Survivors

Thousands of circus fans attended the afternoon show on July 6, 1944, and many were fortunate enough to survive the blaze. Here are the names and stories of some of the survivors.

Name	Age	Hometown	Notes
Anderson, Donald	13	Columbia, CT	Attended circus with his uncle, Axel Carlson. Both survived.
Andrews, Jean	13	Wilson, CT	Attended circus with friends Maxine Huntington and Constance Carlton, who also survived the fire. The girls were seated high on the bleachers when the fire broke out, and all prepared to jump except Maxine, who froze. Constance delivered a hard slap to the face of Maxine, and they all jumped to safety.
Bailardo, Michael	6 1/2	166 Preston St., Hartford, CT	Attended the circus with family friend Isabel Montana and an unknown friend of Isabel's. Michael's father was a fireman who helped fight the circus fire.
Berkowitz, Fannie (Nirenstein)	adult		Mrs. Berkowitz attended the circus with her daughter Roslyn Berkowitz and nephew Kenneth Nirenstein. All survived, but Fannie was severely burned and hospitalized for several months. Mrs. Berkowitz's daughter Rosyln wrote an essay anout their experience at the fire, which can be read here.
Berkowitz, Roslyn	8		Roslyn attended the circus with her mother Fannie Berkowitz and cousin Kenneth Nirenstein. All survived, and Roslyn was traumatized but uninjured. Rosyln wrote an essay title in 1959 about her experience at the fire, which can be read here.
Berube, Esther	38	Plainville, CT	Attended the circus with her daughter, Ann L. Berube, who died from her injuries. Mrs. Berube is being treated for burns at Municipal Hospital. TBP Listed as injured.SDN
Bissell, George	adult	11 East High Street, East Hampton, CT	Mr. Bissell attended the circus with his wife, and when the fire broke out they became separated. Both would survive.
Bissell, Mrs. George L.	adult	11 East High Street, East Hampton, CT	Mrs. Bissell was the only East Hampton resident to be injured in the fire. She was burned on both arms, and her right anle was scratched and bruised when she made her escape from the blazing inferno. Attended the circus with her husband, and when the fire broke out they became separated. Both survived. Mrs. Bissell was treated at Municpal Hospital after the fire, and discharged later that night.
Bowman, Mrs.	adult	West Hartford, CT	Went to the circus with a group of children from Children's Village in West Hartford. All survived.CFR
Bradley (?), Dolly	adult	Bridgeport, CT (?)	Attended the circus with her son (unknown name) and friends Dr. Lawrence and Gladys Mucci and their son Larry. Dr. Mucci calmly guided the group to the opposite end of the tent to a clear exit.
Bradley (?), unknown	child	Bridgeport, CT (?)	Attended the circus with his mother Dolly and friends Dr. Lawrence and Gladys Mucci and their son Larry. Dr. Mucci calmly guided the group to the opposite end of the tent to a clear exit.
Brodsky, Henry	7	Martin St, Hartford, CT	Went to circus with his sister Phyllis, but were denied entrance due to not having the proper tickets. CFR
Brodsky, Phyllis	15	Martin St, Hartford, CT	aka Phyllis (Brodsky) Germain. Went to circus with her little brother Henry, but were denied entrance due to not having the proper tickets. CFR
Budrick, Lawrence	14	Hills St., East Hartford, CT	Lawrence's mother Mrs. Edith Budrick, sister Miss Edith Budrick, and brother Joseph Budrick all died in the fire. Lawrence attended the fire with another group and survived.
Burns, Ray	10	Hartford, CT	Went to circus with friends Bill and Jerry Clifford, Mike Holmes, and Joseph Smith. All of the boys survived with no injuries.CFR
Bushnell, Elizabeth	adult		Attended the circus with Charles, Cora, Elizabeth, Mary and Nellie Wallace, and Ralph, Frank and James Bushnell. All nine in the party survived.
Bushnell, Frank	child		Attended the circus with Charles, Cora, Elizabeth, Mary and Nellie Wallace, and Elizabeth, Ralph and James Bushnell. All nine in the party survived.
Bushnell, James	child		Attended the circus with Charles, Cora, Elizabeth, Mary and Nellie Wallace, and Elizabeth, Ralph, and Frank Bushnell. All nine in the party survived. Married Mary Wallace 17 years after the fire.
Bushnell, Ralph W.	child		Attended the circus with Charles, Cora, Elizabeth, Mary and Nellie Wallace, and Elizabeth, Frank and James Bushnell. All nine in the party survived.
Callahan, Mary	8	Westland St, Hartford, CT	aka Mary (Callahan) Tierney. Went to circus with neighbor "Jean", both survived.
Carlson, Axel	adult	New Britain, CT	Attended circus with his nephew, Donald Anderson. Both survived.
Carlton, Constance	16	Wilson, CT	Attended circus with friends Maxine Huntington and Jean Andrews, who also survived the fire. The girls were seated high on the bleachers when the fire broke out, and all prepared to jump except Maxine, who froze. Constance delivered a hard slap to the face of Maxine, and they all jumped to safety.
Cheney, Paul	60's	unknown	Mr. Cheney attended the circus with Fred Z. Johnson. Both men survived. CFR
Clark, William M. Jr.	15	Windsor, CT	Went to Hartford to go to a movie, went to the circus instead.
