Description:

COCOANUT GROVE FIRE
The Cocoanut Grove was a fashionable Boston nightclub which caught fire on November 28, 1942, killing 492 people and injuring hundreds more. It was the second-worst single-building fire in American history; only the Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago in 1903 killed more (602). The tragedy shocked the nation and led to a reform of fire codes and safety standards across the country. The club's owner, Benjamin Welansky, who had boasted of his ties to the Mafia and to Boston Mayor Maurice J. Tobin, was convicted on nineteen counts of manslaughter and sentenced to twelve to fifteen years in prison. Rare relic of that tragic fire, a "License To Be A Common Victualler" issued to Welansky and the Cocoanut Grove showing the address of "17 Piedmont Street and rear entrance from Shawmut Street, for stock only, first floor", numbered 934. Evidence of the tragedy abounds in this document: smoke damage and a few water spots are readily apparent. This license was essentially gave the club legal permission to sell food to its patrons.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyer's should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. Customer's who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

March 30, 2011 11:00 AM EDT
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000