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Our Lady of the Angels (OLA) School Fire, December 1, 1958
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Personal Experiences with Our Lady of the Angels School Fire

If you have a personal experience, recollection or opinion about the December 1, 1958 Our Lady of the Angels school fire, whether you were present at the fire or not, you can relate it here. Any story or information is welcome as long as it relates to Our Lady of the Angels school fire.
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Posted by: Burt from Long Beach, CA On: 10/10/2008 ID: 383
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No After n/a
I actually wasn't born until almost five months after this tragedy; my only connection, very remote at that, was with a classmate in elementary school whose older brother was an acquaintance of a boy who perished in that tragic event. My classmate's family moved from Chicago in 1964, and I have only a sketchy recollection of this event from what was relayed by his brother after we experienced a much more minor fire that occurred at our local school, back in 1969. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt in that incident.I hadn't really given it any thought at all since that time, I recently inadvertently ran across an article on Google about an upcoming memorial in recognition of the 50th anniversary of this horrific event. For all the distance the modern technological age puts between mankind, there's something to be said for the wonders of the internet, and it may very well be through this same medium that we can recollect our past, and connect once with those we thought were forever forgotten to us.As I never knew any of the victims, either deceased or still alive, I think we must be ever mindful that their sacrifice wasn't in vain; the fire drills and evacuations that were part-and-parcel of our school experiences, indifferent and disdainful of them that we may have been at the time, were, in fact, the outcome of this tragedy, and it may be that many thousands of lives were saved, due to changes in the building code and the mandating of period fire drills. I know that every time I look back on my school experience, I'll reflect a moment of silence in honor of the 89 children and three nuns, whose lives were so prematurely ended on that dreadful day. As ungrateful of the mercy and goodness of our Lord that I've all too often been guilty of during my almost 50 years, I know I owe a debt of gratitude for having been given the gift of life, and the opportunities to give back for all that I've been given; an opportunity that was denied to 92 individuals undoubtedly more worthy than I.I ask of those who may have occasion to read this post, or visit this website, to consider requesting that a Mass be said for these 92 victims, as a 50th anniversary, on or about November 30th of this year, at your local parish, wherever that may be. I believe we owe to their memory, to never forget the victims of one of the worst school fires in U.S. history, and to never take for granted our own leases on life."Ave Maria, Gratia Plena . . ."Ad Majorem Gloria Dei!


Posted by: mh On: 10/4/2008 ID: 382
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Cincinnati, Ohio
I have always had, what I thought to be, a very good memory. And although I was only three years old at the time of the fire, I recall bits and pieces of my mom: sitting in front of our old Crosley television, and she was crying as the news unfolded. As I have said, I only remember bits and pieces of that day, but I did not realize that I would remember so much until so many years later...I went on to become an elementary teacher in Ohio at the age of 45. My second job was in a rural school near Columbus. When I got my first 'real' classroom in this district, I had a curtain of dread and maybe even gloom hanging over me. I did not realize what that was because I was a very happy older teacher. But my classroom was on the third floor of an older brick building, and I was always cognizant of what I would do if there were a fire. I even recall that first year telling my students that no matter what would happen, if there were a fire, I would save them- by hook or by crook. I even had the plan worked out in my head. That year- three years ago- I began thinking deeply about my mom sitting in front of that TV back in 1958 and I recalled her telling me that a nun rolled kids down a stairwell like logs- that is exactly what I told my students that I would do to them if I had to- that I would get them out.Outside of my door [then] there was a cockloft. It suddenly dawned on me one day, as I stood staring at the cockloft- that I was remembering things. I remember breaking out in a cold sweat. I told my husband- a retired police officer- about what I felt looking at the ceiling outside my room- and then it hit me: I had remembered the OLA fire. Somewhere deep inside, distant? yes! but I did recall it. And I died a little more inside, remembering all of you who went through it. I am so sorry, but do know that in my head, I have my plan all made out if I have to survive a fire. I have pushed for and I have received aluminum excape ladders for my school 'in the event'...I think of each and every one of you every day now since the light came back on in my mind, recalling the events of that day. Your names are etched forever in my heart, and there is not one single day that goes by that I do not pray for and think of you who have survived- and say a silent prayer for those of you who did not. God bless you and keep you- may His face shine upon you and comfort you in all these times when you are forced to remember. More of us pray for you than you would ever know. Love you!


