The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1904-01-07


solid Wits masonry.
In our Judgment. with the two new
exits above referred to on the south
wall from gallery, the congestion pos
relieved. We further recommend that
an aisle be made at extreme rear OF
gallery not less than three feet wide.
Balcony-The south aisle paralleling
south wall should be widened to at least
four feet, and kept free of any seats or
attachment of seats to side walls.
FIRE ESCAPES ARE UNSAFE.
North wall fire escapeS-We find that
the outside iron stairs and platforms in
their present condition are absolutely
unsafe in view of possible rush of
people from the several exits leading
thereto, and would recommend that all
platforms and stairs leading from all
north wall exits should be reconstructed
under the supervision of the fire mar
shall and city engineer. The rise and
fall Of steps in reaching the east north
wall exit is menace to the safe egress
from main floor. and should be re-
wall exit. row of chairs should be
removed, extending from north aisle to
this east exit in north wall
CATCH ALL FOR REFUSE
The exits from rear of stage are
found wholly inadequate, and larger
openings and stairways should be pro-
vided.
We find the partition dividing the
stage from the auditorium to be con-
structed of wood studding with wains-
coting, some sheeting covered with
zinc and iron, up to the top of main
drop curtain. From this point to under
side of roof. we find 2x4 inch stUdding
covered with light corrugated iron. In
this partition above curtain we find one
small door at the south side leading
into the open space or blind attic
over the auditorium, also one medium
sized door on north side leading from
the fy-operator's platform into Il store
room, which seems to have been used
as a catch-aLl for the general refuse
from stage.
These doors should be permanently
closed. and contents of stOreroom re-
moved from premises. Having care
fully examined the incomplete partition
dividing the stage from the main audi
ence room. we would recommend in the
absence of a standard fire wall that
should prevail at this point complete
and solid construction of studding.
sheet asbestos and irOn with a stand
ard asbestos drop curtain, the doors
permitting only those absolutely neces-
sary) leading off the stage also to be
securely covered with the same mate
rial. This class of construction should
continue below stage, also cutting off
all draft suction from that portion
used for dressing rooms. The object
being, if possible, to create a retardent
to any fire occurring on the stage,
0ItoSlifS IOD1HS anu 1OOTS lIOn T0dCL-
ing Immediately over and into the main
auditorium room, as is now possible.
STORE ROOMS A MENACE.
We found in the store room, No. GA
Kansas avenue. a tea, coffee and crock
cry business. The rear of this sales
room was occupied by an excessive
amount of hay and straw as packing
material. The large amount of this
packing material together with the ac
emulation of rubbish, and lying di-
rectly beneath the stage, is a danger
Gus condition. and would recommend
that not over 81 days supply of such
packing material be allowed stored in
the building A grocery business &C.
cupies No 612. and the basement should
be relieved of accumulation of boxes
and rubbish, and maintained in a clean
condition. The presence of store rooms
beneath this opera house is considered
by US an extra hazardous feature, and
therefore the management should give
more than ordinary attention to the
| care of these store rooms and base
mentS.
We further find on examination of
the floor joist over tea and coffee and
grocery stores and under finished rooms
above same in front part, have defect
ed from to inches in the center. We
| have also thoroughly examined the
stone walls and find them to be in fair
condition, and should be properly
pointed up with cement morter a con-
dition which is much needed, especial
| ly on northeast corner in the cellar and
the southeast corner in the alley, also
south walls of fourth story, and north
wall for a considerable distance down
from top. If this pointing referred to
was properly done, we could say the
walsl would be in good condition.
We also recommend that a large
sign be placed over each exit door,
also in addition to sign, there should
| be a red light placed over all exits
| WATER SUPPLY INSUFFICIENT.
Fire protection-We find that the
water supply in this building is INSULT
cient in every particular, and we recon-
mend that there be a tap off the Kansas
avenue water main for sufficient sup
ply for standpipe of ample capacity
with attachments of 21A inch standard
hose, ample in length to cover the dress
ing room and stage floor areas. An
attachment of hose should be on dress
ing room and on stage floors. This
vertical pipe should continue to rise to
top of and branch Ocer stage where an
/ effective system of perforated pipes or
sprinkler equipment should be installed,
so constructed as to thoroughly sprinkle
the entire area of the stage, the valve
controlling such perforated pipe or
sprinkler system should be located
above the dressing room and stage floor
| hose connections.
A stand pipe should be installed near
| the front of building with provision for
standard hose connections at each floor
landing. This stand pipe fire protection
should be fed absolutely independent
of domestic or house pipe connections.
Two fire alarm boxes should be located
! as directed by the fire marshal. 1t is
also recommended that a sufficient
number of standard three-gallon hand
chemical fire extinguishers be placed
throughout the building. This entire
| installation should be under the super
vision and acceptance of the fire mar
shall and city engineer
ELECTRICALW WIRES IN BAD SHAPE
Electrical Installation-We submit the
| following detailed report:
/ Systenl-The three-wire 10 volt di-
/ rect current syste mis- used, entering
/ the building on north side over stage,
! where service switch and main cut
/ outs are located. A distribution center
/ is a wooden skeleton switch board To-
Gated on stage, switches. cutouts and
| DINNERS mounted thereon. There are
about 250 Is candlepoMer lamns used.