Martinsburg W Va evening journal. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1913-1920, 1920-04-28

Chief Quinn had the men acting in
unison and Supt. of Water George
Shaffer was out at the water sta
ton experimenting affairs at that
end. At no time was there any d.
minution OF water power.
An Aged institution.
Central Opera House was an aged
local institution, widely known and
at some time or other In their lives
most every citizen of Martinsburg
has passed between its portals.
Years ago the late Newton That
cher, father of Judge Charles That
cher and brothers, conducted feed
store and coal yard on the site.
Twenty or twenty-five years ago
Mr.. A. II. Lambert, nephew of the
present owner. opened UP the or
iginal structure AZ skating rink.
When the roller skating craze died
out the building was converted into
show house, undergoing remodel
ing at various periods after Mr..
Walter Lambert came into posses
sion, and naturally evoluted into a
movie theatre In addition to stag
ing vaudeville and big shows at In.
tervals.
Leaves But One Movie.
For the time being the fire leaves
but one moving picture house, the
Apollo Theatre, East Martin street.
In Martinsburg. The Apollo also
controls The Strand, the smaller
theatre adjoining the Garment Shop
on North Queen street. 1t is also
understood that the Apollo will be
improved by the ere Jon of a stage
and loft on the land In the rear of
their building some time since pur
chased from the Schleuss heirs.
Musicians Lose Property.
The opera house orchestra came
near losing all of their instruments.
Director George Curran did lose
about $45 worth OF music, while Mr..
Bland Carr, trap drummer. was I'M
able to rescue his traps, valued at
$3.50, with but $3.50 insurance. Other
members of the orchestra, who had
left their instruments In the front
office, wrapped wet handkerchiefs
about their faces and crawled
through the sitting smoke until
these instruments were retrieved.
To Rebuild Theatre.
The statement OF Mr.. Lambert
that he will rebuild his theatre was,
received with qualification by many.
1t Is also understood that he was
approached this morning and offered
large sums for the site. The lot
has a frontage of So feet Oh Martin
OF, In han 70 -
$50. Mr.. Lambert says he will not
build so as to provide for any store
rooms in the front, but will devote
the entire first floor to an up-to-date
show house. Perhaps he may erect
additional front stories for lodge
rooms, or offices, or one large hall.
Origin Is Mystery.
The origin of the fire Is clouded In
mystery and the most general belief
is that 1t was due to crossed wires.
A great deal of the complicated wiz
ing was done years ago, without
conduits or other methods of pro
lection. IL did not come from the
furnace as the fires were out at 8
o'clock Tuesday night. OF course,
the affair might be blamed on the
ubiquitous cigaret stump or the
careless smoker.
Served Them Coffee.
Later in the morning some kind
hearted persons served the fremen
with hot coffee, which was greatly
appreciated.
Breaks Out Again.
Shortly before noon the blaze
broke out again in the front part
of the theatre and the firemen i'm
mediately played three streams up
on that portion of the ruins. This
was under the lobby, where at least
three floors have been laid, which
makes it difficult TO get at the incl
pient blaze. A close watch, however
will be kept upon the place until all
indications of danger are over.
Side Walls Ominous.
1t is feared that the side walls
and front, held up by few pieces
of wood. will fall. But these are
mere tin and metal skeletons and
can easily be showed over should
tha paooceity ariqQ