September 29, 2025

Vintage Hawthorne Race Track fire of 1978

This is from Steve Redick:

I came across some of my photos from the Hawthorne Race Track fire in 1978. The slides are dated November 1978. My buddy Hank and I were on duty at Truck 51 when the man on watch woke us up and told us to look out the second-floor window of the firehouse. Without hesitation, we grabbed our gear and ran for our cars. I remember the Cicero ALF tiller arriving just about the same time we did. It took a corner so fast that we thought the wheels would fly off! The CFD also sent several units—companies 34, 364, 88, a turret wagon, and a buggy. It was one of those classic suburban fires that brought a lot of attention and crews together. A real throwback to the old days.

Steve

Forest View Fire Department at the Hawthorne Race Track grandstand fire of 1978

Steve Redick photo

Sticky Fire Department at the Hawthorne Race Track grandstand fire of 1978

Steve Redick photo

Sticky Fire Department at the Hawthorne Race Track grandstand fire of 1978

Steve Redick photo

Hawthorne Race Track grandstand fire of 1978

Steve Redick photo

Hawthorne Race Track grandstand fire of 1978

Steve Redick photo

Sticky Fire Department at the Hawthorne Race Track grandstand fire of 1978

Steve Redick photo

Hawthorne Race Track grandstand fire of 1978

Steve Redick photo

Cicero Fire Department at the Hawthorne Race Track grandstand fire of 1978

Steve Redick photo

Berwyn Fire Department at the Hawthorne Race Track grandstand fire of 1978

Steve Redick photo

Chicago Fire Department at the Hawthorne Race Track grandstand fire of 1978

Steve Redick photo

Here's an excerpt from ChicagoTribune.com:

Another major fire occurred on November 19, 1978, which destroyed the grandstand and caused heavy damage to the clubhouse at Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney. The facility was later rebuilt and reopened in September 1980.

Before their destruction, both Hawthorne and Washington Park were known for being highly vulnerable to fires due to their extensive wooden structures. Hawthorne was built in 1891, and Washington Park in 1926, when building codes and fire regulations weren't as strict as they are today.

It's fascinating to see how these historic events have been preserved through photos and stories like Steve's. These images not only document a significant moment in local history but also serve as a reminder of the dedication and bravery of the firefighters who responded to such emergencies. If you have any more memories or photos from this time, it would be great to hear them too!

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