Chicago, IL Lyceum Theatre Fire, Oct 1883

THE CHICAGO THEATRE FIRE.

DETAILS OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE LYCEUM -- ONE MAN KILLED.

Chicago, Oct. 14. -- The Lyceum Theatre fire, which occured at an early hour Saturday morning, not only completely gutted the building but destroyed a human life. It started in a dressing room just under the stage, and although nothing is definitely known as to its origin, yet it is supposed to have been caused by a careless actor leaving the stump of a lighted cigar near some drapery. A few minutes after the Fire Department had arrived some one threw a stone through the second-story window into the sleeping apartment of the lessee, THOMAS GRENIER, and his family, and they awoke with the horrible fact staring them in the face that nearly all the chances for escape were cut off. The fire was all around them. In these sleeping apartments, which were in the second story, fronting Desplaines street, were THOMAS GRENIER and his wife, ARCHIE GRENIER, MRS. and MISS SIBLEY, of Boston, and a little girl. Ladders were put up to the windows, and all escaped, but without having time to change their night clothes. After the fire had been conquered the dead body of a man was discovered in one of the rooms. It proved to be that of HARRY PERRY a Canadian, 26 years old, who was employed by MR. GRENIER. He had evidently been suffocated by the smoke and was unable to escape. The WILLIAMS, MANCHESTER and JENNINGS Specialty Company were filling an engagement at the theatre. Their costumes and properties, for the most part, were stored under the stage, and escaped damage, except by water. The loss to the company will not exceed $1,000, save an approximate loss on receipts. Other actors and actresses suffer considerably by the action of water on their wardrobes. The Lyceum Theatre was owned by McGRATH & DOWNEY, builders and contractors, who built it in 1876. They owned all the fixtures, and estimate their damage at $18,000, and are insured for $10,000. They will rebuild the house immediately. MR. GRENIER, the lessee and manager, estimates his material loss at $18,000, and he is insured for only $550.

The New York Times New York 1883-10-15
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!