The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1904-01-16
CITY NEWS.
POINTERS ON
SAFE IHEATERS
REPORT OF THE CHICAGO TRIB-
s, UNE THEATER COMMISSION.
Consisting of Architects,
Engineers, Contractors and Fire In
surance Specialists Looked Over
Thirty-four Houses Before Putting
recommendations Together.

Recommendations T.
In view Of the fact that Minneapo-
lis is studying the theater and public
hall safety question very hard just
now, and Of the further fact that Min
neapolis is likely to take steps to rem
der it's amusement and convention
hall safe, the report of the Chicago
Tribune theater commission will be
read with interest; it contains hints
worth weighing before steps are taken
here, coming as it does from experts
in their line. The commission inves-
tigated thirty-four theaters before
making its report, which follows:
The more important violations found
lead us to recommend the following items
for considerations:
i. An automatic sprinkler system
should be installed in all cases. to be ap-
proved by the commissioner Of buildings,
fire marshal and the board of underwrit-
ers Of Chicago.
.. In addition to the sprinkler system,
a practical water curtain be installed, adj
jacent to the proscenium arch, said water
to be controlled by hand valves from
either side of the stage.
3. A. standpipe shall be installed on
each side of the stage, with a hose con-
nection at each level above and below the
stage, these standpipes connecting with a
tank on the roof, and in turn with fire
power pump, all subject to the approval
of the fire marshal.
4. In all parts of the theater, such as
dressing-rOOms and so forth, generous
supply Of fire extinguishers should be in
stalled.
5. There should be from TWO to four
actual firemen from the pay rolls of the
fire department, and under the control Of
the chief. All employees of the house
should be under the control of the fire.
men, insofar as it relates to the safety
Of the public, and should remain on duty
until the house is empty.
There should be daily fire drill and a
daily report made as to the efficiency of
the force and apparatus to the chief Of
the fire department.
6. All exits should be left unlocked and
should open easily in such way as to not
block passages to fire escapes. There
should be an increase of exits and positive
assurance of doors being opened by en-
ployes stationed at their posts. This is
strongly urged.
7. All aisles should be spacious and
lead without turn to exits, and should be
free from all membranes, either tenn
porary or permanent. There should be an
aisle at each end of row of seats and the
rows should be limited in length. q
8. The main exits for all galleries and
balconies should lead directly to the
streets and alleys. ~&
9. The ordinance regarding smoke f1ues
over the stage should be strictly en-
forced. and the hampers should be oper-
ated by a mechanical device worked from
each side of the stage.
10. The ordinance regarding facing on
three public spaces should be enforced
both in spirit and intent, and there should
be to these open spaces exits from each
floor Of the thea ter, with separate stairs
having "a, access to the street or open spaces;
.- II. The ordinance regarding levels Of
auditorium floor should be enforced
H. All stairs should lead directly out
doors and not discharge into any other
line of exits.
IS. The ordinance regarding the con-.
troll Of lights should be strictly enforced,
and, further. an independent system Of
lights should be installed for exits, both
inside and out, and also for lighting the
house.
ID. All exits. stairways and outlets
should be distinctly marked and also dis
tinctly lighted during the performance by
Independent safety lamps. -.
Is. We do not think that the present
ordinance provides for curtain adequate
for the purpose intended. AS to how this
curtain or movable fireproof partition
should be constructed, your committee is
not prepared to state at this time.
16. The ordinance regarding fire alarm
boxes should be strictly enforced.
IT, The ordinance against overcrowding
or standing In theater should be strict.
ly enforced.
IS. All scenery and stage para phernalia
should be rendered noninf1ammable We
consider this one of the most vital points.
AS we have called attention to certain
points that have been brought to our
notice after seeing so many fragrant viola
lions of the building ordinances, we would
urge the necessity of enforcing the ordi-
nances, which, however, should be modi-
fled to meet the present requirements of
the times, and in many cases should be
made more stringent.
We submit the above preliminary state
ment, but await the copies Of the fire
ordinances that you have sent for from
Boston, New York. London, Paris, Berlin,
Vienna and ST. Petersburg before COM
pleting our report.
We have detailed data on each theater
inspected, which we will submit to you
in the near future, comprehensively show
ing the plans of the buildings, aisles, exits
and general arrangements; also a COM
parative statement setting forth com
pliance or noncompliance with the ordi-
nances in each case. Respectfully sub
mitted,
L. B. Jenney of Jen-
ney 8, Mundie architects $50 New York
& Granger, architects. 1874 La Sale
street. James Gamble Rogers, architect,
1915 Ashland block. William Holabird
of Holabird & Roche, architects, 1913
Monadnock block.
ENGINEERS-Louis E. Ritter of Ritter &
Mott, civil engineers. 1888 Marquette
building. Lightner Henderson of Purdy
& Henderson, civil engineers, 1853
Nlonadnock block. Edward c. Shank
land of F. G. & r. NJ. Shankland civil
engineers. 11O6 The Rookery. Frederick
Sargent of Sargent & Lundy. engineers
46 Van Buren, street.
BUILDING CONTRACTORS NJ.
Even of Thompson Starrett Company
contractors. Tribune building. Paul +.
P. Mueller. general contractor, S23 Schil-
Ter building. Addison E. Wells, presi-
dent Wells Bros. Company, general con-
tractors. 1904 Monadnock block Will
liam Grace of William Grace COMPANY
builders. 1908 Wabash avenue.
FIRE INSURANCE SPECIALISTS. J.
Lewis. insurance, 159 La Sale street
Fred 8. James, insurance, III La Sale
street F. j. r. Stewart superintendent
inspections. Chicago Underwriters AS
ISOLATION, 1853 La Sale street.
SONS OF NORWAY RANoTrrT