The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1904-01-01
LOCAL THEATER-GOERS
TALK ABOUT CONDITIONS
Managers of the indianapolis
P~layhouses Take Precautions
Against Fire.
DANGER IS MINIMIZED

There is naturally some talk among thea
ter-goers of Indianapolis about the safety
of the various amusement houses in this
city. but, according to the made
by the various managers of local theaters
yesterday there is no reason for appre-
hension.
English's Opera House is probably one
of the most perfectly constructed theaters
in the country, as far as fire protection is
concerned, and little fear is had for the
safety of the audiences there at any time.
When Captain English built the theater he
built IL with a view to perfect fire pro-
lection, and he spared no expense in max
ing his house absolutely fire proof. The
floors of the auditorium are made OF con-
crete laid in steel rafterS, and the bal
comics are all constructed OF the same ma
terial. making the burning of the floors an
lmpoSsibility, while the other part OF the
building occupied by the audience is un-
unquestionably fire proof. The stage is
equipped with six Glazier nozzles, several
lines of hose and a number of fire eXtin-
gulshers, TO say nothing OF an army or
water buckets which are always filled ready
Tor instant use. In addition 10 the other
fre-fighting apparatus a thoroughly rela-
Die automatic sprinkling system has been
installed throughout all the stage fixtures
and the basement under the stage, and me
system is so arranged that only a slight
neat Is required TO start IL working. AS
oOoh do OlC VI the SDllllhltIS II oAdi NNN "a
general alarm is turned in 10 the employees
at the English pumping station, and the
pumps are automatically placed In opera
ton so that there is a water pressure or
fire is out. Forty pounds pressure is kept
on at all times and that is sufficient for any
small blaze. In addition to the pumping
plant in the English Hotel building there
are many connections with the city water
mains so that a shortage of water would
be impossible.
The asbestos fire curtain which shuts the
stage off completely from the audience is
always in good working order, and is tested
a number OF times during each play, it be-
ing the first curtain raised and the last low
cred during the day. The facilities for
emptying the theater could scarcely be bet
ter and a very few moments would be re-
CURED to allow all the audience to pass
outside in case of an emergency. Four
double doors at the front of the auditorium
lead into the foyer, which is large and spa
cious, and from it two double doors open
on to the street. The main balcony exit
leads into a larger foyer which is connected
with the first floor of the house by a wide
and easy stairway. On the first floor there
are four large doors, two on either side of
the house, which open into the aileyway.
in addition to the doors at the front of the
house. The balcony is also provided with
side exits, as is the gallery, and in the
opinion of most theater-gOerS the English
is as safe as 1t is possible for any theater
TO be. The English seats 1000 people, and
Ad. f. Miller, the manager, said yesterday
that a very few minutes would be required
to clear the lower floor and galleries.
The Grand is well provided with exits,
and in case 1T was necessary the house
could be emptied in a very short time.
Manager Shafer Ziegler said yesterday that
the Grand was well equipped To handle an
audience in case of an emergency, and little
Cneasiness is felt for the safety of the
crowds which are daily entertained there.
The main entrance and exit is fire proof
and is wide and ample for the crowds, while
there are side double doors which open into
Wabash street and private courts, in ad-
dition to the exit from the stage. There
are also many exits for the upper part of
the house.
The Park Theater is considered one of the
safest in the city. and, while it's seating
capacity is larger by far than any other
theater in Indianapolis, ii can be emptied
as quickly as many buildings which are
much smaller. There are so many exits
that, even though there might be a panic
in case of fire. the building could be va
Gated within three minutes. The entire
structure is built with the view of fire
protection, and an asbestos fire curtain,
which is always in operation, adds safety Ia
the audience from a fire on the stage.
The Empire Theater, as said by Manage
Ziegler. is full of exits, and in case of a
fire the building could be vacated in less
than four minutes if il was filled to its
fullest capacity. The Empire is provided
with a great many doors which lead direct
ly out OF the building to the street, and lit
tie danger from loss of life on account of
fire is feared by the people who daily at
tend the performances there.
In the Unique Theater there is little to
burn, and, as there are no galleries OF
balconies, a panic is not feared to any great
extent.