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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: Patrick McCormack On: 3/28/2006 ID: 264
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No After n/a
As a young child at St. Augustine elementary school in Austin Minnesota, we practiced endless fire drills to the ever present stop watch of Sister Sean. We were perhaps the best drilled student body ever.

Later, I was told that Sister had been a young student at the great Chicago school fire, and had gotten her charges out, but seen the result. I have no way of knowing if this is true or not, but I do know that taking fire seriously is one thing she did.


Posted by: Yesenia Sanchez On: 3/19/2006 ID: 263
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No After n/a
I AM IN MY LAST YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL, AND I HAVE A PRESENTATION TO MAKE ABOUT SOMETHING THAT REALLY GOT MY ATTENTION. MY LITTLE SISTER OF AGE 11 DID A PROJECT FOR HISTORY FAIR. HER PROJECT WAS BASED ON OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS' FIRE. I WAS AMAZED WHEN I SAW THE PICTURES AND READ ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED AND HOW. I REALLY GOT UPSET AND IT MADE ME APPRECIATE MORE OF WHAT WE GOT TODAY. NOW WE HAVE FIREALARMS IN OUR SCHOOLS, MANY FIRE SCAPES, HEATDETECTORS WE HAVE AN ALARM CONNECTED TO THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WE HAVE SO MANY THINGS THAT SOME OF US DONT APPRECIATE AND MANY STUDENTS PULL DOWN THE FIRE ALARMS JUST TO MESS AROUND. IT IS REALLY SAD TO KNOW THAT MANY CHILDREN AND NUNS DIED. HOW MANY PARENTS LOST CHILDREN? AND LIKE I HAVE READ MARYLIN FORGIVE ME IF I MISS SPELLED HER NAME BUT HOW SHE LOST HER SISTER IN THAT FIRE I CAN NOT EVEN IMAGINE TO LOOSE MY LITTLE SISTER IT IS SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO LEARN. WE NEED TO LEARN HOW TO SHOW THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU THAT YOU CARE FOR & THOSE WHO YOU LOVE BECAUSE YOU WILL NEVER KNOW WHEN THE END WILL BE FOR THAT CERTAIN PERSON. ALWAYS BEFORE LEAVING TO ANY PLACE HUG THE PERSON WHOM YOU WERE WITH AND TELL THEM YOU LOVE THEM OR I WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU. SHOW THEM HOW MUCH YOU CARE AND TRY TO APPRECIATE EVERY MOMENT YOU SPEND WITH ANY PERSON. I AM EXTREMELY SHOCKED ABOUT THIS AND I SHOW LOT OF RESPECT FOR THE FAMILIES THAT LOST ONE OF THEIR OWN. BUT NOW WE ALL KNOW THAT WE GO TO A BETTER PLACE WERE THERE IS NO HARM NOR DANGER.

R.I.P
ALL WHO WERE LOST
ON DECEMBER 1, 1958


Posted by: Donna Quinn On: 3/17/2006 ID: 262
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before South Side of Chicago
I, like Bill Walsh, was a student at Visitation Grade School, a Catholic school, on the south side of Chicago. I was 11 years old at the time of the fire. I was very upset about the fire, as was everyone, but especially so because our school looked so much like Our Lady of the Angels school. It was easy to imagine the same thing happening to us. And my classroom was on the same floor of the school too. For several days after the fire I didn't go to school because I was so nervous and ill with fear of going there and being burned. When I finally did go, I frequently asked to go to the bathroom because it was right at the top of the stairs and I knew I'd be able to get out safely in case of a fire.

The nun who was teaching my class at that time recognized that I had a problem because of the fire. She had me pull up a chair right next to hers. Then she talked to the whole class, with me next to her holding her hand, about how only those who God is calling home would ever die. She told us a story about St. Francis of Assisi whose brother died by getting hit by lightning while lying in bed right next to Francis. The brother was being called to Heaven, but it was not Francis' time.

For many days after that, I still felt sick to my stomach whenever I was in the school. The pictures on the TV haunt me still and I could cry just writing about these memories.


