|
Springs Valley Herald, February 15, 1917
BIG BLAZE AT WEST
BADEN
Opera House, Bowling Alleys, Hospital,
Bottling House And Hot Water Parlor,
Wiped Out By Fire, Sunday Evening
Loss is Probably $200,000
One of the biggest
and most costly fires that has visited the Valley
occurred early Sunday evening, when fire which
originalated in the X-Ray room of the West Baden
Hospital, wiped out the hospital, Opera House and
Bowling Alleys, all frame structures which were all
connected and the fire extended to the beautiful and
costly hot water parlor over Spring No. 7 and the
Bottling House which were considered fire-proof and
they were totally destroyed, entailing a loss of
about $200,00.
The
zero weather which has been prevailing for two or
three days had frozen the water plugs and one one
small stream could be brought to bear on the convered
way leading from the Theatre and Bowling Alleys to
the Hotel and this was used to control the fire
whichwas eating along the covered way to the Hotel.
There
were no patients in the hospital at the time and
there were no hair-breath escapes as published in the
Indianapolis Star. There was but very little
excitement amonh the huest or citizens as the mammoth
hotel is absolutely fireproff and there was no
possibility of damage to the main building except
that a few windows might have been broken by heat had
the covered way been allowed to burn up to the Hotel.
The
French Lick fire fighters burried to the scene byt
were inable to give any aid as the frame buildings
were so far consumed that it was impossible to save
them when they arrived if the water plugs had no been
frozen.
The
Vogel Minstrel troupe were billed for the Opera House
for that evening and a very heavy sale of tickets is
reported by Mr. Prow, manger of the Opera House. The
show people were getting ready for the opening of the
performance when the alarm was sounded. They saved
all their scenery and etc.
It
is lucky that the fire occurred before the theatre
was filled with people as there might have been a
panic with with serious results. The management
refunded all money that had been paid for seats.
The
beautiful building over Spring No. 7 which was also
used as the hot water parlor and souvenir stand,
which cost about $75,000 will of course be rebuilt.
Whether
the hospital and theatre will be rebuilt we have not
been informed. We do not know how mych insurance was
on the property destroyed.
|
|