The daily Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1841-1845, 1842-03-26
DISASTROUS CONGREGATIONAL
OF THE ST. CHARLES THEATRE AND


SURROUNDING BUILDINGS.
AT about six o'clock last evening one Of those mis-
cradle novels in the rear of Poydras street and i'm
medately adjoining the st Charles thea re- was dis
covered to be on fire, the which instantly connected
to the cabinet furniture and coffin manufac tory owned
by Madame Qulrk and Son. From thence, and be-
fore measures could be taken to stay the flames they
communicated with wonderful rapidity to the stage
and scenic department of the theatre, and igntng
the highly combstibe materials connected there
with, rendered the immediate destruction of this
magnificent establishment iney table There was q
fresh breeze at the time and more rapidly than the
eye could follow did the element rush ON from pit to
dome, and from one department of that vast theatre
to another until it was all alike, lurid flame OF
the few persons within at the time the greater part
fled to save their lives while attempted in vain
to save portions of the excellent wardrobe belonging
to the company.
The flames then rushed on, and destroyed the old
billiard room, some time since occupied by the late
Mr. 'ennct and the very beautiful Arcade buildings,
from which, however, much property was saved.
The new billiard room, and Major Boards auction
mart IN the old Camp street theatre much dam
aged 10y the falling of portion OF the St Charles
walls, and smoke and water Their contents with
The exception OF the tables, and some billiard balls
which thieves took car Of were saved unnurcd.
On st Charles street, the building occupied bv
Mr.. Murphy rs coffee house and ten hin alloy and
by MIR Jobson book depository, was likewise
destroyed. The establishment of Mr. Irwin although
at several tunes IN great danger was saycd-hc con-
tents previously removed.
II was a magnificent, but a very melancholy spec
taclc TO see that extensive pile of buildings wrapped
in flames and gloomy one TO the citizen accllslon-
ed to look on the old aud familiar objects almost as
portion of his house and his being, the statna
ry which crowncd the building, as if in reality the
presiding delties OF our mimic world, slowly mouldcr
away, and lettering if to take one 6 long lingering
look" at the cresccnt drop into the abyss bcucath.
Long acr the roof had fallen in, and the flames
had commenced operations upon the heavy tnbcrs in
the lower part OF the building. elderly man accoscd
MS with "lt is true the chandeliers gone We
looked al the man moment and he appearing serious
IN his demand, we could not help laughing in his face
as we SAID Certainly atthe bare idea that any per-
son should fora moment suppose an article ot such
material and ponderous, could under such circun-
stances be saved IL was magnificent specimen of
art and from the Crescent Cuy we learn that its di-
mansions were in height - feet and in crcumic
80; that it weighed 4 200 lbs, and cost $40 900
The wsole of the valuable wardrobe was entirely
consumed, and many of the principal actors who pro
vide their own, were also great losers, Messrs
Browne, Barrett and Cowell have lost all the dresses
wigs, and different DISCUSSES which years have
almost deluded ourselves into the belief We're PAT oC
the men Some mode OF rcmuneratins the luosers by
this calamity to the best OF our ability must be set
foot forthwith. We should say that over 300 midi
viduas have been cast out of employ through this
fire.
In connection With this event have 10 record the
death of Mr.. SPancr, member of NJ 3, killed by the
falling of the walls
A Mr.. Nugcnt, was also badly hur, and is now in
the hospital
Mcrsrs. Robert Fellows ;taI Jnhn Saunders were
also severely injured.
Mr. Calwell's loss must be very heavy As re.
CARDS the insurance effected the buildings, no IN
formation could be elected from head quarters but
we informed on goodaut!o1y that l0 600 oi'ln-
surancc was Ell, cted in this city aud $4,000 IN Lon
don OF the Theatre and Arcade buildings thr.o'i-
glna cost of erection about 1850 600. Mrs
Murphy was insured at the Frcmans office for So
$40, and Madame Qulrk for $1,000 The scenery,
properties and wardrobe of the theatre must have
been worth over $4,000 The bulk oflhe property WAS
owned ly the Gas Bank
THIS blow to the energy OF our citizens, falls the
heavier IN these times ct commercial and financial
peril those Interested must possess more of thr
tabled powers Of the Phonix than think tiey do
their property emctges very speedily from the ashes