Allgauer Restaurant Fire Chicago Negative Trims 5/13/58
Identifier
F.2012-03-0609
Date Of Production
May 13 1958
Abstract
Firefighters attempt to extinguish a massive fire at Allgauer's Fireside Restaurant in Lincolnwood, IL at the northwest corner of Lincoln and Touhy Avenues on May 13, 1958.
Description
A group of firefighters use hoses to douse the chalet-style building in water as onlookers gather to watch as the restaurant is completely engulfed in flames. They continue to battle the flames long into the night. By morning, the fire seems to have been extinguished but much of the structure has been destroyed and smoke continues to waft through the air. A man on a stretcher is carried into an ambulance. The fire seemingly redevelops as firetrucks return to the scene and more of the structure is consumed.
It was later reported that the fire was started by two armed men who entered the premises, forced employees onto the floor, and doused the restaurant in gasoline. The fire caused over one million dollars in damage and put the restaurant out of business. The case gained national media attention and owner Gustav Allgauer was questioned before the Senate Rackets Committee about any connections he had to organized crime. The crime was never solved, but is presumed to have been a mob hit.
It was later reported that the fire was started by two armed men who entered the premises, forced employees onto the floor, and doused the restaurant in gasoline. The fire caused over one million dollars in damage and put the restaurant out of business. The case gained national media attention and owner Gustav Allgauer was questioned before the Senate Rackets Committee about any connections he had to organized crime. The crime was never solved, but is presumed to have been a mob hit.
Run Time
8 min 48 sec
Format
16mm
Extent
317 feet
Color
B&W
Sound
Silent
Reel/Tape Number
1/1
Has Been Digitized?
Yes
Language Of Materials
English
Element
Negatives
Genre
Form
Subject
Related Collections
Related Places
Main Credits
Koza, Frank (is filmmaker)
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