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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: Mary On: 11/24/2003 ID: 132
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Chicago (Roseland neighborhood)
I was just a preschooler when tragedy struck OLA, so I don't have personal memories of the day.

When I grew up, I became a teacher, and one of my fellow teachers was an OLA survivor. We would use his experience as a reason why our kids had to be quiet, pay attention, and know how to escape in case of fire in their school.

Like the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, it took a horrible event to tighten up safety standards. We can never fully eliminate the possibility of fire in homes, schools, stores, or workplaces, but perhaps now we collectively have a better chance of escaping death than the poor OLA kids did.

My prayers are with the survivors and anyone who lost a loved one.


Posted by: Rick DiPompeo On: 11/14/2003 ID: 131
Enrolled on 12/1/58? Present on 12/1/58? Injured? Age Grade Classroom Teacher
Yes Yes No 5 K Mary Hall Sister Mary St. Denise(?)
I was in kindergarten in Mary Hall down the block on Hamlin Ave. I was also in the morning class, so I was home for awhile when the fire broke out. My sister, Lois, was in 3rd grade and was in the fire. She survived. The 8th grader that used to walk her to school, didn't make it out, though. We lived on Christiana just south of Chicago Ave. I remember hearing and seeing the fire trucks, with their sirens whaling, going west on Chicago Ave. I thought I had seen alot of fire equipment at my young age but I remember seeing fire trucks that I never, ever saw before. I thought, "There must be a big fire somewhere!" It wasn't until my sister came home, without her coat on, that I learned that "The big fire" was at OLA. I don't remeber much after that. What I do remember is that my mom & dad had saved all of the newspaper articles and pictures about it. It seemed that about once a year, for a awhile, we would pull them out and look at them.My dad has since passed away and every time I go to the cemetery, I am reminded of the fire because he is buried at Queen of Heaven and they have a special section for kids who died in the fire there, right across from where he is buried. I truely do believe that God got 98 angels that sorrowful day, 01 December 1958.

Currently, I am a police officer with the Oakbrook Terrace Police Dept. I hold the rank of Det. Sergeant. Since I became a police officer in November of 1974, I always responded at a quicker pace to fire alarms at schools.


Posted by: JG On: 11/14/2003 ID: 130
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No After n/a
About six months ago, I was taking an Elem. Edu class and we had to do a teach a 30 minute lesson. This class is for beginning students whom are going to be our future teachers. Now with a clasroom of future teachers I thought this would be a great time to teach some history and point out some of these safety features that all their classrooms should have in place. I started the lesson out with everyone getting up out of their chair,pushing it under their desk, and quickly getting into line adn had them follow me a few steps to safety. I immediatley got them seated and started the lesson with the tragic fire and alot of students stated to get teary eyed. I then went on by explaining all these nifty safety precuations we have in place and how they were not around back then. I finished up by answering questions and explained to them to teach their students about these fire drills. Teach the students about history, safety and how they all relate to each other. I asked when the get out in the world to teach, that they take the time to know the FIRE EXITS and how they were going to respond in an emergency.
I know I gave them alot of information that was whizzing by them, but in my mind I know I passed on some knowledge to at least 25+ future teachers of our children. Let's keep our children safe.


Posted by: Rose L. On: 11/6/2003 ID: 129
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Chicago Ridge, IL
My father was an officer on the Chicago Fire Dept. and one of the first to respond to the fire alarm. I remember his anger and grief about how hard it was to rescue the children. His company could only raise ladders on the alley side of the school because there was no access to the side where the children were. On the side where his company was located there wasn't much they could do. Many of the children were already dead or the rooms were so completely involved in flame rescue was impossible. He would rant about how unprepared the nuns were in dealing with a fire. He raved that they, the nuns, didn't do enough to save themselves and the children. He was haunted for many years with what he saw that day. His wife said that he had nightmares for a long time. This was a man that had been on the fire department for almost 20 years and had also been in battle in Europe during WW2. He had a lot of experience but this fire was the worst of all his years on the fire department.
At the time I was a young mother and I just sat and cried while watching the TV. My husband who was with the Fire Insurance Patrol at the time but not working that day, sat there and just kept saying "Oh no, oh no".
For many years you could not talk to my father about this fire without him getting angry all over again at the Catholic school system, the church and the nuns who decided to pray rather than get their children out of danger.
In our house we always had an emergency system worked out in case our house caught on fire. When I had children we also talked to them about what to do if there is a fire. All parents need to teach their children how to save their own lives when they are in danger. We can't always assume that there will be a responsible adult in charge of their safety.
My opinion of the nuns lack of taking charge was because of their religious training that teaches them strict disipline and not to act on their own without instructions from a leader, such as the mother superior. I hope that nuns, and all teachers in every school are better trained these days and nothing like that will ever happen again.