Posted by: Larry On: 9/17/2008 ID: 381
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Chicago Ave. & Pulaski
This is a very moving website, although extremely sad to read through.Nevertheless, I was only 3 years old at that time, and have heard all through my life growing up,what happened on that terrible day.
You see, both of my sisters attended OLA on that day, and luckily, they both survived the fire.My older sister was 10 years old, in the 5th grade. As I understand it from my parents and my sister's recollection, through the assistance of Father Ognibene, the children in my sister's 5th grade class were helped out of their classroom and lead down the fire escape to safety.My other sister attended the separate building for 1st graders and kindergarden, and she also was unharmed.They were both able to walk home, we lived very close by, after all. HOwever, my older sister was helped by a kind woman who offered her a blue sweater, as she was walking home.This tragic event has been a "constant" source of sad memories in our family for all of these years, especially so, it seems for my mother.We did, like so many others, move out of the neighborhoold less than a year later. It always truly amazed me how this event literally broke up that entire close-knit neighborhood-which is another very sad aspect to the story.


Posted by: Walt On: 9/16/2008 ID: 380
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Philadelphia
Recently I came across this site as I was doing some research on my computer. Something made me open it up and then I suddenly remembered the night this fire was broadcasted over the national news in Philadelphia. I was six years old when this fire broke out. I can remember sitting in a chair watching children leaving the school in uniforms similar to the ones that we wore at Sacred Heart. I can also recall seeing clips of hospital wards filled with children in beds.

We were taught by the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and how they enforced the importance of fire safety and the need to be quick and orderly when the fire alarm bell rang. I can still remember my first grade nun Sister Loretta William having us pray for all the the innocent children who lost their lives in this school fire. I can remember her trying to explain to a room of 60 first graders what happen to these children and at the same time not try to scare us. I remember how she practiced with us on how to leave the school during a fire drill. We needed to stand up and beginning with the first row we would quickly leave the room one row at a time in single file so we would not clog up the stairwell.

As I am writing this I can't help but think of how much she cared for each of us and valuable lessons she taught each of us. God Bless you Sister you were a saint than and must be a saint today. I can remember standing outside in the cold with no coat on waiting for the clearance to return. I remember times when the firemen would come and pull practice drills to make certain that we were able to evacuate the building in the shortest amount of time. Many times I remember the principal coming over the intercom telling us that we needed to be quicker.

As I visited this site I can't help but think of how scared and terrified those children and nuns must have been. I can't even begin to imagine the thoughts of being trapped in a blazing inferno like the one at OLA. Today I know that all of the victims are safe and sound in the home of our Dear Lord. May God bless the victims, survivors and family members who to this day live with the memories and loss of their love ones and friends.

Thank you for putting this sight together it's a good reminder that we need to live each day to the fullest.


Posted by: Mary Margaret On: 9/15/2008 ID: 379
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Mt. Prospect, IL
Someone just called in to WGN Radio regarding a discussion on things that molded your life as a 10 year old. A lady called in and started talking about the Our Lady of Angels fire. It took me back to it as if it had just occurred. I was 9 at the time and I became obsessed with the story and seeing the pictures and reading the accounts and listening to the news. I recall being aware that it could have been my school, not realizing that Saint Raymond in Mt. Prospect was a much newer school than Our Lady of the Angels was. It was so frightening for a child to try to absorb this type of tragedy. I stopped to say another prayer after this came up again. There are so many tragedies all over the world on a more routine basis than I ever recall before in my life, that it makes you care more about other people and what there are going through. You must always realize that it could be your tragedy next. And it's good to sit your kids down and explain what's happening to alleviate their fears, but help them gain a sensitivity to others' needs.


