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WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES. Aerial view of Our Lady of the Angels grade school on fire Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago. The fire, on the city's West Side, took the lives of 92 children and three nuns.
WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGES. Aerial view of Our Lady of the Angels grade school on fire Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago. The fire, on the city’s West Side, took the lives of 92 children and three nuns.
Dense smoke rolls from Our Lady of the Angels grade school at 909 N. Avers Ave. on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood.
Dense smoke rolls from Our Lady of the Angels grade school at 909 N. Avers Ave. on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood.
Parents watch as firefighters battle a fire and pull victims out of the smoldering Our Lady of the Angels grade school building Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
Parents watch as firefighters battle a fire and pull victims out of the smoldering Our Lady of the Angels grade school building Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
A priest, right, blesses fire victims as they are carried out of Our Lady of the Angels on Dec. 1, 1958.
A priest, right, blesses fire victims as they are carried out of Our Lady of the Angels on Dec. 1, 1958.
Firefighter Richard Scheidt rushes out of Our Lady of the Angels carrying 10-year-old John Jajkowski. The boy was among the students who died in the fire Dec. 1, 1958, on the West Side of Chicago.
Firefighter Richard Scheidt rushes out of Our Lady of the Angels carrying 10-year-old John Jajkowski. The boy was among the students who died in the fire Dec. 1, 1958, on the West Side of Chicago.
Firefighters fight the blaze at Our Lady of the Angels Dec. 1, 1958. This photo was taken as the fire roared through the school, which formerly was the parish church, and before the enormous loss of life was apparent.
Firefighters fight the blaze at Our Lady of the Angels Dec. 1, 1958. This photo was taken as the fire roared through the school, which formerly was the parish church, and before the enormous loss of life was apparent.
A rescued boy is rushed to an ambulance at Our Lady of the Angels Dec. 1, 1958.
A rescued boy is rushed to an ambulance at Our Lady of the Angels Dec. 1, 1958.
A nurse tends to Patricia Culp on Dec. 1, 1958, while she breaks down at the morgue after learning her sister Karen had died in the blaze at Our Lady of the Angels.
A nurse tends to Patricia Culp on Dec. 1, 1958, while she breaks down at the morgue after learning her sister Karen had died in the blaze at Our Lady of the Angels.
A firefighter carries a limp but still breathing victim from Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
A firefighter carries a limp but still breathing victim from Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
A boy cries as his burns are treated at St. Anne's Hospital after a deadly fire at Our Lady of the Angels school on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
A boy cries as his burns are treated at St. Anne’s Hospital after a deadly fire at Our Lady of the Angels school on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
A firefighter removes a victim from Our Lady of the Angels during a fire Dec. 1, 1958.
A firefighter removes a victim from Our Lady of the Angels during a fire Dec. 1, 1958.
The cover of the Chicago Daily Tribune on Dec. 2, 1958.
The cover of the Chicago Daily Tribune on Dec. 2, 1958.
A Sacred Heart of Jesus statue rests in the debris of the west hallway on the second floor after the blaze at Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
A Sacred Heart of Jesus statue rests in the debris of the west hallway on the second floor after the blaze at Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
Students Emily Rusczyk, left, and Robert Earley rest after surviving the deadly fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 1, 1958.
Students Emily Rusczyk, left, and Robert Earley rest after surviving the deadly fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 1, 1958.
The Rev. Charles McAleese, right, chaplain of Cook County Hospital, looks on at the morgue filled with victims from the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
The Rev. Charles McAleese, right, chaplain of Cook County Hospital, looks on at the morgue filled with victims from the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
Nurse Jackie Lanse, left, comforts Adeline Chiapetta and her daughter Judy Wallace, right, as they await word on Adeline's son, Aurelius, 14. She later learned he was among the dead in the fire that consumed Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
Nurse Jackie Lanse, left, comforts Adeline Chiapetta and her daughter Judy Wallace, right, as they await word on Adeline’s son, Aurelius, 14. She later learned he was among the dead in the fire that consumed Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
A clock found in the debris is stopped around the time the Chicago Fire Department got the alarm for the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
A clock found in the debris is stopped around the time the Chicago Fire Department got the alarm for the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
Archbishop Albert Meyer, center, leaves the scene of the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school after conferring with fire, police and church officials Dec. 1, 1958. Fire Department Chaplain Monsignor William Gorman is at right. The fatal fire occurred just 16 days after Archbishop Meyer arrived in Chicago.
Archbishop Albert Meyer, center, leaves the scene of the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school after conferring with fire, police and church officials Dec. 1, 1958. Fire Department Chaplain Monsignor William Gorman is at right. The fatal fire occurred just 16 days after Archbishop Meyer arrived in Chicago.
