Age 26. 23 Magazine Street, Cambridge, MA. Born on 7/08/1916, in Brookline, MA. Died of carbon monoxide poisoning (death certificate). Watch and clock repairman for Jordan Marsh Co. (department store), Boston. Also known as "Frank." Was to have entered the U.S. Army the following Tuesday. Was diverted to the Grove during a surprise farewell party set up at his Cambridge home by his girlfriend, Miss Mary "Betty" Keefe, age 20, of Somerville, MA, and pal Patrick Courtney, age 25, of Cambridge, both dead. Reported that Mr. Courtney called the Melvin residence from the club at 9:30 p.m. to finalize plans. "But they lingered too long and apparently were caught in the stampede when the fire broke out" (Cambridge Chronicle, 12/03/1942). Bodies of both men were reportedly found just inside the main revolving door to the club. One of 60 "probable identifications" inventoried Sunday morning at Southern Mortuary (all male). His remains were evidently looted: "Relatives of Francis Melvin...told the Herald that they were sure this victim...had more than the $10 found in his wallet" (The Boston Herald, 12/05/1942). Also: "...The victim's sister...declared, 'Francis worked his last day out at a jewelry store, and employees there gave him a fitted case and a sum of money'..." Was single. Modest build (WWII draft registration, October '40: 5' 6½," 147 lbs.). Signed his own first name as "Frank" on his WWII draft registration card (name shown as "Francis" in all other sources). Parents Mr. and Mrs. Francis B. "Frank," Sr., and Catherine E. J. (McDonald) Melvin, same address. Burial at Cambridge Cemetery, in Cambridge. One of eight victims interred at Cambridge Cemetery (also Miss Norrine Curtin, age 26, John F. Doyle, age 25, Mrs. Lillian Geribo, age 26, Miss Louise Morris, age 31, club porter Shadrack "Shady" Plenty, age 54, and James W. Slattery, Sr., age 42, plus Mr. Courtney). Middle name Benedict.

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