Clifford, Bill	13	Hartford, CT	Went to circus with brother Jerry, and friends Joseph Smith, Mike Holmes and Ray Burns. All of the boys survived with no injuries. CFR
Clifford, Jerry	11	Hartford, CT	Went to circus with brother Bill, and friends Joseph Smith, Mike Holmes and Ray Burns. All of the boys survived with no injuries. CFR
Conlon, John Jr.	unknown	Elmwood, CT	On the Critical List at Hartford Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Connors, Marie Ann	child	5 Boothbay St., Hartford, CT	Photograph in The Hartford Times shows Marie in a hospital bed, with bandages on her legs and left arm, being served ice cream by a nurse at St. Francis Hospital.
Cook, Barbara			Attended the circus with John, Wendell and Mrs. Cook. The fire started directly behind the Cook's and spread over the top of the tent while they raced to escape.
Cook, Donald	9	Southampton, MA	Went to the circus with mother Mildred Cook and siblings Eleanor and Edward Cook. Both of Donald's siblings would die in the fire; Donald and his mother survived.TCF
Cook, John			Attended the circus with Barbara, Wendell and Mrs. Cook. The fire started directly behind the Cook's and spread over the top of the tent while they raced to escape.
Cook, Mrs. Mildred	adult	Southampton, MA	Went to the circus with her children Donald, Eleanor and Edward Cook. Mildred and son Donald survived, Eleanor and Edward did not. TCF
Cook, Mrs.			Attended the circus with Barbara, John, and Wendell Cook. The fire started directly behind the Cook's and spread over the top of the tent while they raced to escape.
Cook, Wendell			Attended the circus with Barbara, John and Mrs. Cook. The fire started directly behind the Cook's and spread over the top of the tent while they raced to escape. Wendell dropped his glasses during the escape but was lucky enough to recover them.
Cormier, Mr.	adult	unknown	Mr. and Mrs. Cormier went to the circus with their 3 daughters and a friend of their daughters'. All survived. Mr. Cormier suffered minor burns to his neck.CFR
Cormier, Mrs.	adult	unknown	Mr. and Mrs. Cormier went to the circus with their 3 daughters and a friend of their daughters'. All survived. Mr. Cormier suffered minor burns to his neck.CFR
Cormier, Pauline	7	unknown	aka Pauline (Cormier) Jones. Went to the circus with her parents, two sisters, and one of her older sister's friends. All survived.CFR
Cormier, unknown girl #1	10	unknown	Went to the circus with her parents, two sisters, and a friend. All survived.CFR
Cormier, unknown girl #2	3	unknown	Name is either Loraine or Joan. Went to the circus with her parents, two sisters, and a friend. All survived.CFR
Cummings, Audrey	adult	Hillstown community, CT	Went to the circus with her husband and two sons, all survived. Mrs. Cummings suffered a slight burn on her shoulder.CFR
Cummings, Guy	12	Hillstown community, CT	Went to the circus with his parents and brother, all survived. The top of Guy's hair was singed.CFR
Cummings, Horace	adult	Hillstown community, CT	Went to the circus with his wife and two sons, all survived. CFR
Cummings, Jeffrey	4	Hillstown community, CT	Went to the circus with his parents and brother, all survived.CFR
Czertak, Mrs. John J.	adult	35 Ingraham Place, Bristol, CT	Mrs. Czertak and her son Jackie were burned and are both patients at St. Francis Hospital. On the Critical List at St. Francis Hospital, 7/10/1944. aka Eugenie Czertak
Czertak, Jackie	child	35 Ingraham Place, Bristol, CT	Jackie and his mother, Mrs. John J. Czertak, were burned and are both patients at St. Francis Hospital.
Darico, Beverly	7		Vernon/Rockville area	aka Beverly (Darico) Addis. Went to circus with her mother Mary Darico, aunt Clara Lutton, and two Kabrick boys. All would survive. Beverly was celebrating her 8th birthday which would be on July 8th.CFR
Darico, Mary	adult	Vernon/Rockville area	Went to the circus with her sister Clara Lutton, daughter Beverly Darico, and two Kabrick boys. All survived. CFR
Dawson, Danny	child		Named in O'Nan's The Circus Fire book.TCF
Day, Weston		Westminster Road, Bristol, CT	Attended circus with his two children, all got out safely.
DeKow, Mrs. Alma		Terryville, CT	Attended circus with 9 members of her family - none injured or killed.
DeMichele, Patrick	3		Attended the circus with brothers Thomas DeMichele and Victor DeMichele, and aunt Ruth Morrell. All got out safely through a slit in the tent side that someone made with his pocket knife.
DeMichele, Thomas	6		Attended the circus with brothers Patrick DeMichele and Victor DeMichele, and aunt Ruth Morrell. All got out safely through a slit in the tent side that someone made with his pocket knife.
DeMichele, Victor	7		Attended the circus with brothers Thomas DeMichele and Patrick DeMichele, and aunt Ruth Morrell. All got out safely through a slit in the tent side that someone made with his pocket knife.
Derby, Ethel	adult	19 Boswell Road, West Hartford, CT	Attended circus with son William F. Derby, Jr., daughter Carolyn Derby, and neighbors Loretta Dillus and her mother Maby. (Maby is probably Anna Albina Dillus who perished in the fire with her daughter Loretta.)
