Personal Experiences During the Chicago Fire, 1871

"Personal Experiences During the Chicago Fire, 1871" by Frank J. Loesch is a historical recounting from the 1920s of the author's time during Chicago's most destructive fire. He explores universal concepts of the human response to disaster, such as survival and strength in the face of loss. Loesch paints a picture of Chicago right before the fire, pointing out the dry, wooden buildings that made the city vulnerable, then he describes the terror of the citizens as the fire spreads rapidly. In the chaos, he recalls acts of bravery, people helping each other, and the massive impact of the fire, before reflecting on how Chicagoans rebuilt their city and their lives.