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Directory of Circus Fire 1944 Resources

Home > Regional > North America > United States > Connecticut > Localities > H > Hartford > Society and Culture > History > Circus Fire 1944

In July 1944, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus visited Hartford, Connecticut-- a favorite stop. With waterproofing and fireproofing material scarce on account of the Second World War, the canvas big top tent was coated, as was the industry practice, with a mixture of paraffin and white gasoline. During the July 6 matinee performance, a fire started in a rope seam and quickly consumed the whole tent. Despite the efforts of the bandleader and others, a panic ensued with people crushed against animal chutes or knocked off high bleachers. Of over 8000 in attendance, 167 were burned or trampled to death and 487 were injured. A disproportionate number of these were children and parents. One victim, whose body was relatively unharmed, was not identified, and she was buried as Little Miss 1565. In 1991, Hartford Chief Fire Inspector Lt. Rick Davey's theory, that Little Miss 1565 was an Eleanor Cook, was accepted, corroborated by her living brother Donald Cook. The decision remains controversial. Criminal manslaughter charges were pressed against circus officials, who pleaded no contest; several were imprisoned. The circus also paid restitution of $3.9 million to the survivors and families of the victims.

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