Derby, Willam F. Jr.	child	19 Boswell Road, West Hartford, CT	Attended circus with mother Ethel Derby, sister Carolyn Derby, and neighbors Loretta Dillus and her mother Maby. (Maby is probably Anna Albina Dillus who perished in the fire with her daughter Loretta.) On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Dow, Everett	adult		Mr. Dow, a Hartford Courant reporter, was in the audience when the fire started. (RDH 7-7-44)
Doyle, Judith	10	East Road, Bristol, CT	Attended circus with her brother Joe Thompson and her mother Mrs. Anna Doyle Thompson and her husband. Judith was slightly burned and was able to return home after treatment. Judith was born in 1934, died in 2007. Married name was Judith Budney.
Dunn, Betsy	3	Hartford, CT	Attended the circus with her mother Rose Dunn and brother Herbert Dunn. All three survived with numerous scratches and burns.
Dunn, Herbert	5	Hartford, CT	Attended the circus with his mother Rose Dunn and sister Betsy Dunn. All three survived with numerous scratches and burns.
Dunn, Mrs. Rose	adult	Hartford, CT	Attended the circus with her daughter Betsy Dunn and son Herbert Dunn. All three survived with numerous scratches and burns.
Elovitz, David M.	12		Went to circus with neighbor Ruby Schaller and his older son Earl and younger son.
Eustice, Mrs. James	?	Terryville, CT	Attended the circus with Marion LeVasseur and her son Gerald and Mrs. M. E. Linxwiler and her daughter Mary Ann. Mrs. Eustice, who was burned about the hands, was pushed up on top of a lion's cage by policemen and was then dropped to the ground by a thrid policeman standing on the cage.
Fitzgerald, Mrs. J. W.	adult	Hartford, CT	On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Flanders, Ermo	18	Belfast, ME	Had been listed as missing, reported as found on 7/10/1944. TBP
Franz, Richard	41	Jordan Lane, Wethersfield, CT	Mr. Franz attended the circus with his wife, Theresa (Viering) Franz and son Richard Franz. They all survived. Mr. and Mrs. Franz would later identify the bodies of Paul and Millie Viering.
Franz, Richard	6	Jordan Lane, Wethersfield, CT	Richard attended the circus with his father, Richard Franz, and his mother, Theresa (Viering) Franz. They all survived. Richard and his mother sat briefly with the Viering's in the reserved section, but moved to general seating before the fire started.
Franz, Theresa (Viering)	35	Jordan Lane, Wethersfield, CT	Mrs. Franz attended the circus with her husband, Richard Franz and son Richard Franz. They all survived. Mrs. Franz and her son sat briefly with the Viering's in the reserved section, but moved to general seating before the fire started. Mr. and Mrs. Franz would later identify the bodies of Paul and Millie Viering.
Frey, Mrs. Charles J.	adult	46 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT	Attended the circus with her son Lee Frey, both survived.
Frey, Lee	6	46 Middle Turnpike West, Manchester, CT	Attended the circus with his mother Mrs. Charles J. Frey, both survived.
Frost, Isla	unknown	South Windsor, CT	On the Critical List at Hartford Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Fulco, Dominic	11	Pleasant St., Hartford, CT	Dominic and his younger brother were dropped off at the circus by their father. The boys sat in the bleachers. across from where the fire started. They followed an unknown man and his son down the back of the bleachers and under the tent.CFR
Fulco, unknown boy	8	Pleasant St., Hartford, CT	Attended circus with older brother Dominic Fulco.CFR
Gale, Donald	unknown	Hartford, CT	On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Godard, Sally	18	Cumberland, MD	Attended the circus with her family, all survived. Sally was hurt when she leaped from the top of the grandstand to escape the flames. She received treatment for a fractured spine at St. Francis Hospital.
Gongulis, Mrs. Edward	adult	Rockville, CT	Attended circus with Anna Watchen (died) and Miss Helen Watchen (survived).
Griffin, Richard	unknown	unknown	Mentioned on a memorial brick: "Richard Griffin and My Family Circus Survivors"
Harmstedt, Betty Lou	child	Rockville, CT	Attended the circus with the Kuhnly family; two Kuhnly family members would die while the rest of the group survived. Betty Lou was picked up and carried to safety by the father of Raymond S. Mills. TWT
Hastings, Lorna E.	9 1/2	unknown	(is Hastings her maiden or married name?) Went to circus with her brother, father, and a neighbor girl. All of them survived.CFR
Heck, Edwin A.	4	Rockville, CT	Attended circus with parents Eleanor and Edwin J. Heck, all survived.
Heck, Edwin J.	adult	Rockville, CT	Attended circus with wife Eleanor and son Edwin A. Heck, all survived. Edwin J. helped others escape by cutting the canvas tent with a knife.
Heck, Eleanor	adult	Rockville, CT	Attended circus with husband Edwin J. and son Edwin A. Heck, all survived. Eleanor gave birth to son Robert Heck in the evening of July 6, 1944, following their escape from the fire.
Hickey,	adult		Connecticut State Police Commissioner, would later direct activities while clad in trousers torn to the knee as he escaped from the flaming tent. (RDH 7-7-44)
Hindle, Edmund Hall	6	Manchester, CT	Went to the circus with his mother Mary Hindle, and grandmother Ada Hall Hindle. Ada would perish in the fire, while Edmund and Mary would survive.
Hindle, Mary	28	Manchester, CT	Went to circus with her son Edmund Hall Hindle and mother-in-law Ada Hall Hindle. Mary and Edmund survived, Ada died in the fire.
