Jim Vice was 6 years old in 1977. He had previously been to a wedding reception at Beverly Hills Supper Club when he was around four years old. He currently lives very near to the site of BHSC. Jim had relatives who were on the Newport Fire Department at the time of the fire.
The following are his thoughts about that night:
At the time we lived on Popular Street in Bellevue, a few blocks down the street from the fire house. The sounds of sirens weren't uncommon, but I remember hearing them for a long time that night. Eventually, we caught it on tv.
Having had two relatives that were on the Newport fire department that night, and remembering family concerns about their fate was something I strongly remember. The following morning I recall being on South Ft Thomas avenue and smelling the fire. My pediatrician was Dr. Fred Stine, who was also the coroner of Campbell County.
I often think of this tragic event, wondering how things could havebeen different, and the lives and families affected. Since 1995 I have lived in Southgate, and the homes in this neighborhood were deeded Beverley Estates. Several of my neighbors lived here that fateful night, and have heard several stories. One, who lived near Evergreen Cemetery at the time helped lead people down the hill to where 471 was being built. Most of my neighbors said they thought trees were being burned at the 471 construction.
As a person who is into local history, I always find interest in the other fires there, and the involvement of mafia dealings. I know someone who worked there, and stories of shady figures and turned heads to things that are unthinkable in today's world were commonplace at that time.
After living near the site for over 20 years, I finally got to walk the site on the 39th anniversary. It was very moving listening to people speak such as Wayne Dammert and others who's lives were changed from this tragic event. I hope some day the truth will see the light of day. Having co-founded a project at a local historic site myself, sometimes people come forward with information, and pictures that were unknown to exist. I hope the same happens for the Beverly Hills Supper Club.
I often think of this tragic event, wondering how things could havebeen different, and the lives and families affected. Since 1995 I have lived in Southgate, and the homes in this neighborhood were deeded Beverley Estates. Several of my neighbors lived here that fateful night, and have heard several stories. One, who lived near Evergreen Cemetery at the time helped lead people down the hill to where 471 was being built. Most of my neighbors said they thought trees were being burned at the 471 construction.
As a person who is into local history, I always find interest in the other fires there, and the involvement of mafia dealings. I know someone who worked there, and stories of shady figures and turned heads to things that are unthinkable in today's world were commonplace at that time.
After living near the site for over 20 years, I finally got to walk the site on the 39th anniversary. It was very moving listening to people speak such as Wayne Dammert and others who's lives were changed from this tragic event. I hope some day the truth will see the light of day. Having co-founded a project at a local historic site myself, sometimes people come forward with information, and pictures that were unknown to exist. I hope the same happens for the Beverly Hills Supper Club.
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