Anonymous
Souvenir Book of the Great Chelsea Fire April 12, 1908
Containing Thirty-Four Views of the Burned District and Prominent Buildings
"Souvenir Book of the Great Chelsea Fire April 12, 1908" by Anonymous is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book commemorates a devastating fire that swept through Chelsea, Massachusetts, detailing its impact on the community and the subsequent relief efforts. It highlights the destruction caused by this disaster, focusing on the immense loss of property and the humanitarian response that followed. The book recounts the events of April 12, 1908, when a fire ignited at the Boston Blacking Company's works and rapidly spread due to high winds, engulfing numerous buildings and rendering thousands homeless. Key public and private structures were lost, including schools, churches, and banks, totaling around 1,500 buildings destroyed. In the aftermath, relief funds were mobilized from various communities, amassing significant contributions to assist those affected. The text also includes a descriptive sketch accompanied by thirty-four photographs documenting the ruins and the efforts of relief organizations, capturing the resilience of the community in the face of tragedy.