Holmes, Mike	12	Hartford, CT	Went to circus with friends Bill and Jerry Clifford, Joseph Smith, and Ray Burns. All of the boys survived with no injuries. CFR
Hultman, Allen	8	West Hartford, CT	Had been reported missing, was found uninjured.
Hultman, Arthur	11	West Hartford, CT	Had been reported missing, was found uninjured.
Huntington, Maxine	9	Wilson, CT	Attended circus with friends Jean Andrews and Constance Carlton, who also survived the fire. The girls were seated high on the bleachers when the fire broke out, and all prepared to jump except Maxine, who froze. Constance delivered a hard slap to the face of Maxine, and they all jumped to safety. Maxine's brother Richard Huntington is also a survivor of the fire.
Huntington, Richard	15	Wilson, CT	Brother of Maxine Huntington, who also survived the fire, Richard helped to carry injured and dead and loading them into trucks. He went to the morgue to try to identify his missing sister, who survived the fire but was lost in the surrounding woods with her friends after escaping the burning tent.
Jakowski, Rich	4	Elmer St., Hartford, CT	Attended circus with his father, "unknown" Jakowski.
Jakowski, Mr.	adult	Elmer St., Hartford, CT	Attended circus with his son, Rich Jakowski.
Johnson, Fred Z.	70's	7 South Main St, Manchester, CT	Mr. Johnson was a personal chauffer to Frank Cheney, Jr., and attended the circus with Mr. Cheney's brother Paul Cheney. Both men survived. CFR
Johnson, Mrs. Sumner		Terryville, CT	Wife of Chaplain Sumner Johnson serving overseas, attended the circus with her two children and mother, Mrs. Kirby.
Kabrick, boy	child	Vernon/Rockville area	Went to circus with his brother, neighbors Mary and Beverly Darico, and Clara Lutton. All survived. CFR
Kabrick, boy	child	Vernon/Rockville area		Went to circus with his brother, neighbors Mary and Beverly Darico, and Clara Lutton. All survived. CFR
Kasper, Pvt. George	adult	Atlanta, GA	Attended circus with other soldiers from a nearby rest camp.
Kirby, Jean	early 20's	south end of Hartford, CT	Went to circus with her brother William, and her friend and her friend's daughter. William and Jean survived, not sure about the others.CFR
Kirby, Mrs.			Attended circus with her daughter, Mrs. Sumner Johnson, and her two grandchildren.
Kirby, William	8	south end of Hartford, CT	Went to circus with his oldest sister Jean and Jean's friend and her daughter. William and Jean survived, not sure about the others.CFR
Kletzen, Katherine	?	West Hartford, CT	Listed as injured.SDN
Kletzen, Phyllis	?	West Hartford, CT	Listed as injured.SDN
Kober, Shirley	4	?	Listed as injured.SDN
Krekian, Maureen	11		Was supposed to go to the circus with neighbors, but they left without her so she went alone. (from NPR broadcast)
Krutt, Alan	12	Holcomb St, Hartford, CT	Went to the circus with his older brother Bernard, both escaped alive without injuries.CFR
Krutt, Bernard	18	Holcomb St, Hartford, CT	Bernard took his younger brother to the circus, both escaped alive without injuries. Bernard left for US Navy basic training the day after the fire.CFR
Kuhnly, Barry	5	28 White St., Rockville, CT	Barry attended the circus with his mother, Dorothy, and sisters Roberta and Georgianna. Georgianna and Dorothy both died from their injuries; Roberta and Barry survived.CFR Circus fire survivor Betty Lou Harmstedt also was in the group with the Kuhnly's. TWT
Kuhnly, Roberta	9	28 White St., Rockville, CT	Roberta attended the circus with her mother, Dorothy, and siblings Barry and Georgianna. Georgianna and Dorothy both died from their injuries; Roberta and Barry survived.CFR Circus fire survivor Betty Lou Harmstedt also was in the group with the Kuhnly's. TWT
Lambert, Richard	11	41 Spring St.
LaRoche, Phyllis	?	Hartford, CT	Listed as injured.SDN
Larson, Robert	unknown	New Britain	On the Critical List at Hartford Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Lassow, Arthur S.	5	Manchester, CT	Went to circus with brother Gordon, and their parents Mr. and Mrs. Lassow. All survived without injuries. CFR
Lassow, Gordon	10	Manchester, CT	Went to circus with brother Arthur, and their parents Mr. and Mrs. Lassow. All survived without injuries. CFR
Lassow, Mr.	adult	Manchester, CT	Mr. and Mrs. Lassow went to the circus with their sons, Arthur and Gordon. All survived without injuries.CFR
Lassow, Mrs.	adult	Manchester, CT	Mr. and Mrs. Lassow went to the circus with their sons, Arthur and Gordon. All survived without injuries. CFR
Lerman, Harvey	6	51 Norfolk Street, Hartford, CT	Attended circus with mother Maxine Lerman and brother Steven Lerman. The family was celebrating Steven's birthday.
Lerman, Maxine	adult	51 Norfolk Street, Hartford, CT	Attended circus with sons Harvey Lerman and Steven Lerman. The family was celebrating Steven's birthday.
Lerman, Steven	5	51 Norfolk Street, Hartford, CT	Attended circus with mother Maxine Lerman and brother Harvey Lerman. The family was celebrating Steven's birthday.
