The Elliott Chambers Fire

Memorial FoundationThe Elliott Chambers Fire Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to memorialize the victims of the historic fire that took the lives of 15 people on July 4, 1984. The memorial was dedicated on July 1, 2010 before a crowd of 100 people which included families, friends & community leaders.

Beverly resident Amanda Mazzaglia and then-City Councilor John Burke formed The Elliott Chambers Fire Memorial Foundation in 2009 and enlisted the services of documentary producer James Maroney.

Amanda Mazzaglia

John J. Burke

 

The "Elliott Chambers" building was demolished on July 8, 2009. 25 years after the fire claimed 15 lives on July 4, 1984.

James Maroney shooting the demolition of the Elliott Chambers building.
(photo by Ian Hurley/Wicked Local)On Monday, March 2, 2009, the Beverly Planning Board voted 7-0 to approve construction of a 13,000-square-foot CVS Pharmacy with a drive-through pharmacy. The CVS officially opened in February of 2010.

Board Approves New Development

Image courtesy of Kevin Paton of BKS Architects, Inc.

The MemorialMazzaglia, Burke and Maroney asked the Beverly Planning Board to include space for a natural stone memorial and bronze plaque with the names of the 15 people who lost their lives in the fire. The approved plan allows for the memorial within a 30-square-foot section at the corner of Elliott and Rantoul Street. Two benches are along side the memorial.

Tom "Satch" Kerans performing his original song, Elliot 15

on the benches at the memorial park dedication.

(photo by Michael Naimo Photography)

Satch has recorded original music that will be
featured in the upcoming documentary.
The songs are currently available
@ www.reverbnation.com/tomsatchkerans
Included are songs such as Sweet Little Ralph, Elliot 15, and (Dry Your Eyes) It's The Fourth of July.

Please click this link to read a news article on

the memorial dedication held July 1, 2010.

Ralph Nickerson

Memorial Plaque & Stone

The bronze plaque on a blue stone was dedicated on November 17, 2011
in memory of Ralph Nickerson who attended the Fairview Elementary School in Auburn, Maine. Ralph a fourth grade student died in the Elliott Chambers fire at the age of 9 when he was visiting his beloved grandmother Hattie Whary for the 4th of July holiday in 1984.

Hattie and Ralph's brother Rick Nickerson also perished in the fire. The community of Auburn now has a place to remember Ralph with a memorial placed under a beautiful cherry tree at the entrance of the school.

 

The Documentary

Forgotten Souls:

July 4, 1984

NEW RELEASE DATE !

Film Premier in 2020

Emmy-Award winning Photographer James Maroney is producing a documentary honoring the memory of those who perished in the fire. The documentary will be released in 2020. Stay tuned for premier at a local theater on the North Shore of Boston.

James Maroney

 

Remembering the Elliott Chambers Fire will include interviews with firefighters, community leaders, survivors, witnesses, family members, and friends.

To contribute photographs, video, or testimony to this effort, please see the "contribute" page.

(photo by Bob Battis)

Beverly City Councilor Maureen Troubetaris placing
one of 15 roses (in memory of the victims) at the
Elliott Chambers Memorial dedication on July 1, 2010.

(photo by Michael Naimo Photography)

The Memorial granite stone was installed and donated by Abate Monuments of Beverly.

(photo by Michael Naimo Photography)

Fairview Elementary School, Auburn Maine
site of the Ralph Nickerson Memorial.