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11/28/2009, 5-7 PM.
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Jamaicaway Books,
676 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, MA
Phone: 617-983-2753
www.jamaicawaybooks.com
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RELEASE:
The anniversary of one of Boston’s greatest fire tragedies comes on this Saturday, Nov. 28. Sixty-seven years
ago on that day the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in the South End near the Theater District caught fire, leading to
the death of nearly 500 people.
On the night of Saturday, Nov. 28, 1942, the nightclub was packed to overflowing
when a fire started in a downstairs lounge and spread with frightening speed throughout the club. Many people were
trapped when the main entrance, a revolving door, jammed.
Author Stephanie Schorow, a board member of the Boston
Fire Historical Society, will discuss “The Haunting Legacy of the Cocoanut Grove Fire” in a free illustrated lecture
at Jamaicaway Books & Gifts. Schorow will show newly discovered photos and explore various theories about the cause
of the fire. Jamaicaway Books, 5 to 7 p.m., 676 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-983-2753, www.jamaicawaybooks.com.
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3/27/2009
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Boston Fire Department Headquarters
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The Boston Fire Historical Society presented a Fire Bell to the Boston Fire Department in memory of Fire Fighter
Francis J. (Frank) Baker, whose Line of Duty death occured on November 26, 1993. Fire Fighter Baker was very interested
in maintaining the history of the Boston Fire Department, especially with fire apparatus. Through his efforts, the
city still retains possession of two antique steam engines, a 1912 water tower, a 1945 pumper and a 1948 hose wagon.
The 1948 Mack Hose Wagon of Engine 5 was restored through the efforts of the Boston Firefighters Relief
Association, but the distinctive fire bell on the Engine 5's Wagon was lost several years ago. Retired District Fire
Chief Robert M. Winston, a long-time friend of Fire Fighter Baker, offered to pass along an authenic Mack fire bell and
bracket from the 1940's that had been in Frank Baker's collection years ago. Subsequently, arrangements were made to
present the bell.
On Friday, March 27, 2009, the bell was dedicated to Frank Baker at Memorial Hall at Boston Fire Department Headquarters.
With members of the Baker family present for the ceremony, Fire Commissioner Roderick J. Fraser Jr., Chief of Department
Ronald W. Keating and Boston Fire Historical Society President Theodore Gerber announced the dedication.
A letter from retired District Chief Robert Winston was read by Chief of Department Ronald Keating.
After the ceremony, the bell and bracket were mounted on Engine 5's Wagon and all the attendees gathered around to complete
the dedication event.
Photographs of the ceremony
The Story of Frank Baker's Mack Fire Bell by Robert Winston, BFD, retired
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