Burning of Standard Oil Bayonne, NJ

Burning of Standard Oil Bayonne, NJ. Filmed July 5, 1900. From Edison films catalog: This picture shows a street scene at Constable Hook, Bayonne, N.J. In the background rise immense volumes of dense black smoke from the burning oil, reaching high in the heavens. Outlined against this dense oil smoke is seen some of a lighter color.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• fire
• bayonne

[CodeRed362]

I did indeed come from the Library of Congress web site. All of the black and white films in my account did. They are so well buried in the LOC website as to be totally unaccessible that I post them here for some improved exposure.

The added information you provide about the fire does not display on the LOC web site. Thank you for that update.

[kathy07002]

This was taken down the Hook Road. My grandfather worked there. It was the largest oil refinery in the world. NJ Standard Oil...became Esso and then Exxon...the first refinery was here down 21rst St...all the way down the road past Ave F and Route 440...go east and the refinery was there. Now there is a brand new mall off the highway, the old 169, the new 440 to NY.

goes right to the Bayonne Bridge now and 5th St. and Ave A.

[JackBritt2011]

Oh so that what it look like back then I live in

Bayonne and I love it I live there all my life and i am 13 and I go t2 Mary j and Bayonne is a good place t2 live

[princessyoukai1234]

wow so this is what it looked like back then huh

[zaidrim]

I lived in Bayonne from 1965 to 1967. Moved into a brand new two family. on 26th St. near the corner of Ave. F. Attended 5th and 6th grades at Lincoln School. Bayonne was a good place to live, and such nice people. I will never forget.

[mrearlygold]

I was born in Bayonne too in the mid 50's. Haven't seen Bayonne in at least 15 years but am planning on it in the near future.

[PJDooWop]

A normal bolt of lightning probably wouldn't have started this fire. Even back in 1900 they were smart enough to make sure the tank farms were well grounded. A positive flash (much stronger bolt of lightning) may have done it but it's still doubtful. Ball lightning has strange characteristics and has been known to penetrate structures. It seems that it may be caused by a rouge bolt that could not complete a stepped ladder and it is looking for a location to ground.

[PJDooWop]

The ball lightning theory is fascinating. I was a doubter for a long time until I witnessed it this summer during a severe thunderstorm. I was on the BQE and to my left about a quarter mile away was a bright green glowing orb. It hovered a few hundred feet above an apartment building few seconds and then exploded, letting off some of the loudest thunder I've ever heard.

[fredvn2]

If I remember our family history correctly, my grandfather, whom I never met, was killed in this fire.

[Facsonic]

I was born in good old Bayonne in 1950 and lived at 44 East 3rd Street one block up from the Standard Oil Co. that was on 2nd street all the way on the East side one block from the Bay, if you go down Lord Ave,,