We are a group of Suffolk University students, conducting a research project on the tragic Cocoanut Grove Fire of Nov. 28, 1942. We are trying to reach people who were affected by the fire. Our research is primarily driven to inform future generations about this significant event in Boston”s history, while also properly commemorating those involved in the blaze and its aftermath.
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In the early 1900'
s, the making of “Boston'
s number one glitter spot”, expresses Stephanie Schorow in her book The Cocoanut Grove Fire, was underway as Mickey Alpert, his brother George Alpert, and Jacques Renard, attempted to bring to life their dreams of owning a prestigious club amongst the Boston nightlife. Initially funded by a seemingly secretive businessman Jack Berman, who was later discovered as being Jack Bennett and arrested for illegal operations within his co-owned Julian Petroleum Company, the club'
s construction commenced and in October of 1927, The Cocoanut Grove opened its doors to the first customers. Despite the Prohibition law remaining intact, the nightclub became a lucrative success from its beginning. Prohibition, however, coupled with an economic decline directly resulting from the 1929 stock market crash, eventually took its toll on the club'
s operations, and the nearly bankrupt Cocoanut Grove was sold to Charles Solomon. read more ...
The legacy of the Cocoanut Grove Nightclub Fire. On Thursday, November 11, 2010 at 6:30pm, Casey Grant, research director of the Fire Protection Research Foundation of the National Fire Protection Association and expert on the Cocoanut Grove fire, will examine the impact and legacy of this fire. We invite those who have been personally affected by this fire to join us. For more information, please contact Robin DeBlosi at Old South Meeting House, at rdeblosi@osmh.org or (617) 482 - 6439. Free and open to the public.
