I attended grade school in Chicago in the 1960s. We were always told about the OLA tragedy, especially when it came to fire drills. My school (Earhart, 93rd Street near Stoney Island Avenue) was built in 58' or perhaps 59' and was well-equipped for fire safety.
I have always felt a strong connection to this event, almost like I was there. I am fascinated by the 1950s in general (as I was not really around to enjoy much of it) but haunted by the fire.
I feel that a film of this event (with the exception of the WTTW documentary) should not be made (one shudders at the thought of Hollywood doing this story).
I echo the many people who have written their stories here by saying that many lives were saved as fire safety standards were improved after the OLA fire. I owe a large debt to the children who perished. They may well have saved my life.
I visit the Queen of Heaven memorial every now and then. It makes me sad to think of all the things these kids have missed: the good: The Beatles, the space race, the 60s, personal computers, videos, The 85' Bears, CDs, cell phones. The bad: Watergate, Vietnam, November 22nd 1963, September 11th 2001, cell phones.
To the survivors, God Bless you. Thank you for sharing your memories.
I will continue to remember, always, the little angels who now look after us all.
Would like to hear from anyone interested in sharing their thoughts.
Jim D.
jbd1957@aol.com
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