Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 89, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 17 February 1912 — LAFAYETTE THEATER GUTTED [ARTICLE]

LAFAYETTE THEATER GUTTED

Poorly Insulated Wire Starts Blazj Just Before Doors Open. Lafayette, Ind., Feb. 16.—Just before the doors were opened for the afternoon performances at the La Purdette theater, vast quantities of smoke poured out from the vestibule of the playhouse and the Sixth and Main street corner was enveloped in a dense cloud. For a time the Hotel Lahr whs threatened and in Adjoining stores preparations were made__to move out The theater was gutted and George G. Ball, owner, estimated his loss at SI,BOO. The fire started in a dressing room east of the stage and it is presumed that a poorly insulated wire ■was the cause.