Our Little Town
The Shrine of St. Anthony
   

Photos of the Fire  in 1960

(Use your full screen view for these.)

St. Anthony of Padua, the Roman Catholic church commonly referred to as "The Shrine of St. Anthony," featured a chapel built 35 feet underground in 1928.  It was world famous, undoubtedly the most famous site ever in our little town ― even more famous than Nathan's Roadside Rest.  According to Richie Woods, author of Oceanside (the book), "It wasn't uncommon for 10,000 people to pilgrimage there each weekend." But the underground chapel was tragically destroyed by fire on March 25, 1960, and never rebuilt. 

Of course, the fire was certainly no joking matter, but forgive me, folks; I can't resist this:  

    The place literally burned up to the ground!! 


        


            

 

 


                       

Photos courtesy of the Terrace Hose Co. #3, Oceanside Fire Department 
www.terracehose3.org 

A brief eyewitness account received from one of our classmates after she viewed these photos:

I  remember that day like it was yesterday.  The smoke was chocolate brown, and it blocked out the sky.  What a shame. 

  ― Nancy Keegan

(Click here to read the story published March 31, 1960, in .)

For your information, following is the "Top Ten" list of songs considered and ruled out before selecting the version of "Crying in the Chapel" as the music for this page that you should be hearing now:

10. "I Cried a Tear"

9.   "Tears on My Pillow"

8.   "Lonely Teardrops"

7.   "Tragedy"

6.   "Ain't That a Shame"

5.   "Chapel of Dreams"

4.   "Church Bells May Ring"

3.   "My Prayer"

2.   "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes"

and the no. 1 song considered and ruled out for this page :    (Click here for the answer)

 

 

Copyright © 2001, 2007 by Howard B. Levy and 1960 Sailors Association Inc.  All rights reserved.