Lessard, Donald	12	Howard St, Hartford, CT	Went to the circus with his brother, Omer. Both survived. CFR
Lessard, Omer	13	Howard St, Hartford, CT	Went to the circus with his brother, Donald. Both survived. Omer would meet and marry fellow survivor Dorothy Quint several years after the fire.CFR
LeVasseur, Gerald	5	761 Burlington Ave., Bristol, CT	Attended the circus with his mother, Marion LeVasseur, who died in the fire. Gerald was badly burned and was in serious condition at Municipal Hospital. Gerald and his mother attended the circus with Mrs. James Eustice, Mrs. M. E. Linxwiler and her daughter Mary Ann. Critical condition at Hartford Hospital (7/8/44)TBP Listed as being on the Critical List at Hartford Hospital, 7/10/1944 - Manchester Evening Herald, 7/10/1944.
Linxwiler, Mrs. M. E.	?	Burlington Avenue, Bristol, CT	Attended circus with her daughter Mary Ann, and Marion LeVasseur and her son Gerald, and Mrs. James Eustice. Mrs. Linxwiler and her child escaped by jumping from the top stand.
Linxwiler, Mary Ann	?	Burlington Avenue, Bristol, CT	Attended circus with her mother Mrs. M. E. Linxwiler, and Marion LeVasseur and her son Gerald, and Mrs. James Eustice. Mary Ann and her mother escaped by jumping from the top stand.
Logan, Lillian Tillbrook	23	146 William St., Middletown, CT (or 136?)	Attended circus with her daughter, Sandra L. Logan, and her mother, Emma Tillbrook. Sandra perished in the fire.
Lubin, Seymour	12	494 Edgewood St., Hartford, CT	Seymour is being treated at home for second-degree burns. THT
Lutton, Clara	adult	Vernon/Rockville area	is Lutton married or maiden name? Went to circus with her sister Mary Darico, niece Beverly Darico, and two Kabrick boys. All survived. CFR
Manning, Tom	12	Rocky Hill, CT	Went to the circus with his 3 sisters, all survived without injuries. The Manning children sat next to the band in the bleacher section and were able to get out before the fire reached them. Mr. Manning is interviewed on the WWUH radio program, original air date 7/6/2004.
Manning, sister #1	?	Rocky Hill, CT	Went to the circus with brother Tom and 2 other sisters. The Manning children sat next to the band in the bleacher section and were able to get out before the fire reached them. Tom Manning is interviewed on the WWUH radio program, original air date 7/6/2004.
Manning, sister #2	?	Rocky Hill, CT	Went to the circus with brother Tom and 2 other sisters. The Manning children sat next to the band in the bleacher section and were able to get out before the fire reached them. Tom Manning is interviewed on the WWUH radio program, original air date 7/6/2004.
Manning, sister #3	?	Rocky Hill, CT	Went to the circus with brother Tom and 2 other sisters. The Manning children sat next to the band in the bleacher section and were able to get out before the fire reached them. Tom Manning is interviewed on the WWUH radio program, original air date 7/6/2004.
Martin, Miss Catherine	?	Hartford, CT	On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Meah, Mrs. Harold		Woodland St. Ext., Bristol, CT	Attended circus with her son, John. Both made their way to safety.
Meah, John	6	Woodland St. Ext., Bristol, CT	Attended circus with his mother, Mrs. Harold Meah. Both made their way to safety.
Merrill, Helen	?	Plainville, CT	On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Metcalf, Virginia	3	Rockville, CT	Attended the circus with her aunt, Miss Marjorie R. Metcalf, who would die from her injuries. Virginia was at home shortly after the fire with both arms in casts as a result of burns suffered. SDN
Mills, Mr.	adult	West Simsbury, CT	Formerly performed with RBB&B in the 20's and 30's. Went to circus with his son, Raymond. As father and son were exiting the flaming tent, Mr. Mills picked up Betty Lou Harmstedt and carried her to safety. Name might be "Hills" instead of "Mills".TWT
Mills, Raymond S.	7	West Simsbury, CT	Went to circus with his father, and they both survived. Name might be "Hills" instead of "Mills".TWT
Montana, Isabel	teen	unknown	Attended circus with family friend Michael Bailardo and unknown teenage girl friend.
Moriera, Jose	unknown	unknown	Went to the circus with Tina Moriera and the Podann family. All survived.CFR
Moriera, Tina	unknown	unknown	Went to the circus with Jose Moriera and the Podann family. All survived.CFR
Morrell, Ruth	adult	unknown	Attended the circus with nephews Patrick DeMichele. Thomas DeMichele and Victor DeMichele. All got out safely through a slit in the tent side that someone made with his pocket knife.
Moynihan, Timothy	10	71 Park Ave., East Hartford, CT	Timothy jumped to safety and then pulled up one corner of the canvas and assisted about 25 persons to safety.
Mucci, Gladys	adult	New Britain, CT	Attended the circus with husband Dr. Lawrence Mucci, their son Larry, and friend Dolly and her son. Dr. Mucci calmly guided the group to the opposite end of the tent to a clear exit.
Mucci, Larry	4 1/2	New Britain, CT	Attended the circus with parents Gladys and Dr. Lawrence Mucci, and friend Dolly and her son. Dr. Mucci calmly guided the group to the opposite end of the tent to a clear exit.
