| Chicago Fire: Chicago Gets Revenge on Mrs. O'Leary | ||
|---|---|---|
| This clip is not available for streaming at this time. Please contact WPA. | Tape Master: | 1611 |
| Catalog #: | 502215 | |
| Clip Number: | 502215-1 | |
| Orginal Film: | 028-730-01 | |
| Timecode: | 00:34:50 - 00:35:45 | |
| Location: | Chicago, Illinois | |
| Year Shot: | 1955 (Actual Year) | |
| Audio: | Yes | |
| Color: | No | |
| Headings: | CITY PLANNING: Urban Renewal DEMOLITION: Buildings LANDMARKS: misc. LOCATIONS/NORTH AMERICA: USA, Illinois, Chicago | |
| Description: | The final chapter in the final saga of the Great Chicago Fire is open at the home of Mrs. O'Leary. Her legendary cow is presumed to start the whole thing. For it was here in October 8th, 1871 that fire started in Mrs. O’Leary’s barn according by popular belief a lantern kicked over by her cow. Two days later the city mostly of wooden construction was almost completely destroyed. 250 people died and property damage was placed at 250,000.000 as the fire was fought with a hand pumper. Now 84 years later, Chicago has its revenge. Mrs. O’Leary’s house which is put to the torch to make way for one of the cities new boulevards High angle - Downtown Chicago -- skyscrapers, Chicago River, etc. MCUS/WA - Abandoned two-flat at 137 De Koven Street, the location of the former O'Leary homestead; MS plaque: "The Great Fire of 1871 Originated & Extended to Lincoln Park, Chicago Historical Society, 1881."Ill lustrations of the Great Fire burning, followed by illustration of aftermath. MS - Male firemen demonstrating old manual firefighting water pump. LS - Former O'Leary homestead. MS - Man setting fire inside of the two-flat on fire. MCUS - Fire burning, thick black smoke rising. MCUS - The second story of the building burning black smoke pouring out. Closing shot. (They would never destroy a piece of history like that today) What a shame. A piece of history gone forever. | |
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