Shirley Ann Birch, age 9
Shirley Ann Birch of 132 Orange Street, Meriden, was born September 1, 1934 in Meriden, daughter of Marguerite R. (Palmer) and Lawrence E. Birch. She was found dead at the circus grounds after the fire on July 6, and was buried at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Meriden after services at the Flatow Funeral Home. Shirley attended the circus with her mother Marguerite and brother Arland, who were also victims of the fire. Miss Birch is survived by her father Lawrence, who works at the family business, Birch Laundry in Meriden.
Body #4586 at the State Armory was identified on July 6 as Shirley Birch by her father, Lawrence. Her estate was awarded $7,000 by the arbitration board. Shirley was a good pupil at the Samuel Huntington School in Meriden, with arithmetic and social studies being her favorite subjects. She was ready to enter fourth grade after the summer break.
In 1948, a building was erected on the waterfront of Hamburg Cove at Camp Claire, built with a donation by Shirley's father, Mr. Lawrence Birch, in memory of his wife and two children. The building, known as Birchcraft, houses the arts and crafts program and provides storage of the camp's boating and waterfront supplies.
Body #4586 at the State Armory was identified on July 6 as Shirley Birch by her father, Lawrence. Her estate was awarded $7,000 by the arbitration board. Shirley was a good pupil at the Samuel Huntington School in Meriden, with arithmetic and social studies being her favorite subjects. She was ready to enter fourth grade after the summer break.
In 1948, a building was erected on the waterfront of Hamburg Cove at Camp Claire, built with a donation by Shirley's father, Mr. Lawrence Birch, in memory of his wife and two children. The building, known as Birchcraft, houses the arts and crafts program and provides storage of the camp's boating and waterfront supplies.