Posted by: Mary Ellen (Bak) Gabler On: 9/12/2008 ID: 378
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before 4620 W. Superior St., Chicago
A few weeks ago, I discovered this website, and I have been consumed with the events surrounding the fire. I was a 9y/o 4th. grader at Our Lady Help of Christians school on the day of the fire. After school that day, my dad drove my younger brother and I to the fire to see what was going on. When I see the pictures of bystanders outside of the burning school, it's like I'm there again. But this time, I'm looking at it as an adult, and the devastation is almost too much to comprehend. I didn't know that I was affected by just being there. I remember people, smoke, fire engines, and a young girl about my age in her school uniform without a coat, running with a small boy holding her hand, and I thought, "She's my age and has a little brother, too". I wonder now why I didn't think to give her my coat. I knew that a school burning down was an awful thing, but I don't know if I realized that kids were dying in there. After the fire, some of the survivors shared my school. HOC kids went half days, and OLA kids went half days. There was a boy that shared my desk. I don't remember his name, but I remember wanting to meet him and and to know what had happened. But, like I'm reading everywhere, we really didn't talk about it. I went to High School at Siena, and there were OLA kids in my class, but again, we didn't talk about it. I didn't even know some of my classmates were survivors until I recently read the list. I am grateful for all of the information on the website, so I am able to process the experience as an adult, to know the pain and the courage of those directly involved, and to find some sense of understanding. I just finished reading "To Sleep With the Angels". This book put things in order for me and has given me a sense of ambiguous resolution, despite many conflicted feelings. My reflections are small compared to others, but I wanted to share what empathy I have. Thank you.


Posted by: shepsmom On: 9/1/2008 ID: 377
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before waukegan, IL
I just finished reading To Sleep With the Angels - how very sad!
I was only an infant at the time; my dad was stationed in the army in Waukegan during 1957-58. We lived in Massachsetts after that. Years later at a church function, a visiting priest, when introduced to my parents, immediately asked if we were related to Joe Cussen, the parish priest of OLA. I wonder if anyone has more background info on Msrg. Cussen? The book's epilogue mentions a brother and sister, who he lived with when he passed away. Additionally, what prompted me to locate the account of the fire is that my mom heard a news report about Barack Obama attending some interfaith event in the Chicago area and it mentioned a "Msrg. Cussen" ... is there possibly another one? Thank you for any information shared and to the survivors, my thoughts and prayers go out to you.


Posted by: MaryClaire On: 8/15/2008 ID: 376
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Baltimore
I was in the first grade at Catholic school in Baltimore that looked so much like OLA it's eerie. The interior, the wooden staricases, the basement and hallways, all the same. Even the little corner store at the corner to the left of the school, where you stopped to buy penny candy, the rectory, the convent...all the same.
All through grade school an awareness of a terrible Catholic school tragedy hung over us, though I don't remember knowing the name of the school, or exactly what happened just that it was in midwest of America somewhere and its fate was somehow connected with very serious and frequent firedrills in my neck of the woods.
I am not usually emotional over public events involving people I don't know, but somehow this site hit me in the solar plexus and I connected immediately. Anyone who was in Catholic school at the time cannot help seeing themselves and their friends in these class pictures.
Those who perished faced something few people ever have to go through, as did the survivors, who must feel very alone with their memories at times, a pain uncommunicable. The adults at the time of the fire must have felt that way and that's why there was little discussion. What's to discuss? What's the use? Sometimes when you are deeply in pain, no sound comes out.
But I am so glad the OLAngels survivors have started this web site. The tributes are so beautiful and what happened is well described. The personal accounts are priceless. I have been introduced to a whole community I'd not known. Thank you and my prayers for all of you. Anyone who suffered through that is closer to the angels.


Posted by: Martha Escalante On: 8/10/2008 ID: 375
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No After n/a
I was born 5 months after the tragedy and I remember having fire drills ever since I started Kindergarten in 1964, but it wasn't until I was in the fifth grade at Immaculate Conception Catholic School on 88th & Commercial Ave that I finally learned why we even had fire drills. A few of my classmates didn't take it seriously one day when the drill bell went off. They acted silly and mocked the whole thing.My teacher, Sr. Floriette got very angry and yelled at them. After it was all over and we were back in the classroom, she told us about the OLA fire. I understood then why it was so vital that we have fire drills. Later on when I was in high school in the mid to late 70's, there was a full article in The Chicago Tribune Sunday issue about a father who's son was a student at OLA when it happened. I read the whole article and was so saddened by it. The boy's father literally ran to the school after getting a phone call from a neighbor that the school was on fire. He found his son's body among others after searching for him. Afterwards, he learned that his son and another boy had actually gotten out of the building, but they both returned for fear of being punished! Now why would those poor children even think that?! If only they hadn't gone back in, they would've lived! I still remember the boy's picture in the paper. He was dressed as an alter boy with a very big smile on his face. By the way, I remember his name. It was John David. I don't remember his last name. Everytime I think about that story, I feel a lump in my throat, also my heart still goes out to his poor father.