Posted by: Linda On: 11/6/2003 ID: 128
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Chicago
My father was a Chicago Policeman at the time of this horrible incident. He was the first Policeman on the scene prior to even the Fire Department arriving. We have photographs of him at the fire with the Cardinal, who I believe was Cardinal Stritch.

At that time, I remember the TV reporting this on the news and my father should have been home from work, but of course was not. He was a 3-wheel motorcycle traffic policeman in that area and had a very good friend who was a policeman that lived on the block of the school that had children in that school. The stories he told us were devastating about that day and night. I remember him telling us how he was catching children jumping out of windows.

He arrived home very late that night and his clothes and boots were still actually frozen. It was such a cold night and with the water being used to control the fire everything was frozen.

On Anniversaries of this tragic event, when the TV channels show old films, my Dad is shown in uniform with his white hat very briefly. It was the most devastating experience he had in the 25 years he served on the Chicago Police Department.

My heart goes out to all the families that lost their loved ones. I will never forget that night.


Posted by: Johnna Uting Mass Bovenzo On: 11/6/2003 ID: 127
Enrolled on 12/1/58? Present on 12/1/58? Injured? Age Grade Classroom Teacher
Yes Yes Yes 10 5 212 Sister Mary Clare Therese Champagne
I was a surivior of OLA school, in room 212 at the time of the fire. With the rest of my classmates, I also jumped out of the window, I don't remember how exactly I got to the window as I was in the second row, third to the last seat. I only remember almost getting ready to close our books, and we started to smell the smoke and I saw some smoke coming from the front transome glass above the door in front of the classroom. I thought the firemen were trying to get us nervous and see what we would do. Right after that I wished it were only a test!

I do remember getting more nervous and everyone starting for the windows, as I saw sister in front of the classroom she was at the front door, I think I called to her and I remember her telling me to get to the window and get out, but I don't remember how I did get towards the window only that by that time black smoke (very hot) was floating just above our heads. It was hard trying to breathe, I was having a hard time as there were alot of the kids there already. I unfortunately remember having pulled a boy's head back and I put my head out just to get a breathe of some air and it was so hot, the next thing I remember as I was trying to get out and some of us were so tight it was difficult to do anything.

The next thing I remember is that I was hanging on the outside of the window sill with my hands barely hanging on. My hands hurt and it was hard to hang on. The smoke and flames then started to come from the first floor below me, and I could feel the brick being so warm, I thought I was going to start on fire or the whole side of the building was going to collaspe with me holding on, I could see the firemen coming but they could not reach us and so I just let go, the next thing was I looked up and down fast and then I was laying on the ground. A girl Rosemary I suppose had just fallen next to me and her face was all red, with blood. I tried to get up but my leg was hurting, when I took off my shoe I tried to get up again, I couldn't. Then I looked back at the building and saw Charlene up at the window standing there, all of a sudden her grandma was there and she was calling to her. Then she came falling down. As Charlene said her grandma went quickly and picked her up. I called to her and she said that she'd come back for me. Someone then carried me off into the candy store, and set me up in a chair.

I saw all of us kids crying and calling out to each other. Someone put a blanket around me, and then they packed us in a paddy wagon (black) then they took us to Franklin Blvd. Hospital. I was put on a chair and I kept on seeing kids being brought in with broken limbs and it looked to me like skin flaking off them, as with most of our bodies all blacken by the smoke. At that time, I realized later that it was burned flesh hanging from them. We spent a lot of time there then we were taken to rooms if available. Later we were all put on one floor.

I was released just a few days before Christmas, and I had to go back now and then for checkups, as I had broken my right ankle they said with five broken bones. I had to have other cast put on later as the setting was not working, being that the first one had been done when my leg was so swollen, the bones were not being kept in place. I would like to keep in touch with all of you, sorry to say I do get a little emotional at times, mainly when I get close to my birthday Dec 14. I do not look forward to them as it reminds me too much of the sad time in 1958. I had my 11th birthday in the hosiptal. We have a memory during the time of our lives when all of that time should have been only good memories. But who said life is always good.

I call myself a survivor victim, as I'm sure alot of you agree. I would love to hear from my former classmates or who is interested and please keep my informed on upcoming get togethers. I now live in Woodridge IL, and I have a loving husband (Domenico)of 35 years together and counting, I'm blessed with two wonderful sons Dominic and John and one married with a great daughter-in-law. The best thing is we have a beautiful granddaughter names Marissa Rose Bovenzo. 5 1/2 years old, and we charish every moment with her and our family. God did bless me with a great family to care for, and that is what my life is, in doing what I can for them. I also work for a Senior Center in Downers Grove, IL and I am the manager of the office. I help those who are in need, and being there for going on eight years now, my life is full of helping those for whatever I can help with. Maybe that is why God choose not to take me that cold day in December, to be here to help others, this is my life and I'm glad to be alive.


