Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-30
GOES UP IN FLAMES
Historic Theater Destroyed at
Brooklyn.
LOSS ABOUT 100000
ENTIRE BUILDING ROARING FUR
MACE IN HALF HOUR.
Fire Supposed to Have Started From an
Explosion-Recalls Holo-
caust of 1876.
LOSS ABOUT 100000

NEW YORK. November 30.-The historic
Academy of Music, the largest theater IN
Brooklyn, was completely consumed today
by fire which is believed to have been
caused by an explosion in the building.
For a time the flames threatened adjoin-
ing property, and when the roof fell in part
of it struck liquor saloon building adjoin-
ing, but fortunately no one was hurt al
though the saloon was destroyed. The loss
is estimated at 100000. There is no in
surance on the building.
Flames Started in Scenery.
The fire started in the scenery on the
stage of the theater where number OF
men were preparing for the testimonial
dinner to State Senator McCarren, to be
given there tonight. For some unknown
reason the fire department was tardy IN
arriving on the scene, and it was fully
fifteen minutes before it had a stream in
the building. 1t was then discovered that
the water could be carried scarcely half
way up to the roof.
Within half hour after the discovery
of the fire the entire building was roaring
furnace and the fremen were bending all
their efforts to saving the surrounding
property.
Offered No Resistance.
The Academy, which was an antiquated
building constructed in 1860 of brick, sand
stone and wood, offered no resistance to the
flames.
1t was located in the heart of the financial
district. Opposite, on Montague street, is
the Brooklyn Public Library, with over
1900 volumes. The wind was blowing In
that direction, and great fears were eX-
pressed for it's safety.
The Way Down East" company occu-
ped the theater all last week, but their
scenery and effects were taken out late Sat
urday night. The building was owned by
stock company.
Holocaust Recalled.
The banquet to Senator McCarren will be
held tonight, as scheduled, and will be
given at the Hotel st. George.
Brooklyn theaters have had many ex-
periences with fire In the past. The worst
was that of the Brooklyn Theater, which
lost. In 1891 Hyde & Behmans Theater
was totally consumed, but no lives were
lost
Boy Reported Missing.
Later is was reported that a boy who was
employed in the bowling alley in the saloon
adjoining the academy was missing.
Since it's erection on the eve of the civil
war the Academy of Music has been the
scene of many notable and historic gath
erings, one of the first being the great fair
held in 1863, for the benefit of the United
States sanitary commission, which netted
thousands of dollars for sick and wounded
soldiers Many political gatherings OF note
were held there, and nearly every promi-
nent political leader of the last half CEN
tury has spoken from its stage David B.
Hill delivered his noted II am a democrat
utterance there.
Made Famous by Stanley and Booth.
Henry NJ. Stanley, after finding DIR. Liv-
ingstone in Africa, delivered his first lee
ture on the expedition in the Academy, and
Edwin Booth is said to have made his last
appearance there Hamlet. Wagner S
"ParstfaT' was given its first presentation
in this country in the Academy, Anton
Seidl being in charge, and Theodore Thomas
introduced many famous artists TO AEner1-
can audiences within its walls.