On September 30, 1914, the Pain Fireworks Display Company at 1329 Wabash Ave, suffered a violent explosion and fire. Thousands of dollars of torpedoes, Roman candles, skyrockets destroyed the building as well as adjoining structures including the Coca-Cola building next door…
Five people were killed including the president of the company, Harry Bishop Thearle one of the best-known men in the amusement world. Also killed were his personal secretary Florence Hill as well as, Edward Connors a salesman, R. H. Wolff the stock person and Joseph Johnson an electrician working for American telephone and telegraph company.
Most of the fireworks were in the basement of the Chicago factory, one of several locations.. Upon first explosion the big plate glass window disappeared and a flames shot into Wabash Avenue. At least 30 people in the area suffered injuries..
The Pain Fireworks Display company furnished fireworks spectacles for the world’s Columbian exposition in 1893 , the St. Louis world’s fair, Coney Island, as well as many events in Chicago including Comiskey Park, Chutes Park, White city, and more.
It was started by Henry J. Pain who developed colossal pyrotechnic displays such as “fall of Pompeii” and the “chariot race of Ben Hur”.
During World War I, Henry advised the United States government as an ordinance advisor. He was just good at blowing stuff up.
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After the disaster the company discontinued operations and the assets were bought by another firm which continued providing fireworks spectacles. Pain’s Fireworks continues to be one of the oldest firework companies in The UK
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Thanks, Barry Fleig
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