Posted by: Rose Williams On: 11/5/2003 ID: 126
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No After n/a
WELL TO BEGAN WITH I WAS BORN ON JULY 13TH 1959 EXACTLY 7 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRE, I GREW UP ON CLYBOURN STREET AT 1756, 1769,1758 RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE CLYBOURN PLAYLOT, I ATTENDED MULLIGAN SCHOOL FROM 1964 UPUNTIL 1972, I MOVED OFF OF CLYBOURN STREET TO THE WESTSIDE OF CHICAGO, I ATTENDED NASH SCHOOL FOR EIGHT GRADE ONLY, I THEN ATTENDED AUSTIN HIGH SCHOOL LOCATED AT 231 N. PINE ON THE WESTSIDE, I COULD NOT BELEIVE THAT OUT OF ALL THOSE YEARS OF SCHOOL I NEVER EVEN HEARD ABOUT OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS UNTIL 1986 WHEN I STARTED WORKING FOR STATEFARM INSURANCE A YOUNG LADY BY THE NAME OF GERI SMITTY ASKED BE ONE DAY IF I WAS FAMILUR WITH IOWA AND AVERS AND I TOLD HER YES SHE SAID THERE WAS A FIRE THERE 12/1/58 WHERE A BUNCH OF CHILDREN AND NUNS WERE KILLED AND I COULDN'T BELEIVE IT, THIS WEB SITE HAS REALLY BEEN A BLESSING TO ME I AM ON IT ALL THE TIME, I WAS REALLY SADDEN TO HEAR SUCH A THING HAPPENED AT A SCHOOL, MY GRAMMER SCHOOL AT 1855 N. SHEFFIELD WAS DESIGNED THE SAME WAY WE HAD WOODEN FLOORS, DESK THAT WERE WOODEN AND WERE MOUNTED TO THE FLOOR, THE COAT ROOM WHERE YOU HUNG YOUR COATS AND HATS. THE ROOM NUMBER WERE THE SAME 1 2 3 FLOORS, I WAS SO AFFECTED BY THIS WEB SITE THAT I GOT IN MY CAR AND DROVE OVER TO IOWA AND AVERS JUST TO SEE WHERE THE SITE WAS, I EVEN WENT OVER TO MY OLD SCHOOL AND GOT OUT AND PEEKED INTHE BASEMENT WINDOW THE LUNCHROOM WAS STILL THE SAME HAS NOT CHANGED AT ALL, IT IS AMAZEING HOW GOOD GOD IS HE IS GOOD ALL THE TIME, THAT COULD HAVE HAPPEND ANYWHERE, I CAN REMEMBER MULLIGAN HAVING FIRE ESCAPES BUT AS A KID WHO WOULD THINK OF A FIRE BREAKING OUT AT A SCHOOL AND WOULD HAVE KNOW WHAT TO DO, WE USE TO HAVE FIRE DRILLS QUITE A BIT AND THE KIDS WOULD PULL THE ALARM ONLY TO GET OUT OF CLASS, ESPECIALLY IN HIGH SCHOOL, GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU ALL, I WATCHED CHANNEL 11 ON TUESDAY NIGHT AT 9:00 P.M. FROM NOW UNTIL I LEAVE THIS WORLD I WILL KEEP UP WITH OLA. THANKS FOR LISTENING TO ME RAT ON.


Posted by: Jim Ringenberger On: 11/5/2003 ID: 125
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Indianapolis, Indiana
I recently discovered your website and it has opened a floodgate of emotions for me. I just wanted to share my feelings.
Back in 1958, I was a student at a rural Indiana Catholic Grade School. I remember vividly learning of the Our Lady of Angels disaster. It left such an indullable mark, that it haunts me to this day.
First, our home burned in September of 1957. It was a new home and I guess there was some type of electrical wiring problem. Regardless, the home was completely destroyed and we lost most personal items. However, we were told how lucky we were to be alive.
Then the next year, so close to Christmas, I remember watching the horror on the news reports of the Our Lady of Angels school disaster. The next day, our school principal held a school meeting with us to discuss the situation. She told us that the children had died because they were not prepared for such an emergency and that many panicked and refused to listen to the nuns. She recounted that one nun knew her class would not be saved in time, so instructed the students to just stay in their seats to pray.
After that day, we had numerous fire drills. Reverend Mother would block certain stairways during the drill yelling, "this stair is on fire, find another way." We would then have to hurry to another exit. We also had to practice lying on the floor in the classroom under the windows in case we couldn't get out. I would lay there frozen in fear. When I would hear the fire alarm sound, my heart would pound and I would get physically nauseous.
The nuns prepared a memorial bulletin board, displaying pictures of the blaze and of some of the victims and survivors. We would say prayers for their souls during the morning and were instructed to recite the Rosary for them before we went to sleep, so they could be released from purgatory. I was so scared and confused.
I had recurring nightmares of the Chicago scene. I just knew one day it would be our school and we would all be trapped. To this day, I panick around fire. I still see the faces of those students in the pictures on the bulletin board.
If I have such horrific memories of this disaster, I can only imagine what each of you went through. You'll never know how many times through the years I have thought of the students and their families...wondering what happened...how they were coping...praying for each of you.
Thank you for this website. Maybe it can help lay to rest old terrors and sadness. Perhaps learning about how life went on for the survivors can make a difference.
May God bless you and grant you and the Our Lady of Angels "family" peace. Thanks again for sharing.