Mucci, Dr. Lawrence	adult	New Britain, CT	Attended the circus with wife Gladys Mucci, their son Larry, and friend Dolly and her son. Dr. Mucci calmly guided the group to the opposite end of the tent to a clear exit.
Murphy, boy	5		Attended the circus with hsi father, Thomas E. Murphy. Both survived. (RDH 7-7-44)
Murphy, Patricia	child	11 Crown St., Plainville, CT	Attended the circus with her parents, Walter D. and Hortense Murphy, and brother Charles. All but Patricia would die from injuries received in the fire. On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Murphy, Thomas E.	adult		Mr. Murphy, an editorial writer on the Hartford Courant's staff, attended the circus with his 5-year old son. Both survived. (RDH 7-7-44)
Nirenstein, Kenneth	7		Kenneth attended the circus with his aunt Fannie Berkowitz and cousin Roslyn Berkowitz. All survived, and Kenneth was traumatized but uninjured.
Noren, Janet	almost 6	unknown	Attended the circus with two unknown cousins (#1 and #2) and Aunt Thelma Noren. All survived.
Noren, Thelma	adult	unknown	Attended the circus with niece Janet Noren and two others (unknown #1 and #2). All survived.
O'Brien, Bill	5	East Hartford, CT	Went to the circus with his father and grandmother, all of them escaped by jumping off the bleachers. Bill spent several years in the hospital and on crutches due to injuries to his leg from jumping.CFR
O'Brien, unknown father	adult	East Hartford, CT	Went to the circus with his son Bill O'Brien and Bill's grandmother. All of them escaped by jumping off the bleachers. CFR
Ofshay, Harry			Interviewed by WTNH News Channel 8 on July 6, 2005 at the dedication of the monument.
Oleksinski, Virginia	14	Center St, Manchester, CT	Went to circus with mother and younger sister - all of them just barely escaped the collapsing bigtop. CFR
Oleksinski, unknown girl	12	Center St, Manchester, CT	Went to circus with mother and older sister Virginia - all of them just barely escaped the collapsing bigtop. CFR
Oleksinski, unknown mother	adult	Center St, Manchester, CT	Went to circus with daughter Virginia and younger daughter - all of them just barely escaped the collapsing bigtop. Mrs. Oleksinski suffered burns on her shoulder. CFR
Ott, Daniel	?	Ringling Brothers	Listed as injured.SDN
Padua, Paul	12		Known to have gone to circus and survived.
Payne, Arthur Joseph	10	unknown	Attended the circus with younger brother, "unknown" Payne.
Payne, "unknown"	7	unknown	Attended the circus with older brother, Arthur Joseph Payne.
Piacenta, Tony			Tony went to the circus that day with friends, but his parents didn't know he was there so he left early to get home before they found out.
Pierce, Attorney Kendall	adult	Broadview St., Bristol, CT	Attended circus with his son, Noble, both got out safely.
Pierce, Noble	child	Broadview St., Bristol, CT	Attended circus with his father, Attorney Kendall Pierce, both got out safely.
Podann, Carol	7	Glastonbury, CT	aka Carol (Podann) Brown. Went to the circus with her parents and friends Jose and Tina Moriera. All survived.CFR
Podann, Mr.	adult	Glastonbury, CT	Mr. and Mrs. Podann went to the circus with their daughter and friends Tina and Jose Moriera. All survived.CFR
Podann, Mrs.	adult	Glastonbury, CT	Mr. and Mrs. Podann went to the circus with their daughter and friends Tina and Jose Moriera. All survived.CFR
Quint, Dorothy	9	West Hartford, CT	Went to the circus with a group of children from Children's Village in West Hartford, led by Mrs. Bowman. All survived. Dorothy would meet and marry fellow survivor Omer Lessard several years after the fire.CFR
Rather, Annie	52	Glastonbury, CT	Listed as injured.SDN
Roberts, Carlton	child	Winsted, CT	Attended the circus with his mother Elizabeth Greenlaw Roberts who was killed in the fire, and his father Theodore Roberts and sisters Theodora and Judith who all survived. Carlton was being treated at Hartford Hospital, then moved to St. Francis Hospital on July 7th. - THT 7/8/44
Roberts, Judith	child	Winsted, CT	Attended the circus with her mother Elizabeth Greenlaw Roberts who was killed in the fire, and her father Theodore Roberts and siblings Theodora and Carlton who all survived. Judith was being treated at Hartford Hospital, then moved to Litchfield County Hospital and subsequently released on July 7th. - THT 7/8/44
Roberts, Theodora	child	Winsted, CT	Attended the circus with her mother Elizabeth Greenlaw Roberts who was killed in the fire, and her father Theodore Roberts and siblings Judith and Carlton who all survived. Theodora was being treated at Hartford Hospital, then moved to Litchfield County Hospital on July 7th. - THT 7/8/44
Roberts, Theodore	adult	Winsted, CT	Attended the circus with his wife Elizabeth Greenlaw Roberts who was killed in the fire, and their children Theodora, Judith and Carlton who all survived. Theodore suffered burns at the circus fire, and as of July 7th he was being treated at Hartford Hospital. - THT 7/8/44
Rock, Charles Michael	2	118 Central Ave., East Hartford, CT	Attended the circus with his mother, Elena. Both survived. Born 4/25/42, currently living in Santa Clara County, California.
Rock, Elena Nicoletta	20	118 Central Ave., East Hartford, CT	Attended the circus with her son, Charles. Both survived. Mrs. Rock (9/13/23 - 9/13/03) is buried in East Hartford.
