Reading, PA Building Explosion, Mar 1902

BELIEVED THREE PERISHED.

TWO BUILDINGS COLLAPSE FROM AN EXPLOSION AT READING, PA.

At 10 o'clock Sunday night a terrific explosion occurred in the four-story music store of C. H. LICHTY at Reading, Pa. The building at once collapsed.
This was followed by the three-story brick umbrella factory adjoining of MRS. MARY ROLAUD. Both buildings and contents were destroyed. A number of persons were in the buildings, but they are all accounted for except MRS. ROLAND and a friend who called to spend the evening and the watchman in the LICHTY building. It is believed these three persons perished. The explosion is said to have been due to acetyline which was manufactured by a local company, of which MR. LICHTY was president. The building was filled with musical instruments. The total loss is $250,000. Many neighboring buildings were damaged. Half a dozen people were seriously injured. The scene of the explosion was in the center of the city, and aroused everybody within its limits.

Sioux County Herald Orange City Iowa 1902-03-05
__________________

Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!