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Chelsea, Massachusetts, Great Fire of April 12, 1908, vintage postcards photos

Cherry Street from Everett Avenue after the Big Fire of April 12, 1908 in Chelsea, Massachusetts

A vintage postcard view of Cherry Street from Everett Avenue after the Great Fire of April 12, 1908 in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Chelsea is a suburb of Boston and separated by the Mystic River which prevented the fire from spreading into Boston. This fire was driven by strong winds and destroyed nearly half of the city of Chelsea. About 15,000 persons (over one half of the population) were left homeless by the fire. It is estimated that about 1,500 buildings were destroyed. Amazingly, only nineteen persons were killed in the massive blaze. Another devastating fire swept across the city of Chelsea on October 14, 1973 and destroyed about eighteen city blocks. See the additional photos of the destruction of the 1908 fire below.

Looking up Chestnut Street from Third, showing Universalist Church and Central Congregation Church in the distance. After the Big Fire of April 12, 1908, Chelsea, Massachusetts

Looking up Chestnut Street from Third, showing Universalist Church and Central Congregation Church in the distance. After the Big Fire of April 12, 1908, Chelsea, Massachusetts. See the additional photos below.

Ruins of the Chelsea High School after the Great Chelsea Fire.

Ruins of the Chelsea High School after the Great Chelsea Fire. See the additional photos below.

The Ruins of Chelsea Square and Savings Bank, Chelsea, Massahusetts after the 1908 Fire.

The Ruins of Chelsea Square and Savings Bank, Chelsea, Massahusetts after the 1908 Fire. See the additional photos belows.

The Odd Fellows Building and Post Office, Chelsea Square, after the Big Fire of April, 12, 1908.

The Odd Fellows Building and Post Office, Chelsea Square, after the Big Fire of April, 12, 1908. See the additional photos below.

A panoramic photo showing the devastation of the 1908 Chelsea Fire.

A panoramic photo showing the devastation of the 1908 Chelsea Fire. See the additional view below.

Chelsea, Massachusetts after the 1908 fire. The street in middle of the view is Washington Avenue. The street near the right edge is Walnut Street. St. Roses Church is at the far left. The ruins of the State Armory is at center left.

Another panoramic view of Chelsea, Massachusetts after the 1908 fire. The street in middle of the view is Washington Avenue. The street near the right edge is Walnut Street. St. Roses Church is at the far left. The ruins of the State Armory is at center left.

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