The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1906-09-21
ARCHITECTS REPORT ON
OPERA HOUSE CONDITION


request we made an investigation Of
the Pensacola Opera House with the
object of determining the degree of
safety enjoyed by its employees and
patrons, in case of fire, panic, or even
under natural conditions, after an in
vestigation consisting of personal
inspection Of the house from top to
furnace pit, we have the honor to re
port as follows:
Roof.
The roof above the dome and where
the chandelier is suspended, shows q
sagging caused by the sinking of the
members around the dome, and chan
delier supports. The weight of the
chandelier seems to be the most prob
able cause of this. But further ex
animation would be necessary to de
termine this positively.
Chandelier.
We were unable, with the means
and tools at our disposal, to make g
conclusive examination of the chan
delier itself. It's original means Of
support seemed ample, but sucf
changes as might tend to weaker
them, caused by their age, could bt
best determined by an experienced
plumber after careful survey
Again, we were unable to reach the
chandelier from the interior. There
fore, cannot report upon the condition
oil wires or other supports from
which the crystal beads and pendants
are hung. We'have Information, how
ever, that on separate occasions
parts of these have fallen, either o
their, own accord, or from being hi
with missiles thrown by those in thu
second gallery. In view of possibl,
danger, it should be removed or re
paired so as to make it absOlutel!
safe. - II
Second Balcony Stairs.
In the walls of the stairs leadin,
to the second balcony, are places
where plaster and laths have beef
torn away, affording receptacles IL
which we found matches ant
cigarette stumps. in close proximit.
to the wooden laths and studding
These should be repaired.
Inside Entrace Doors-seeond Bal
cony Doors.
The central of the entrance door
Of the second balcony were founi
open. The two side doors were sc
curely bolted. Whether this condi
ton exists during of after q per
tormance we are not able to state
but we are informed that they ar,
not always open.
First Balcony and Parquette.
The entrance doors OF the first bal
cony and the parquette were foun'
same as those on second balcony
Whether these regular exits are suffi
cient, we will not here state, but al
that do exist should be kept in con
dition for immediate use, and be uset
mot only in case Of emergency but a
the end of every performance. Ever.
door throughout the house, II bolted
should be bolted on the inside abou
midway of the door, with bolts which
can be easily drawn, and thes
bolts should be drawn during ever.
performance. All regular exit
should be thrown open wide at tn
termination of each and every pei
Torrance, and as far as PRACTICABLE
ar the end of each and every act Fo
condition of crowding has existe,
heretofore, when those leaving tn
theater between acts were forced 4
pass through single opening In tn
parquette, and then together wit
those from the first balcony to pas
single ticket gate to the exterior
Windows and Other Emergency e.
its-Second Balcony.
The four second balcony window.
on the south side, are not equippe
with proper fire escapes, but since tn
Board already has this matter unde
discussion, we merely mention il
The southeast window leading fror
the box was found closed with soil
shutter tied by rope, one end @
which was made fast to the shuttle
and the other nailed to the insid
| frame of the window. The windoy
from the box opposite, leading to tn
stairs through the Progress Clul
was fastened with three or fou
strands of wire twisted together
Both of these windows were marke
exits but were not in a condition
be used In a case Of fire.
| Leading from the mezzaninc lant
ling, before the entrance doors, ar
doors, one OF which was found to b
rigidly fastened. These doors lee
into tho attic of the Progress Clul
from which stairway can b
reached. We suggest that thes
doors be unlocked during every. pc
Torrance. and labeled "Emergenc
Exit" We also suggest that prope