The following is a detailed account of a significant fire that occurred at an elevated train station in Chicago back in 1962, based on photographs taken by Bill Friedrich and historical records.
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On October 17, 1962, a devastating fire broke out at the Tech-35th station along the North-South Route of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). This incident not only caused extensive damage to the station but also resulted in severe harm to several train cars. One of the cars, 6453, sustained such severe damage that it had to be retired from service on April 5, 1963. Its counterpart, car 6454, was subjected to various tests involving the Automatic Train Control system before being renumbered and paired with another car.
The fire at this station was particularly alarming because it nearly obliterated the entire platform level and inflicted considerable damage on other parts of the station. Just a year prior, a new island platform had been constructed, yet this structure, along with the older northbound platform, was almost entirely destroyed. Parts of the station house also suffered damage during the blaze. Additionally, the fire trapped a train at the station, with cars 6453-54 being among those most affected. Car 6453, in particular, faced such extensive damage that it was eventually decommissioned.
In response to this unprecedented fire, which marked one of the worst rapid transit fires in Chicago’s history up until that point, services between Cermak and Indiana were halted for four consecutive days. Five days later, limited service resumed through Tech-35th. Initially, the station was temporarily reopened using an old southbound platform and a newly installed northbound side platform. Repairs to the mezzanine followed soon after, allowing partial operation to continue. By April 8, the following year, the station underwent changes to its operational status, transitioning from an "A" station to an "AB" (all-stop) station. Not long afterward, a new, temporary island platform opened on the southern side of 35th Street, facilitating the closure of both the old southbound and the temporary northbound side platforms, pending the construction of a permanent station on the northern side of 35th Street.
Fast forward to June 21, 1965, when a brand-new station costing half a million dollars officially opened. This modern facility replaced all previous structures that had been destroyed by the fire in 1962 and any subsequent temporary installations. The new station featured a striking tan brick station house located on the north side of 35th Street, adorned with a series of elegant curved canopies above the main entrance. Behind this structure lay further developments that contributed to its functionality and aesthetic appeal.
These photographs provide vivid illustrations of the chaos and destruction caused by the fire. They capture moments ranging from the immediate aftermath of the blaze to scenes where emergency responders worked tirelessly to control the situation. Despite the harrowing nature of these events, they also highlight the resilience and adaptability of the community in overcoming adversity and rebuilding stronger than ever.
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This narrative reflects personal reflections and insights derived from studying historical documents and visual evidence, aiming to preserve the memory of this pivotal event in Chicago's transit history.
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