Cincinnati, OH Opera House Fire, Mar 1902

OPERA HOUSE AFIRE DURING PERFORMANCE

PIKE THEATER IN CINCINNATI WRECKED – TWO THOUSAND PEOPLE ESCAPED. WOMAN FAINTED.

CINCINNATI, March 30. – (Associated Press.) – The Pike building on Fourth between Vine and Walnut streets, in which the Pike Opera House is located was partially destroyed by fire this afternoon. Standing room was taken at the matinee, which was proceeding when the flames broke out. The audience retired in good order, but many women fainted after reaching the street.
The auditorium, on the second floor, had two stairways leading to Fourth street, and there was also a stairway from the stage to Baker alley.
The fire started in the basement. About two thousand people were at the matinee and the performance had proceeded only ten minutes when the portiers between the corridors and aisles were ablaze.
Prompt efforts were successful in averting a panic. It required some time for the officers to force the crowd away. Many were hunting missing friends, and it took some time to convince the half-crazed, anxious ones that there had not been a holocaust.
Women fled without their new Easter hats and wraps and individual losses were considerable.

CINCINNATI, O., March 30. – (Associated Press.) – Thirty-six years ago the Pike building on the same site, was completely destroyed. The damage today is sixty thousand; $10,000 on the building, owned by S. N. Pike estate and leased by Powell Crosley; George Joffee, grocer, loses $15,000; Manager Hunt, $10,000. Among the smaller losers are the Adams Express Company, Henry Straus, cigars; Martin’s restaurant, Bellinger’s confectionary.

The Morning Herald, Lexington KY 31 Mar 1902
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Transcribed by Jenni Lanham.