It is a sad day in Friartown.

[thumper]

Forty-three years ago today we lost 10 Providence College coeds in the tragic fire at Aquinas.

RIP.

PIZZA, SODA, GRINDERS!!!

[friar82]

Indeed, Thumper

The events of that night have always affected me, despite the fact that I never knew the 10 young women who lost their lives that night or in the days that followed. Having arrived on campus in the fall of '78 (10-months removed from the fire), my first encounter with someone on the subject occurred as a result of a middle of the night fire drill in October.

I can remember jumping out of bed to the piercing sound of alarms, and with my roommates, proceeding half asleep down the hall and out the dorm's front door into the night air. Somewhat agitated that my sleep had been interrupted, we were greeted by The Colonel, who told us all to line up facing the front of the dorm, following which, Father Heath - pacing back and forth, lectured us on fire safety, and life saving measures that we'd need to follow in the event of a fire: stay low and keep a towel over your head and face to avoid smoke inhalation; feel the door of your dorm room before opening it, as you could combust right away if exposed to the heat and flames on the other side; and always have shoes on, as the floor could be as hot as a gridle as you attempted to evacuate - in which case you wouldn't make it out alive.

The following day, a sophomore across the hall spoke candidly about the fire, and what he witnessed that night. While talking, the fun loving kid was transformed into a Man, who couldn't have been more serious and reflective. Looking back, I sense that he needed us freshman to understand and appreciate the fact that this was all very deep, raw and personal for him - and others on campus. What had been the "elephant in the room" for this young freshman, suddenly became tangible and real.

But nothing was (and is - to this day) more sobering than befriending a fellow student, who's sister died that night. Each year I think about my friend, and her sister who I never met, but will always love as a member of the Friar Family.

RIP to the souls lost on either December 13 or the weeks that followed. My thoughts and hear go out to their families today.

[Backcourt JOE]

Our prayers 🙏🙏🙏
My brother John was a resident there that year
He recalls it was snowing and everyone was having a good time outside too

[Free Weyinmi]

I never knew this!
I worked in that building, '82-'84. The IT department was in the basement there prior to moving to Harkins.