Rossi, Anthony U.	unknown	unknown	Mentioned on a memorial brick, "A THANKFUL SURVIVOR ANTHONY U ROSSI"
Sampson, Mrs. Nellie Sampson, Mrs. Sarah			Attended the circus with her employer, Harry Stone. Both are patients at Hartford Hospital. It was reported that Mrs. Sampson was badly burned. Mrs. Sampson's cousin, Mrs. Mable Staples, was also injured in the fire. Mrs. Sampson's injuries include abrasions resulting from a fall and are of a more serious nature than Mr. Stone's. "Sara" Sampson on the Critical List at Hartford Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Schlank, Iris	11	unknown	Schlank is probably adult married name? Went to circus with mother, brother, and cousins (married couple). All survived. CFR
Sandstrom, Nancy	14	Maple St., Bristol, CT	Attended circus and got out safely.
Saunders, Archibald F.	42	Hartford, CT	Grandfather of Katherine Spada Basto who mentioned him at the Circus Fire Memorial Dedication Ceremony. Mr. Saunders went back into the tent and saved countless lives. aka Archie Saunders, listed as injured.SDN
Schaller, Earl	child		Went to circus with father Ruby Schaller, younger brother, and neighbor David M. Elovitz.
Schaller, Ruby	adult		Went to circus with older son Earl, younger son, and with neighbor David M. Elovitz.
Schaller, unknown boy	child		Went to circus with father Ruby Schaller, older brother Earl, and neighbor David M. Elovitz.
Scheffort, Rose	54	East Hartford, CT	Listed as injured.SDN
Smith, Barbara	?	Middletown, CT	On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Smith, Elliott	?	Vernon, CT	On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Smith, Grace	?	Vernon, CT	On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Smith, Joseph		9	Mansfield St, Hartford, CT	Went to circus with friends Bill and Jerry Clifford, Mike Holmes, and Ray Burns. All of the boys survived with no injuries.CFR
Smith, Mary	?	Middletown, CT	On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Smith, Norman T.	15	Hartford, CT	Norman went to the circus with a neighbor and her son. He survived the fire with no injuries. Norman helped save a child by handing the boy down to his mother from the top of the bleachers.
Smith, Mrs. W. E.	adult	Middletown, CT	On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
Staples, Mrs. Mable		Hart Place, Keene, NH	Attended the circus with cousin Mrs. Sarah Sampson and Mrs. Sampson's employer, Mr. Harry Stone. Mrs. Staples was visiting, and was listed among those injured in the fire.
Stone, Harry		280 West Washington St., Bristol, CT	Attended the circus with his housekeeper, Mrs. Nellie Sampson. Both are patients at Hartford Hospital. It was reported that the latter was badly burned. Mrs. Sampson's cousin, Mrs. Mable Staples, was also injured in the fire. Mr. Stone's daughter reports that Harry Stone had been burned about the head and shoulders and that the hospital authorities considered his condition as very good.
Sweeney, David	13	27 Grove St., Bristol, CT	Attended circus, got out safely.
Thomas, Corp. Robert	adult	Montana	Attended circus with other soldiers from a nearby rest camp.
Thompson, Mrs. Anna Doyle	adult	East Road, Bristol, CT	Mrs. Thompson is in the Municipal Hospital suffering from sever burns. She attended the circus with her husband and son, Joe Thompson and daughter Judith Doyle. The latter was slightly burned and was able to return home after treatment.
Thompson, Mr.	adult	East Road, Bristol	Attended circus with his wife, Mrs. Anna Doyle Thompson, and son Joe Thompson and his wife's daughter Judith Doyle.
Thompson, Joe		East Road, Bristol, CT	Attended circus with his father, his mother Mrs. Anna Doyle Thompson, and sister Judith Doyle. Listed as "Robert" in some reports, "Joe" is confirmed to be correct by the family.
Tillbrook, Emma	adult	146 William St., Middletown, CT (or 136?)	Attended circus with her grand-daughter, Sandra L. Logan, and her daughter, Lillian Tillbrook Logan. Sandra perished in the fire.
Todd, Mrs. J.	adult	Hartford, CT	Listed as injured.SDN
Toth, Albert W.	4	Hartford, CT	Albert attended the circus with his mother, Louise Toth, and sisters Joan and Regina Toth who were celebrating their birthdays. Joan and Regina perished in the fire; Albert and Louise survived, with severe injuries. Albert was given a 10% chance of survival, and beat the odds. He passed away in 1987.
Toth, Louise	30	Hartford, CT	Mrs. Toth attended the circus with her son, Albert, and daughters Joan and Regina. Joan and Regina perished in the fire; Albert and Louise survived, with severe injuries. Mrs. Toth was hospitalized in a coma for a couple of months with severe burns. She passed away in 1988.