Jim Ringenberger
Educational Consultant
University of Excellence
Fort Myers, Florida
OFC: 239 335-8409 PCS: 239 822-4040
FAX: 239 335-8250 M/S: FLFTMC0301


Posted by: Charlene Kelly On: 11/4/2003 ID: 124
At OLA on 12/1/58? Born before or after 12/1/58? Where Lived on 12/1/58?
No Before Chicago
I don't think anyone who was in Chicago on Dec. 1, 1958 will ever forget the tragedy that occurred. I didn't know about the fire until I arrived home about 4 p.m. My grandmother was sitting down watching tv. I had never seen her watch television in the afternoon. She told me about the fire and I sat down next to her for at least the next hour. I can't remember doing anything else that night but watching the coverage of that terrible fire.
The next day, at school, that was all we could talk about. I remember Sr. Neri, RSM leading us in the rosary for all of you who were involved-the victims and the survivors.
I taught in the Chicago Public Schools until 2000. There was a fire drill every month. When the kids would complain or start to fool around I would tell them about the fire at OLA. I only had to tell the story once to each class. During my tenure, there were two small fires.
Due to what happened at OLA, we quickly exited the building.
May God bless all of you and keep you safe and close to Him.


Posted by: Pete M. On: 10/22/2003 ID: 123
Enrolled on 12/1/58? Present on 12/1/58? Injured? Age Grade Classroom Teacher
Yes Yes No 7 2 Ms. Kathleen Di Domenico
It was a rather brisk day. We were in class during that afternoon when the firebells began to ring. The first thing everyone thought was that it was a fire drill. When we opened the door to the hallways however they were full of smoke so we knew it was the real thing. My teacher, Ms Kathleen was very calm but also very direct. We were to line up just as we practiced the fire drill two weeks earlier and proceed outside immediately. This time however we were instructed to leave everything and go! No time for coats or anything. We proceeded outside to our assigned positions on Iowa just across the street from the church. Being seven years old, I had no idea of how severe the fire was. It was almost a party atmosphere as we were able to get out of school. I remember vividly the first fire trucks arriving. We all cheered their arrival. Still no one knew of the deadly nature of the fire or how it would change our lives forever.
Because we were without coats, they made us go into the church for shelter. It was here that I finally realized the seriousness of the situation. One of the sisters (nuns) yelled out something to the order of "Oh my God -No! It can't be happening. All those poor kids. Oh God No!" We were then instructed to go directly home and to notify our parents as to what happened. Because of all the fire equipment coming down Augusta and Hamlin Avenues, My friend Tom and I went home by way of Thomas St. Meanwhile at home, bulletins broke out on the TV and my mom immediately came to school to look for me. Because I had taken a different route than normal, my Mom's and my courses never crossed. She got to school and quickly became frantic with fear. She was advised that the second graders all got out and were sent home. She then called home to verify that I Had Arrived and was OK. My Dad was informed of the Fire while at work and immediately came home. My dad was a very stong man and could deal with a great amount of suffering and pain. When he got home, my Mom accumulated some coats and blankets that dad was to take to the school to assist with the fire victims. He was witness to some very terrible ocurrences. He saw the burnt bodies, he saw the kids jumping from the building's third floor and he saw the firemen who were crying out of frustration. He also saw friends and neighbors who lost their children to the fire. It was more than he could handle. After he helped all he could, and donated the blankets and coats to the Sisters and to the Emergency personnel he came home .
Upon entering our home, he tried in vain to explain to my mom what he had witnessed. He just broke down and cried. This was the first time all day that the realization sunk finally in to my head, this was a very bad situation and that I could have lost some dear friends. It was not party time it was a tragedy. I know that the following week the OLA Parish became a close knit family of sorrow and support. December 1st will always send shivers down my spine. I was spared that day but could have been a victim had the fire started in another area of the bulding.
That is quite a bit for a seven year old to think about. My heart went out that day to the Moms and Dads who lost their children. I prayed for them often and think about them to this day!