It was on this day in 1942 that the Knights of Columbus (K of C) fire occurred claiming 99 lives. Most of the dead were serviceman and their dates. Over 100 were injured, many seriously. There were about 500 people at the K of C dance taking in to “Uncle Tim's Barn Dance” which was being broadcast live on the radio.
At about 11:00, the fire stared and panic set in. Many were burned and some were trampled or crushed to death. It was widely suspected that an enemy agent caused the fire, but that was never proven.
For a riveting account of that night, check here.
My grandmother, who lived on Flower Hill, which is not far from Harvey Road where the K of C was located, was pregnant with twins at the time. She was worried that my grandfather was at the dance. Fortunately he wasn’t, but the stress did cause her to miscarry.
My grandmother Biddy O'Toole was singing there that night but thankfully survived the fire.
ReplyDeleteHello, my great-grandmother is Biddy O'Toole, just wondering if we could chat about her some more? Trying to do up a family tree!
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I know little of the details of the fire or the people involved.
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