many of their star attractions, and it is expected that a motley gathering of exhibits will be found in "Fair Japan," in addition to the regular performance. The Geisha girls will sing and dance, the Ladies' Orchestra will give special concerts, and the event will be a most interesting one.

Mr. Kushibiki Out Again

Manager of Fair Japan Made His Appearance on the Midway This Afternoon

Buffalo Evening News, September 26, 1901

Yumeto Kushibiki, the manager and designer of "Fair Japan," made his first appearance at the Exposition today since the trolley car accident that caused the loss of his left leg.

Mr. Kushibiki hobbled through the Midway on crutches. In spite of his misfortune he was as philosophic and debonnaire as ever.