Travis, Josephine	?	Hartford, CT	On the Critical List at Municipal Hospital, 7/10/1944.
unknown	unknown	unknown	Helped out with the circus the day before in exchange for free tickets. Went to the circus with friend Calvin Vinick, and both survived.CFR
unknown boy	4	unknown	Went to circus with sister Iris Schlank, mother, and cousins (married couple). All survived.CFR
unknown boy	8	unknown	Went to the circus with his sister, Lorna E. Hastings, their father, and a neighbor girl. All of them survived.CFR
unknown child #1	child	New York	Attended the circus with their mother and sibling, and cousin Roslyn Kruh. Roslyn died from injuries suffered in the fire, the others survived.CFR
unknown child #2	child	New York	Attended the circus with their mother and sibling, and cousin Roslyn Kruh. Roslyn died from injuries suffered in the fire, the others survived.CFR
unknown cousin #1	unknown	unknown	Attended circus with cousin Janet Noren, unknown cousin #2, and Thelma Noren. All survived.
unknown cousin #2	unknown	unknown	Attended circus with cousin Janet Noren, unknown cousin #1, and Thelma Noren. All survived.
unknown girl	child	unknown	Name is either Loraine or Joan. Went to the circus with her friend and her friend's two sisters and parents. All survived. CFR
unknown girl	teen	unknown	Attended circus with friend Isabel Montana and friend of Isabel's family Michael Bailardo.
unknown last name, Hyman	child	unknown	Went to circus with his schoolmate, Leonard Wasserman. Both escaped unharmed by jumping from the bleachers and lifting the side of the tent. CFR
unknown last name, Jean	teenage girl	Hartford, CT	Went to circus with neighbor Mary Callahan, both survived. CFR
unknown last name, Mazie adult	adult	West Hartford, CT	Attended circus with Jackie Vibberts, both survived. CFR
unknown man adult unknown		unknown	Went to the circus with his daughter Lorna E. Hastings, his son, and a neighbor girl. All of them survived.CFR
unknown married man	adult	unknown	Married couple had just come over from Europe, went to the circus with cousin Iris Schlank and Iris' mother and brother. All survived. CFR
unknown married woman	adult	unknown	Married couple had just come over from Europe, went to the circus with cousin Iris Schlank and Iris' mother and brother. All survived. CFR
unknown name	adult	unknown	Went to the circus with her grandson Bill O'Brien and Bill's father. All of them escaped by jumping off the bleachers. CFR
unknown neighbor girl, possibly Barbara	12-ish	unknown	Went to the circus with neighbor Lorna E. Hastings, and Lorna's brother and father. All of them survived.CFR
unknown woman	adult	unknown	Went to the circus with daughter Iris Schlank, son, and cousins (married couple). All survived.CFR
unknown woman	adult	New York	Attended the circus with her 2 children and niece Roslyn Kruh. Roslyn died from injuries suffered in the fire, the others survived. CFR
Vibberts, Jackie	teenager	Atlanta, GA	Visiting from Georgia, Jackie went to the circus with "Mazie". Both survived.CFR
Vinick, Calvin	14	87 Pliny St, Hartford, CT	Helped out with the circus the day before in exchange for free tickets. Went to the circus with a friend, and both survived.CFR
Wallace, Charles			Attended the circus with Cora, Elizabeth, Mary and Nellie Wallace, and Elizabeth, Ralph, Frank and James Bushnell. All nine in the party survived.
Wallace, Cora			Attended the circus with Charles, Elizabeth, Mary and Nellie Wallace, and Elizabeth, Ralph, Frank and James Bushnell. All nine in the party survived.
Wallace, Elizabeth			Attended the circus with Charles, Cora, Mary and Nellie Wallace, and Elizabeth, Ralph, Frank and James Bushnell. All nine in the party survived.
Wallace, Mary	10		Attended the circus with Charles, Cora, Elizabeth and Nellie Wallace, and Elizabeth, Ralph, Frank and James Bushnell. All nine in the party survived. Married James Bushnell 17 years after the fire.
Wallace, Nellie			Attended the circus with Charles, Cora, Elizabeth, and Mary Wallace, and Elizabeth, Ralph, Frank and James Bushnell. All nine in the party survived.
Wakeman, Sandra	child	23 Grennan Rd., West Hartford, CT	Attended the circus with her mother, Virginia Wakeman, who would die in the fire. Sandra had been listed as missing but was found to be safe.
Wadstrom, Beverly	13	Freeman St, Hartford, CT	Beverly (Wadstrom) Fargnoli Attended circus with 3 or 4 friends, all survived. They were seated on folding chairs on the south side of the big top, high on the bleachers. Beverly's father was a Hartford policeman and helped out in the morgue with identifying bodies.CFR
Wasserman, Leonard	13	Garden St, Hartford, CT	Went to circus with his schoolmate, Hyman. Both escaped unharmed by jumping from the bleachers and lifting the side of the tent. CFR
Watchen, Miss Helen	probably adult	New York	Attended circus with mother Anna Watchen (died) and Mrs. Edward Gongulis (survived).
Watson, Albert	42	Hartford, CT	Listed as injured.SDN
Wilson, Mrs.	adult		Clarence E. Wilson left his wife and son at the circus - did not learn until some time later that they escaped safely.(RDH 7-7-44)
Wilson, boy	child		Clarence E. Wilson left his wife and son at the circus - did not learn until some time later that they escaped safely. (RDH 7-7-44)
Woods, Richmond	16	West Hartford, CT	Went to the circus with his younger brother, both survived. CFR
Woods, unknown boy	8	West Hartford, CT	Went to the circus with his older brother Richmond, both survived. CFR

Sources:
TWT: The White Tops magazine
CFR: Circus Fire Reminiscences (Manchester Public Library)				THT: The Hartford Times
TCF: The Circus Fire by Stewart O'Nan
SDN: Springfield Daily News				TBP: The Bristol Press

www.circusfire1944.com

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