(HARTFORD CIRCUS FIRE)
$120.00
30301-1
An oustanding unpublished set of three original photographs of the famous Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus tent fire which claimed 168 dead and 487 injured in Hartford on July 6, 1944 when the paraffin-soaked tent suddenly caught fire and quickly burned, trapping hundreds within. According to the description, each of these 6 1/2" x 5" b/w photos were taken at one minute intervals with the first being taken less than a minute after the fire erupted. Photographer and circus buff Leo Ulrich notes on the verso of each image: "Less than a minute after fire first was seen. Notice at far left men holding out side wall. Man nearest open door of big circus canvas wagon is catching a child as it is slid down from back of top row of seats...About two minutes after start of fire...About 3 min. from start of fire, notice no one near it. Terrific heat. I still look cooked on my arms". Three startling and very rare photos, in fine condition.