I recently came across some photos from the infamous Hawthorne Racetrack fire back in November 1978. These slides have the date "Nov 78" stamped on them, and they brought back vivid memories. My friend Hank and I were hanging out at the fire station, Truck 84 Engine 51, when someone on duty woke us up and told us to check out the second-floor window. Let’s just say it didn’t take long for us to grab our gear and rush to our cars. As soon as we got there, we saw the Cicero ALF tiller arriving at an incredible speed—so fast that we thought the wheels might fly off! Meanwhile, the Chicago Fire Department had already dispatched several units: Engine 34, Squad 364, Engine 88, a turret wagon, and even a buggy. It was quite the suburban firefighting spectacle!
Looking through these photos now, you can really see how intense the situation must’ve been. There’s one particularly striking shot of the Forest View Fire Department standing alongside the burning grandstand. Another shows the Sticky Fire Department working hard to contain the flames. You can almost feel the heat radiating off the pages. And then there’s the Cicero Fire Department with their tiller, clearly giving it everything they had to keep things under control.
It’s fascinating to read the excerpt from the Chicago Tribune mentioning this fire. They describe how the grandstand was completely destroyed, while the clubhouse suffered significant damage. Interestingly enough, both Hawthorne and Washington Park were known for being highly vulnerable to fire due to their extensive wooden structures. Built in 1891 and 1926 respectively, these buildings predated modern fire codes and stricter building regulations. It’s no wonder they posed such a risk.
Rebuilding efforts began shortly after the fire, and by September 1980, Hawthorne Race Course was up and running again. Looking at these photos, I’m reminded of just how resilient the community was during that time. The firefighters’ dedication is evident in every image, and it’s clear they put themselves on the line to protect what mattered most. These moments captured by my camera will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of a different era and the unforgettable camaraderie among fellow first responders.
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