At a little after 1 p.m. that day in 1984, that was all about to change. I worked at Moyno Pump back then, and when I left work at 5 p.m. on that summer day, I remember the sky was so dark, I had to turn the headlights on in my car.
Thick, black smoke permeated the air over much of the city. We had heard sirens all afternoon and figured something was going on, but tucked inside our air-conditioned offices, we figured we would read about it in the newspaper and didn’t give it a whole lot of thought.
Driving home, I recall I kept all the windows and vents shut in the car, even though it had no air conditioning. It was the only way I could keep from breathing in the toxic fumes that were spiraling over our city.
The fire that burnt that day and the next several at 1205 W. Columbia St. was later to be called the “Big Fire” by local firefighters and policemen alike. Today, most of the young firefighters still know it by that name.
The “Big Fire” changed the face of this city for the past two decades. I had no idea leaving work that day in August 1984, just how much effect it would have on me in the years to come, and how involved I would become as a result of it.
I couldn’t let 8/27/2009 go by without some recognition that 25 years ago, the “Big Fire” would change peoples lives over the next several decades in ways never imagined.
Andrea Smith
Springfield
Doctors, nurses took wonderful care of Dad
I would like to thank Springfield Regional Medical Center, High Street Campus, for the wonderful care our Dad received before his passing in March.
Starting with the staff in the ER, to everyone in the ICU who took care of him during the couple of weeks he was ill, every nurse and doctor cared for him as if he were a member of his or her own family. They kept him as comfortable as possible, and made sure my sisters and I had what we needed.
What an awesome group of doctors, nurses and staff we have here in Springfield.
Deb Gross , Sheila Finnegan
Springfield
Rhonda Ellis
Knoxville, Tenn.
Everyone could help restore parks
I read the article about Snyder Park in a recent Sunday paper. I agree it is a shame the parks in this town are going downhill so badly.
I like to fish and have cookouts, but not in the parks around here. The only park that is really usable is the reservoir.
I don’t understand why the city commission or National Trail Parks and Recreation District don’t start a program with Springfield and Shawnee high schools. They both have students who need to have so many hours of community service hours before they can graduate. What’s better community service than fixing up your parks?
Also, they can start a volunteer program for everyone. I think you would get a good response out of people on weekends willing to help clean up, mow, trim, paint, fix flower beds, etc.
If they would ask, they could get businesses to donate items or services, such as mulching flowers, painting, or possibly even mowing and tree-trimming work. I would be willing to give up a Saturday or Sunday to get our parks back to a nice, clean, usable area.
Mike Cleelan
Springfield