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This newspaper page contains 12 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Apr 13, 1908
Page
2
Reverend R Perry Bush pastor of the First Universalist Church in Chelsea helps organize shelter and relief for the homeless at factory and armory locations. He is among the leaders directing the assistance effort.
Thousands left homeless as a massive blaze ravages Chelsea and East Boston, destroying homes from Maverick Street to Suffolk Street. Firefighters battled a gale driven front of flames and explosions from oil tanks, with smoke and fire lighting the sky for hours.
Mayor John E. Beck said Chelsea faces a calamitous fire with losses likely at 10 million dollars. He noted over one third of the city burned, a goal to end the blaze tonight, and praised aid from surrounding cities and Massachusetts residents. He estimated the city’s value at 26 million, with about 10 million destroyed, and denied water shortage as a cause. He highlighted neighborly generosity amid the disaster.
After a fast spreading blaze in Boston, City Hospital organized a relief convoy. Doctors volunteered as ambulances and supply units were sent at 2, 15, 6, and 8 o clock, growing to 16 doctors and two orderlies by 8:45. Injured patients from Chelsea and East Boston were treated, with several burned or injured, and many discharged last night.
Judge Albert D. Bosson, former Chelsea mayor, speaks of mass destruction in Chelsea. He notes that half the town is wiped out including most churches, bank securities held in Boston, and his own business interests burned. He expresses hope for a brighter Chelsea rising from the ruins.
The Rev. R Perry Bush pastor of the First Universalist Church of Chelsea stands among early volunteers aiding fire victims. He spoke at a relief meeting urging immediate work while his church was destroyed. A brave child Rita Deares saved her father’s portrait box before perishing in the blaze at 45 Hillsworth Street.
Distracted father Oliver J. Hatch reports his 6 year old son David and a playmate George Slattery missing after a fire in Chelsea. A man named Smith drove the wagon marked Mason toward East Boston. the team was later found deserted and burned at Highland Park. In East Boston, Thomas J. Giblin opened his Bennington Street chapel to shelter 45 families and carried the elderly, including a 90 year old woman named Bradford, to safety amid the blaze.
An unidentified Hebrew man about 40 years old, distraught by a deadly fire, committed suicide in Union Park before a crowd of thousands. He drew a pistol, fired once, and died instantly as chaos swept the scene. His dwelling burned and his family was scattered. the body was taken to the morgue awaiting identification.
Police Commissioner Stephen O'Meara orders suspension of liquor licenses in parts of East Boston and Charlestown until further notice marking a rare citywide action. The report notes extreme illness and fatalities amid typhoid fever and diphtheria cases as a fire causes disruption and a horse collapses during city operations.
The Boston Relief Hospital ambulance crew faced extreme danger as flames swept the vehicle on Broadway. Under Dr Atkinson and Orderly Sullivan, they braved repeated blazes while transporting a paralyzed woman and a sick baby, with Sullivan shielding occupants and risking his own safety to prevent further harm.
Simon Rudnick and James, proprietors of the Old South on Washington Street near Milk, announce profits from the box office will be given to the sufferers of the recent big fire. The receipts from today and tomorrow will be handed over to aid the victims.
Manager Brooks of the Popular Theatre Premier announces 20 percent of this week’s receipts will be donated to relief for Chelsea fire sufferers. Admission is 10 cents with performances from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Beach and Washington streets.
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