February marks the 40th anniversary of the largest fire in Homewood history. The fire destroyed the grandstand of Washington Park Racetrack, located on the west side of Halsted Street south of 175th Street.
Older residents probably remember the track and that fateful day. Saturday, Feb. 5, 1977, was a quiet day for the Homewood Fire Department. On-duty firefighters handled no calls during the bitter cold day.
The men spent the evening relaxing, and by 10:30 p.m., some were turning in, hoping to get a full night's sleep. The lull would soon . . .