A Sacred Heart of Jesus statue rests in the debris of the west hallway on the second floor of Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago.
A Sacred Heart of Jesus statue rests in the debris of the west hallway on the second floor of Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago.
The front page of the Chicago American on Dec. 5, 1958, the day of a funeral Mass for several of the victims of the Our Lady of the Angels grade school fire.
The front page of the Chicago American on Dec. 5, 1958, the day of a funeral Mass for several of the victims of the Our Lady of the Angels grade school fire.
Diana Voskrenski, 10, told a Chicago American reporter on Dec. 13, 1958, that the memories of the fire at Our Lady of the Angels were as painful as her injuries.
Diana Voskrenski, 10, told a Chicago American reporter on Dec. 13, 1958, that the memories of the fire at Our Lady of the Angels were as painful as her injuries.
After being told of the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school, Archbishop Albert Meyer went to St. Anne's Hospital, where many of the injured students were taken Dec. 1, 1958. Archbishop Meyer blesses James Kovalcyk while nurses stand by the injured boy.
After being told of the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school, Archbishop Albert Meyer went to St. Anne’s Hospital, where many of the injured students were taken Dec. 1, 1958. Archbishop Meyer blesses James Kovalcyk while nurses stand by the injured boy.
A girl huddles on a bench and a man lies across chairs as they wait for treatment at St. Anne's Hospital on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago. A burned child is tended to in the corner.
A girl huddles on a bench and a man lies across chairs as they wait for treatment at St. Anne’s Hospital on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago. A burned child is tended to in the corner.
James Erbstoesser with his mother at St. Anne's Hospital on Dec. 2, 1958, in Chicago.
James Erbstoesser with his mother at St. Anne’s Hospital on Dec. 2, 1958, in Chicago.
Dr. Louis Dvonch, leaning toward patient in short sleeves, tends to a burn victim from Our Lady of the Angels grade school in December 1958 at St. Anne's Hospital on the West Side.
Dr. Louis Dvonch, leaning toward patient in short sleeves, tends to a burn victim from Our Lady of the Angels grade school in December 1958 at St. Anne’s Hospital on the West Side.
An unidentified man with a child injured in the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
An unidentified man with a child injured in the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1, 1958, in Chicago.
Valerie Thomas, right, sits with her daughter in the therapy room of a local hospital after the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 1, 1958.
Valerie Thomas, right, sits with her daughter in the therapy room of a local hospital after the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 1, 1958.
Frank Dello, 9, in his room at St. Anne's Hospital with toys and Christmas decorations on Dec. 16, 1958, in Chicago. The burns on his right arm cover an area from his elbow to the tips of his fingers.
Frank Dello, 9, in his room at St. Anne’s Hospital with toys and Christmas decorations on Dec. 16, 1958, in Chicago. The burns on his right arm cover an area from his elbow to the tips of his fingers.
The special grand jury convened to investigate the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school examines the remains of the building Dec. 10, 1958, in Chicago. The second-floor hallway is where the roof was burned away.
The special grand jury convened to investigate the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school examines the remains of the building Dec. 10, 1958, in Chicago. The second-floor hallway is where the roof was burned away.
Pallbearers carry the caskets of Jo Anne and William Sarno after their funeral Mass in December 1958 in Chicago.
Pallbearers carry the caskets of Jo Anne and William Sarno after their funeral Mass in December 1958 in Chicago.
The mother of Rose Ann La Placa, with an older daughter at her side, arrives for the funeral Mass for her daughter on Dec. 5, 1958, at the Illinois National Guard Armory in Humboldt Park. Rose was killed in the fire at Our Lady of the Angels on Dec. 1. The service at the armory for La Placa also included 26 other students who died in the fire.
The mother of Rose Ann La Placa, with an older daughter at her side, arrives for the funeral Mass for her daughter on Dec. 5, 1958, at the Illinois National Guard Armory in Humboldt Park. Rose was killed in the fire at Our Lady of the Angels on Dec. 1. The service at the armory for La Placa also included 26 other students who died in the fire.
A funeral Mass is held for 27 of the 95 fire victims at the Illinois National Guard Armory in Humboldt Park on Dec. 5, 1958. The Mass held for 18 girls and nine boys drew 7,000 mourners.
A funeral Mass is held for 27 of the 95 fire victims at the Illinois National Guard Armory in Humboldt Park on Dec. 5, 1958. The Mass held for 18 girls and nine boys drew 7,000 mourners.
People take part in a funeral Mass for the fire victims Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago.
People take part in a funeral Mass for the fire victims Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago.
