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

email: asylum00@sbcglobal.net