Posted by: MomM On: 7/31/2008 ID: 374
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No After n/a
I was born only a few short years after the OLA fire. In the mid 1960s, I attended St. Giles Catholic School in Oak Park IL. We had MANY MANY fire drills, and our Nun and the lay teacher were always very anxious to get us out of the building as fast as possible.

I was a slow, pokey child, and took my time with things. During one mid winter fire drill, I had my snow pants, coat, hat, scarf, mittens, and snow boots (lined with bread bags, so I could get them on easier, and to keep them waterproof.) to put on before exiting the building. I was taking my time, as the alarm bell rang, most of the children were already out the door. The doors to the playground were only a few feet away from the cloak room, and I didn't feel I needed to hurry, as we had fire drills so frequently. All of a sudden, while I was trying to put on my boots, Sr Maria Imelda (a formidable women who did put the Fear of God into us Kindergartners) came up to me, grabbed me and started shaking me.

I started to cry, and SHE began to cry. (!) She yelled, "You have to move FASTER. Do you understand? You are too slow. Do YOU WANT TO BURN UP IN THE FIRE LIKE THOSE OTHER CHILDREN? HUH? DO YOU?" I was really scared, Sr never acted like this, and had no idea what she was talking about. She picked me up, leaving my boots and my shoes in the cloak room, and carried me out the door, both of us in tears.

I was crying for my boots, and because Sr had yelled at me (I as usually a very well behaved child, and almost never got into trouble) and I didn't know why Sr was crying, too. It was just a Fire Drill, we had them all the time. (This was the thinking of a very young, sheltered child.)

She held me in her arms, (because I had no boots or shoes and there was snow on the ground) until the All Clear sounded. When we got back in the building, she was still shaken (she hated those fire drills) but calmer, she took me aside, and made me promise I would get into my "wraps" more quickly next time, and if I promised to do this she wouldn't call my mother. I promised. That year we had many more fire drills and I tried to be fast, and get out the door asap.

It was many months later, for some reason, I told my mother about the event. She started to tear up, and said, "She as referring to the Our Lady of Angels Fire which happened a little bit before you were born. I am sure she knew people in that Parish." I asked her what happened, and she told me of the fire, how awful it was, how it was on the news and in the papers, and her own personal connection.

A story of working in a typing pool, in an office, only a few blocks from OLA. They heard the sirens, which seemed to go on forever and one of the other women in the typing pool was a member of the OLA Parish. I don't know why, but she ran to the school. She came back to the office, ashen and shaking, and begged anyone for blankets (there were none) or their coats, sweaters, anything, as the School was on fire, children were falling out of windows, being placed or just lying on the cold ground, and going into shock.

My mother gave her only coat, a thin cloth coat. The woman came back, and people helped her bring nearly every coat, jacket, men's suit jackets in the small office to wrap the children in. The coat my mother had was not returned, and she always hoped it had kept a child warm, until it was his or her turn in an ambulance.

I, still a child, with child like curiosity, asked her "What if the child who had your coat died in it?" And in Classic Catholic Style she told me to Be Quiet and not think of such things. She was "sure" the child who was wrapped in her coat was fine. I hope her coat, and those of the others brought at least a small amount of comfort to the children and Nuns that freezing winter day.

God Bless All of Them.

I have one question. When I was in about 3rd grade (and no longer at St Giles, but Emerson School in Berwyn) we were shown a horrifying film about "Fire Safety" which I know was based on OLA. It followed a little boy, who made it out of the burning school building, but went back in, for some reason. In the last scene, while the narrator goes on about dying from smoke inhalation, a fireman is carrying his limp little body out. Nearly identical to the "Little Johnny Zajkowski" pictures, which define the OLA fire to this day.

The film was black and white and filmed in the early 1960s, I think. If anyone knows what the name of this film is, or if it is still available or even remembers it, I would like to know about it. The film made an impression on me, as a child, and I knew it was based on OLA. After seeing this film, I as so scared of fire, I would plan an escape route out of every room I was in while in school for years. To this day, I still note the EXIT signs when I am in buildings.

This fire left an imprint on an entire generation.