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Chicago Fire Department history, Union Stockyards Fire 5-19-34
I remember standing there on that chaotic afternoon in May 1934, watching the flames tear through the Union Stock Yards like a living thing. Chief Fire Marshal Mike Corrigan's voice crackled over the radio, warning everyone to evacuate immediately. It wasn't long before the inferno reached such intensity that even the bravest firefighters had to retreat. The heat was unbearable, and the roar of the fire was deafening.
As a Tribune reporter described it, "The air was so hot it felt like you were being roasted alive." The fire spread faster than anyone could imagine, consuming everything in its path. The livestock pens, made entirely of wood, caught fire almost instantly, creating a massive wall of flames that seemed unstoppable.
One of the first to notice the fire was Isaac Means, a vigilant watchman who sounded the alarm. Despite his efforts to save some of the animals, he didn’t make it out himself. His heroic attempt to rescue the livestock became tragically one of the few fatalities that day. Other workers tried their best to guide the panicked animals to safety, but chaos reigned as the fire surged forward.
The devastation was immense. Structures that had once been landmarks in the community—like the famous Stockyards Inn and the Saddle and Sirloin Club—were reduced to ash. Even the fire station within the stockyards was obliterated, along with six fire engines and thousands of feet of hose.
Radio broadcasts pleaded for off-duty firefighters to join the effort. By the time the blaze was finally under control late Saturday evening, nearly 200 Chicago police officers were needed just to manage the crowds. The loss was staggering: an estimated $8 million in damages, which would be equivalent to hundreds of millions today. Over 50 people were injured, many of them firefighters who suffered from smoke inhalation or severe burns.
But even amidst the ruins, resilience shone through. The next day, despite the destruction, the stockyards reopened for business. Workers, both old and newly hired, began the arduous task of rebuilding. Farmers were encouraged to hold back their shipments temporarily, and cities like St. Louis offered assistance, but Chicago was determined to rise again.
As one Tribune article noted, "The City of the Big Shoulders doesn't falter easily." And sure enough, by Monday morning, amidst the smoking rubble, trading resumed. O.T. Henkle, the stockyards' general manager, reassured everyone, saying, "We're getting along all right."
The fire had claimed over 400 to 1,000 animals, but the workers' determination ensured that the livestock kept moving. That day’s sales figures were impressive, with cattle, hogs, and sheep fetching higher prices than ever before.
Even now, years later, I can still picture the courage and strength of those who faced that inferno head-on. It was a testament to the spirit of the city, a reminder that no matter how fierce the flames, Chicago always finds a way to rebuild and recover.
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