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This newspaper page contains 26 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
Topeka State Journal
Location
Topeka, Kansas, United States of America
Date
Dec 31, 1903
Page
3
A deadly stampede at a Chicago rush for exits left Bob and others trapped in the chaos. Flames and smoke caused women and children to jump from windows while bystanders were crushed. The scene ended with several injured, including a woman severely burned and a child among survivors struggling to speak.
A devastating fire at the Troquote theater in Chicago killed many and wounded others as gas reservoirs exploded after a stage fire. About 1,200 spectators were present, with 800 escaping and 300 in the first injury wave. The blaze spread rapidly, trapping patrons behind the curtain and in stairwells as the audience rushed for exits amid collapsing walls and shattered skylights.
Eyewitness accounts describe bodies found crushed and torn from victims amid a chaotic rescue. Fire escapes incomplete and crowd pressure caused mass entrapment in doorway and aisles. Police, workers, and volunteers struggled to recover the injured and identify valuables as tears and sobs filled the hall.
Report from St Louis lists Barry Kielsy and several other football players as among those killed in an incident at Chico. The article notes Kielsy as a well known athlete and mentions possible theater attendance and hockey links. Other names include Murphy and Dilss. The piece also mentions a separate incident in Beneworth involving a prominent woman in philanthropic work who was injured in Chicago.
Firemen saved several people from a blaze described as a chaotic scene in a theater or venue. Victims were found scattered around a balcony and orchestra area, with two bodies found tightly together near the pit and a child’s body discovered nearby. Damaged clothing and torn footwear noted as investigators inspect the debris.
The bishop described a horrific balcony scene after a blaze in the arena. Smoke filled the venue as rescuers lowered injured victims with a lantern into the dark, finding a ten foot pile of bleeding bodies, many charred. Some survivors were aided and tended to amid the chaos.
Exile Foy the principal comedian in the play was among the last to escape. He slipped through a rear door after urging fellow cast members to seek safety. He ran into the Sherman house in stage costume with grease on his face to draw attention to burns he had sustained.
Eyewitnesses describe a fire during a performance as bits of burning paper fell from the left of the curtain and flames swept the stage. Gas tanks exploded after a failed curtain descent, trapping patrons but saving the troupe via a dangerous draft that carried fire and gas out beneath the front curtain.
A chaotic scene describes attempting to help injured women during a collapse. The narrator recalls grabbing arms, lifting people from a heap, and counting survivors as others fled. Sightseers arrived in Chicago, and the speaker claims to have witnessed the event and its aftermath.
Eyewitness accounts describe a devastating theater blaze that claimed many lives and left rescuers overwhelmed by scorched bodies and a mob of anxious relatives. Sheriff Hartell and deputies aided the injured as Daniel McHewell rushed to help, while parents mourned missing youngsters amid the chaos.
In New York a fire disaster spurred immediate benefits by major figures in theatre. Shubert wired Chicago to shift receipts from next Wednesday’s matinee of Winnie to relief funds, while the Red Feather company and other exhibitors planned similar acts. Klaw and Friedlander, big theatre owners, faced inquiries about the causes as funds flowed, with production costs cited and tours under way.
Pittsburg December 3 reports Chicago architect Marshall who designed the Iroquois theater left for home after viewing the scene. He says the building should not be rebuilt with wood and declares many inflammable materials aided the fire. He warns fireproofing and safer construction are essential to prevent a repeat tragedy.
Bishop Fallows describes his experience aiding in a street fire rescue as crowds surged toward the scene. He recounts fear and urgency amid the peril and notes his fellow rescuers including bystanders who rushed to help.
Coroner prepares to hold an inquest into a fatal Chicago fire as firemen examine victims. The city building department records show the Iroquois Theater complied with all ordinances and was deemed fire proof. Architect Benjamin Marshall, en route from Philadelphia, states exits were more ample than usual for such buildings.
Coroner Traeger empanels a jury to hear evidence on the Tremont fire tragedy amid calls to close unsafe businesses and curb noise on New Year’s Eve. Mayor and officials promise a thorough probe, enforce fire protections, and extend sympathy as stock exchanges pause for the victims’ families.
W A C Sellers, a house fireman, recounts a theater fire where a curtain collapse trapped troops and spectators. He describes helping people, blocking exits, and guiding survivors as flames and smoke filled the building. The piece highlights his injuries and efforts to save others.
The Dec theatre rush saw Winnie Gallagher 12 flee over heads during a panic. Police described torn clothing and multiple women fainting as others kicked doors open to escape. Eyewitnesses included Joseph Graham and Duvothy Truor, with Eddie Foy asked to calm patrons. Police filed partial identifications of several unconscious girls with some listed only by hair color. Mayor Har rison noted ongoing inquiries in Kansas City.
Chicago Iroquois disaster led to far more deaths than any prior U.S. theater blaze. Conway’s Brooklyn theater in Brooklyn followed with 206 deaths on December 6, 1876. Earlier fatalities include a 1811 Fitchron dades fire killing governor George W. Smith. The Iroquois fire ended within about 20 minutes during a rehearsal.
J L Donald, Western Union chief, narrated the fire tale and searched hospitals for his wife after learning she was missing. Adele Phillipeon, a child struck in the chaos, died. her mother, who escaped, became hysterical as bystanders tried to spare her the truth. The father learned the tragedy two hours later.
An account of Herbert Cagethorne in the chorus line during a pantomime scene. He exits the stage as stage lights illuminate the set amid the performance. The event describes the management and lighting setup during the act and the audience reaction.
A damaged OCR fragment references a platform and calciums, mentioning catelsm Lat the aperks ignited and actions by unspecified parties. Details are unclear, names uncertain, and no firm event or outcome can be established from the readable text.
Police overseer O Neill directs a morgue recovery as crowds press to view the bodies. Officials deny delays, while managers of local firms and several salesmen stand named in a fragmented account of the incident and ensuing investigation.
Milwaukee resident Pickrell described the Kenosha party’s escape from the Arcaupie theater as flames raced along a curtain. He recounted panic on the exits, crowd crush, and men hoisting women to safety while others trampled bystanders, with one man attempting to reach his wife and child amidst the chaos.
A Chicago man telephoned Clinton Indiana to report a missing child from Chicago. He chartered a switch engine and planned a special train to Danville Illinois, traveling at top speed from Clinton to reach Chicago by two. The list of missing includes Edward and Louine Dee.
President sends condolence to Mayor Carter Harrison of Chicago after a terrible calamity. The message from Washington dated December 31 conveys deepest sympathy to the people of Chicago for the tragedy that has befallen them. The offer of national support is included.
Dec 21 reports from Chicago describe mortuary undertakings as bodies were laid out. Men in funeral homes at the morgues faced a grim scene while scores of women fainted before they could depart.
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