Destruction of the Franklin Home

On Sunday evening, June 5, 1960 at 9:15 PM, it was all over. The Franklin Home was destroyed. It was once the showplace of Chicago’s northwest side. The Franklin home stood on the northwest corner of Schiller Blvd. and Atlantic St. It was built at the close of the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. The fire was reported to be of undetermined origin, however, rumors exist of arson. The building was listed as "possibly a total loss" by then-Assistant Fire Chief, Irv Sherry. Between 40-50 firemen fought the blaze until 3:00 AM on Monday. Visit our Flickr page to see more images of the Franklin Family Home.