Posted by: Jolanda Verzani On: 3/16/2006 ID: 261
Enrolled on 12/1/58? Present on 12/1/58? Injured? Age Grade Classroom Teacher
Yes Yes No 10 5 I don'
I read Marilyn Chrzas's message.I was friends with your sister. I remember you - you were a lot younger than we were. Your mom and dad - I played with Joanie a lot.We walked to school every day.I was a pall bearer for her. I lost my best friend the day of the fire. I did not understand death that well at that age, but I did feel a great sense of loss knowing I would not be seeing my friend again.I hope your life is going well, Marilynn.My e-mail is joliev924@yahoo.comFeel free to contact me any time.You had wonderful parents - they were never the same after the tragedy.
As others so stricken were affected.Joanie was full of light, humor and luminous child. I loved her very much as a friend.Take care - love Jolie.


Posted by: Marilyn On: 3/14/2006 ID: 260
Enrolled on 12/1/58? Present on 12/1/58? Injured? Age Grade Classroom Teacher
Yes Yes No 7 1 Mary Hall Don't remember
My sister, Joan Chrzas, was a fourth grader in Room 210 on the day of the fire. Unfortunely, she was killed and later identified by my father and my uncle at the city morgue. I was in the annex at the time and have only brief memories of what I saw that day. The ones I have are of pure chaos on Hamlin and Iowa that day.
My parents have both recently passed away and I decided that it is time I start to address this issue. I would like any information the surivors of Room 210 might have in general or of my sister. Do you remember anything about her that afternoon? Was she trying to escape or was she sitting dutifully in her seat?
On her memorial page are two quotes from 2 of her friends: Sally Konley and Becky Morrissey Ruhland. Do either of you remember anything more about her or remember me, her sister, Marilyn? I would love to hear anything you remember. It might help me to start to put things in place for me.
Thanks to all who respond.


Posted by: Ivanna On: 3/14/2006 ID: 259
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No After n/a
hi! i am working on a history fair project and need help if you have any info please e-mail me at puppflow1_sue@yahoo.com


Posted by: juanita On: 3/7/2006 ID: 258
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No After n/a
this year is my first time doing the history fair project and the subject i pick was Our Lady of Angels Fire i have learn may things while doing my project now i know how important it is to have fire drills in school because it is for our own safety i wish if there is any people that are still alive and can help me with my project because i won the project in my school now i have to go against people in the city on March 11 2006 from 2-6 pm if you can contact me before friday that will be nice thank you can email me @ mex_nina@yahoo.com


Posted by: Linda On: 3/3/2006 ID: 257
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Austin neighborhood of Chicago, Il
Today I received a book that I had ordered online. It is called Neighborhoods within Neighborhoods, and tells the story of Rogers Park and it's history. When I saw pictures of Guardian Angel Orphanage, it brought back memories of that awful fire at Our Lady of Angels. At first I couldn't remember the name of the school, so headed over my computer to look it up. I found this website and have been riveted to it for hours.

I will never forget that day. Word traveled fast and I remember that night how very scared I was and how horrible the fire must have been. All those children who perished...it was like a nightmare.

I remember going to bed that night and many nights afterwards and praying that my family and friends would not be hurt in a fire. I am now 56 and can remember those prayers like it was yesterday.

Thanks for letting me share my story.

Linda (Bernstein) Sienkiewicz


Posted by: Patti C On: 2/22/2006 ID: 256
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Chicago
I was ten years old and in the 5th grade at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel on Belmont between Broadway and Halsted. My parents were divorced and mom worked. She had arranged for me to wait at the corner dry cleaners till she picked me up. I had a nasty habit of biting my nails and that day I went a little too far and got a terrible infection. That night (between my mom fending calls inquiring if it was my school), she had me soak my finger in some salts and very hot water. I was crying because it was so hot. All my mother said was "if you think you're hot, just think of those poor children that burned to death today". I never cried again when I got an infection nor will I ever forget that horrible day for those children. For years I prayed for them and now that I've found this site, I'm praying for their souls and the families left behind to suffer.


Posted by: Rigoberto Corcoles On: 2/15/2006 ID: 255
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No After n/a
Well when i found out of this I was about 11 years old. At the time i was still young but once i read this story it really touched me. It was really sad to hear that many kids in acts of desperateness would jump out of windows. I am very sorry to hear that. Even though i was not born or around in the year of 1958 the story still got to me as if it was just yesterday. I got to know about this story when my cousin, Jose, sent me the story through email and at first i was like aww screw this but then i started reading and i just couldnt stop, the thoughts of these kids just running and screaming for help is unbelieveable. This story will never ever be forgotten may the ones that ceased in that fire rest in peace. This story will live on for generations to come and lets all hope that nothing like this ever happens again. Peace in Da Middle East Yo!!!