THE WASYL DOLYK FAMILY AT BREAKFAST IN ST. PATRICK’S CONVENT From left: Marie, with Michael; Mrs. Dolyk, Irene, Nicholas, Sister John Evangelist, Stephen and Wasyl Jr.
Nuns and Neighbors Rush to Aid Family
Burned Out When Candle Sets Apartment Ablaze
A quiet celebration of the traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve turned into a fiery terror Wednesday that drove the Wasyl Dolyk family from their burning apartment at 819 Seneca St.
But the Dolyk family, with all their worldly possessions lost, was observing a memorable Christmas today — thanks to the Christian concern of fellow Americans who celebrated their own Christmas nearly two weeks ago.
Wasyl and Barbara Dolyk had prepared for today’s Ukrainian observance of Christmas by attending church Wednesday. There they picked up a candle.
They returned to their second-floor living quarters over a vacant store at 819 Seneca. Following an old Ukrainian custom, they placed a lighted candle near their Christmas tree.
Flame Blown Against Tree
The children — Maria, 13; Irene, 11; Stephen, 10; Kola, 8; Wasyl Jr., 5, and Michael, 3 — watched with wide-eyed interest. They already had donned pajamas for bed.
Then, a draft from the hall breathed almost imperceptibly across the room. It was enough to turn the candle flame inward toward the tree.
Suddenly, flames were leaping upward, blotting out the gay decorations. Without a pause, they leaped to the furniture, curtains and woodwork.
The Dolyk family ran for their lives.
Mrs. Dolyk paused long enough to pull Michael away from the flames. She suffered burns to her face and arms.
It was 8:15 o’clock and the temperature outside was 26. A Columbus-Hospital doctor gave Mrs. Dolyk first aid. Firefighters tried to make the children comfortable.
Nuns Come to Rescue
Battalion Chief John J. Barrett, who estimated the damage at $7000, said the flames swept through the living quarters into an attic.
The Dolyks were not left without shelter for long. The Rev. Corman McMahon, OFM, assistant pastor of St. Patrick’s Church, happened upon the scene.
Father McMahon contacted the Sisters of St. Francis, who teach in St. Patrick’s Parish [text at bottom is obscured/cut off].
The children came in dazed silence and went to bed quickly in an unused fourth-floor section of the convent. The nuns talked quietly to Mrs. Dolyk as they spread ointment on her burns. Then, she was sent to bed.
Accommodations for Mr. Dolyk were obtained in a hotel.
But, as they slept, assistance, unsolicited and spontaneous, was on the way.
Children Given Clothing
Mrs. Charles Bremer, who lives near the convent, appeared with clothing for the Dolyk girls. Then, Mrs. Thaddeus Marsowicz walked from her home at 781 N. Division with clothing for the boys.
Dressed neatly in their new possessions, the children ate breakfast this morning around a big table in the convent. It was decided they should attend classes today in St. Patrick’s School so their thoughts would not linger too long on the terror of the night.
Mrs. Dolyk cried as she recalled the events of the night before.
“I guess the tree was too dry,” she said. “The first I knew, I saw the baby pointing to the tree. He was watching the flames.”
The Dolyks have lived in Buffalo for nine years. Mr. Dolyk, formerly employed by the Buffalo Meter Co., has been out of work almost a year.
Family to Get Help
Catholic Charities and the Buffalo Red Cross were busy with arrangements for permanent relief for the family.
They were moved this afternoon to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Home, William St. and Kennedy Rd., Cheektowaga, where they will be sheltered until Catholic Charities completes arrangements for permanent housing.
Catholic Charities also is making arrangements to obtain home furnishings. The Diocesan Resettlement Bureau is checking back to obtain duplicates of papers and records involved in the family’s coming to this country.
Lester M. Sielski, disaster director for the Buffalo Red Cross, said clothing would be provided the family.
The Rev. Thaddeus A. Clouthier, OFM, pastor of St. Patrick’s, will talk to parishioners about a place for the family to live.
The Dolyks had lost not quite everything. They had love and the spirit of Christmas in plentiful amounts.
