News: Loyal Opera House Burns (4 Feb 1905)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames:

----- Source: Loyal Tribune (Loyal, Clark Co., Wis.) 02/09/1905

Shortly before noon Saturday fire was discovered at the rear of the Opera House. Almost before the alarm had ceased ringing the hose wagon was on the spot, but it was nearly a half hour before it was possible to get a stream of water upon the blaze, and during this time the fire gained such headway that when the firemen did succeed in getting water, it was too late to save the building; and it was by the hardest kind of work that other buildings nearby were saved. Had there been a wind ti is hard to conclude where the fire would have stopped. It origin is not definitely known, though it was first noticed near where the stove pipe passes into the chimney.

A few weeks ago something was said by the Tribune concerning our fire department, and it is hoped that in the near future something will be done. There is a grand chance for improvement along many lines and the people fully realize that. It is their duty now to themselves, as well as the town, to put up a building that will correspond to their future need, and at the same time be in line with the progressive work of other citizens. The building was insured.

*Note 

In February of  1905, when their opera house at Loyal caught fire and burned to the ground. The fire caught in the garret from a defective chimney and had gained considerable headway before discovered.  The Huntley Entertainers had been using the hall the two nights before and the building was being heated up for their use that evening when it caught fire. The company saved all their belongings and the scenery in the building was also saved. The loss amounted to about $2,500 with an insurance of $500. Several other buildings in the neighborhood caught fire but were extinguished before much damage was done.  The building was rebuilt to the pleasure of the people of Loyal and is pictured below.