A Worthy Legacy

The Rome News-Tribune has published an article remembering the four teen-aged boys from Rome, Georgia who perished in the Winecoff fire and traces the fire safety improvements the fire inspired. The article by Doug Walker, Winecoff fire in Atlanta 68 years ago prompted safety changes, is here.

A Gainesville Times article by guest columnist M. Garland Reynolds Jr. remembers four young women from Gainesville, Ga. who also died in the tragic fire. Reynold's article is here.

Funeral Photo Mystery Solved

This photo appeared in the Salvation Army's regional magazine, The War Cry, December 28, 1946. The name of the Winecoff fire victim being laid to rest was not mentioned in the magazine, only that the service was conducted by Major Frank Longino. Now, Winecoff.Org has determined to near certainty that the funeral pictured here was that of Emelda Reeves, 21, at Mount Zion Methodist Church in Hapeville, Georgia.

Emelda Reeves died in the Winecoff fire

The Salvation Army played a key role in identifying several of the fire's victims as well as caring for many others displaced by the fire. Emelda Reeves left behind a husband and a son.