My name is Bob Spidale. I just discovered this terrific web site after overhearing by accident two strangers discuss the OLA fire and joining their conversation. I found that we had mutual acquaintances. I did a Google search on 'Our Lady of the Angels' and found it. I was 5 years old and in kindergarten at the time of the fire. The fire was in the afternoon, but I was in the morning class. I also remember that kindergarten and first grade were in a separate building from the main school. I was already home from school when the fire started. I do remember my mother getting frantic phone calls from friends and relatives to find out if I was OK. I remember going to Cameron public school for first grade where the nuns taught us until the new school could be built. I went to the new school for second grade only. Our family moved to the northwest side after second grade. I lived at 846 N. Trumbull. To Janice (Pomilia) Pellettiere: I read your message board post.I was a neighbor of yours. I remember that you lived on the corner of Trumbull and Iowa. I lived about 4 doors south of you on the same side of the street on Trumbull Avenue. I'm sorry that I don't remember you but I do remember your brother George. We called him 'Big George' to distinguish him from 'Little George' (I think Little George's last name was Michals) who lived next door to me (south). I have fond memories of playing 'fast pitching' on the side of your house with 'Big George' and his 'cool' friends. They were 'cool' because I was a little guy and they were older than me. I remember soft ball games in the street on the corner in front of your house, too. I remember Valerie Thoma, too. I was a friend of her younger brother, Mike, and my brother, Jerry, was a friend of her older brother, Billy. Funny what you remember, but I remember that Mrs. Thoma made the best pancakes that I ever tasted. I'm not sure if George remembers me, but please say hi for me.
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