Hartford Circus Fire Survivor Nancy Spada Shares her story
On July 6, 1944 7,000 people attended the afternoon performance of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Hartford. Shortly after the performance started, a fire broke out and quickly engulfed the entire big top, taking the lives of at least 167 people and injuring over 700. The tragedy remains the deadliest disaster ever recorded in Connecticut.
Eight-year-old Nancy Saunders (Spada) attended the circus that day with her parents and two sisters and sat at the top of the bleachers just a few yards away from where the fire started. Thanks to the quick actions of her parents, they were all able to escape. Her father, a Hartford policeman, went back into the big top and helped rescue other survivors.
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Nancy, Sue & Jean Saunders attended the Circus on July 6, 1944 with their parents Archibald and Catherine. All five survived the fire. You can hear Nancy's story about that fateful day by searching "Trout Brook Tales" where ever you listen to podcasts.
Archibald Saunders, Nancy's dad, was a Hartford policeman and saved his family from the Hartford Circus Fire.
Vincent & Gladys Barry and their daughter Gail. The Saunders and Barry families were dear friends. Sadly, Gladys and Gail perished in the fire.
Vincent & Gladys Barry and their daughter Gail. The Saunders and Barry families were dear friends. Sadly, Gladys and Gail perished in the fire.
Nancy's mother Catherine & Gladys Barry.
Nancy's husband Arthur Spada, Joe DiMaggio, Nancy's father Archibald Saunders and Nancy Saunders Spada.
Nancy, far left with shovel, at the Ground Breaking of the Hartford Circus Fire Memorial in 2004.