The Portage County Democrat. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1868, 1860-02-08
BuRNINa or R1cHMoNp rHEArER.

As the public mind is isnowdeeply interested
in the shocking calamity which has jast occur
red at Lawrence, it may be well to bring to
the notice Of this generation like catastro.
phe which befeI the people of Rich mond, Va,
athe evening of Dec. 26, 1911. 1t is some.
what different in its nature and extent from
that of the Pemberton Mills and yet in many
respects not less horrible. In the burning of
the theater about seventy persons lost their
lives, and among these were George W. Smith,
Governor Of the State, aud Abram B. Vena-n
BILE, President of the Richmond Bank Those
who persisted were generally from the first
families, and composed the youth, the beauty
and the fashion Of the city. a7s p.
The winter opened with an uncommon rage
for amusements of all kinds, and on this fated
evening there was to be new play for the
benefit of Mr.. Plaeide. Grow ds swarmed to
the theater-it was the largest house of the
season, and not less than 600 we're present
The play went of-the pantomime began-the
frst act was over and all around was mirtl
and vanity. Atthis moment the scenery caught
fire, and in a few minutes the whole building
was in flames The cry of fire fire passed
with electric velocity throughout the whole
house. and the scene which followed was hor
ribie beyond description. There was but one
door for the greatest part of the audience to
pass. Menwomen and children were pressing
upon each other. while the flames were seizing
upon those behind. Most If not all of those
who were in the pit escaped, while those in the
boxes were unable TO get down the stairs be.
fore the flames overlook them Those behind
urged by the pressing fame, pushed those out
who were nearest the windows, and people of
every description began TO fall one upon an
other-some with their clothes on Gre, and
some half roasted! The most heart. .rending
cries pervaded the house. Wives asking for
their husbands-females and children shrek.
ing, while the gathering element came rolling
on its curling fame and columns of smoke,
threatening to devour every human being in
the building. -..I ss
Many were trodden under foot. The STAIR
ways were blocked up, and the throng was so
great that many were raised several feet over
The heads of the rest. Within ten minutes
after the fire caught the whole house was
wrapped in flames, and the scene which ensued
It IS impossible to paint. Women with dis.
neveled hair, fathers and mothe RS shrieking
put for their children. husbands for their wives,
brothers for their sisters. filled the whole area
outside of the building Some who had es.
,aped plunged again into the flames to save
'ome dear object of their regard, and they
oerished. Others were alike frantic, and wo'd
rave rushed to destruction but for the hand
If a friend to keep them back The bells
oiled, and almost the whole town rushed to
he fatal spot. ---os s,,s...s-,5s ..rr
This certainly was q sad day, and an awful
ebuke to the pleasure-loving people of Rich
nond. k .ssE43.zs- ~ Ezt 49,
We find in the Richmond Enquirer of Dec. q.
18th, 1871 the following notice At meet q
ng of the Government of Richmond. Dec. 3
9TH, a committee was appointed to cause to
'e collected the remains of persons who per-
shed at the Theater. and to place in urns or
otius such as could not be reco gnized by rel.
tives or friends. The suspension of all busi-
ess for 4s hours was directed, and that no
ublc shows or dances should be allowed for !
1ur months 5 aeF
At meeting also of the citizens on the
anne day-'A committee was appointed for
and committee for Manchester
was recommended that Wednesday,thc first
January. 1912. should be observed as
ay of Fasting aud Prayer; and tn at on that
ay the Rev. Messrs. Buch anan aud Blair be
'quested to deliver the funeral discourse land
lat the citizens will wear Grape for one
onth.' 80, .5-s -.f---,s s.
For the remainder of the winter the hither.
neglected churches were 6lled with solemn
I'd attentive worshippers = Portland I'D,
rtiser. = .s5h.5 ...-..- Il