The family of Rosalie Ciminello follows her casket as it is carried out by members of the Illinois National Guard on Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago. Ciminello was among those killed in the blaze at Our Lady of Angels grade school on Dec. 1.
The family of Rosalie Ciminello follows her casket as it is carried out by members of the Illinois National Guard on Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago. Ciminello was among those killed in the blaze at Our Lady of Angels grade school on Dec. 1.
Mourners console each other during a funeral service Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago.
Mourners console each other during a funeral service Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago.
Mayor Richard J. Daley, center, leaves the funeral service for 27 of the victims of the Our Lady of the Angels grade school fire held at the Illinois National Guard Armory on Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood.
Mayor Richard J. Daley, center, leaves the funeral service for 27 of the victims of the Our Lady of the Angels grade school fire held at the Illinois National Guard Armory on Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago’s Humboldt Park neighborhood.
A graveside service for students was held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery on Dec. 5, 1958, in Hillside.
A graveside service for students was held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery on Dec. 5, 1958, in Hillside.
Members of a drum and bugle corps stand as an honor guard to their fellow member, Larry Grasso, during his funeral service Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago.
Members of a drum and bugle corps stand as an honor guard to their fellow member, Larry Grasso, during his funeral service Dec. 5, 1958, in Chicago.
Joseph Nieri holds a photo of his daughter Lorraine as he says goodbye during her funeral service Dec. 4, 1958, in Chicago.
Joseph Nieri holds a photo of his daughter Lorraine as he says goodbye during her funeral service Dec. 4, 1958, in Chicago.
Ann Burda, mother of victim Beverly Ann Burda, is supported by family as she approaches her daughter's casket Dec. 8, 1958, in Chicago. Her daughter was killed in the blaze at Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 1 in Chicago.
Ann Burda, mother of victim Beverly Ann Burda, is supported by family as she approaches her daughter’s casket Dec. 8, 1958, in Chicago. Her daughter was killed in the blaze at Our Lady of the Angels grade school Dec. 1 in Chicago.
Mourners attend the December 1958 wake for Angeline Kalinowski, who was killed in the blaze at Our Lady of the Angels grade school in Chicago.
Mourners attend the December 1958 wake for Angeline Kalinowski, who was killed in the blaze at Our Lady of the Angels grade school in Chicago.
The funeral service for three nuns is held at Mount Carmel Cemetery on Dec. 4, 1958. Sisters Mary St. Canice Lyng, 44, Mary Seraphica Kelley, 43, and Mary Clare Therese Champagne, 26, died in the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1 in Chicago.
The funeral service for three nuns is held at Mount Carmel Cemetery on Dec. 4, 1958. Sisters Mary St. Canice Lyng, 44, Mary Seraphica Kelley, 43, and Mary Clare Therese Champagne, 26, died in the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1 in Chicago.
Mourners line up outside Our Lady of Angels Church for the funeral for three nuns Dec. 4, 1958. Sisters Mary St. Canice Lyng, 44, Mary Seraphica Kelley, 43, and Mary Clare Therese Champagne, 26, died in the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1 in Chicago.
Mourners line up outside Our Lady of Angels Church for the funeral for three nuns Dec. 4, 1958. Sisters Mary St. Canice Lyng, 44, Mary Seraphica Kelley, 43, and Mary Clare Therese Champagne, 26, died in the fire at Our Lady of the Angels grade school on Dec. 1 in Chicago.
The funeral procession for three nuns outside Our Lady of Angels Church on Dec. 4, 1958. Sisters Mary St. Canice Lyng, 44, Mary Seraphica Kelley, 43, and Mary Clare Therese Champagne, 26, died in the fire at Our Lady of Angels grade school Dec. 1 in Chicago. The fire, on the city's West Side, took the lives of 92 children and the three nuns. It remains one of the worst tragedies in Chicago history.
The funeral procession for three nuns outside Our Lady of Angels Church on Dec. 4, 1958. Sisters Mary St. Canice Lyng, 44, Mary Seraphica Kelley, 43, and Mary Clare Therese Champagne, 26, died in the fire at Our Lady of Angels grade school Dec. 1 in Chicago. The fire, on the city’s West Side, took the lives of 92 children and the three nuns. It remains one of the worst tragedies in Chicago history.
A view of the construction of the new Our Lady of the Angels school on June 8, 1959, to replace the school destroyed the previous December in a tragic fire.
A view of the construction of the new Our Lady of the Angels school on June 8, 1959, to replace the school destroyed the previous December in a tragic fire.
A modern Our Lady of the Angels school building, seen Aug. 19, 1960, replaced the school building destroyed by a fire in December 1958.
A modern Our Lady of the Angels school building, seen Aug. 19, 1960, replaced the school building destroyed by a fire in December 1958.