Oregonian excerpt, Monday, June 21st, 1948
"Portland Theater Destroyed By Fire Imperiling Block
(Picture on Page 8)
Firemen battled flames for three hours in drenching rain Sunday morning to save a block of buildings along Sandy boulevard after fire swept through the Highway theater near N.E. 52d avenue and threatened adjoining structures.
Estimated loss will run close to $100,000 according to Fire Investigator Arthur M. Bell.
The fire destroyed the theater and spread upward over the massive truss root covering the giant Rollerdrome and a row of small shops. Flames and rolling clouds of black smoke were visible for miles.
Three alarms sounded within minutes sent 20 companies into action under command of Assistant Chief James Dillane. Big water lines strung from as far as 500 feet away were pitted against the flames from four sides. Pouring rain and absence of wind favored the firefighters.
Three firemen were injured and treated on the scene by the first aid crew and Jay C. Stevens disaster car. They were Identified as Edward Grenfell, Engine 7, gashed right arm, Robert M. Jaskie, Engine 13, second degree burns: And Walter D. Hatch, Engine 9, lacerated foot.
The fire started in a davenport set in the glass-enclosed theater nursery room, probably from a carelessly tossed cigaret, Chief Investigator William Cur-tis stated,
Projection Equipment Saved
Flames ate through the mezzanine, spread outward into the roof rafters and throughout the interior of the theater. The massive screen and curtains were touched off like a torch. Within minutes portions of the roof broke, falling through into the seated sections.
Harry Titus, manager and owner, who told firemen he checked the movie house at 1 a.m., said projection equipment was saved except for minor water damage.
Before firemen checked the spread of fire, the roof of the Rollerdrome was enflamed and adjoining shops threatened. Loss to Beck's drapery shop amounted to $2500; the Highway Hardware company $1000, and a cleaning shop $750.
Custodian Fleas Building
Joe Forest, custodian at the Rollerdrome, was asleep in his room when awakened by smoke about 6 a.m. He said he turned on lights in the rink in an effort to locate the fire and went seeking a phone when someone from outside called a warning to "get out."
A major fire struck the same Rollerdrome building in 1941.
Firemen covered the burned-out roof section to prevent further damage by rains to the $10,000 Rollerdrome floor and to permit skating Sunday night. Tarpaulins used were furnished by the city fire department.
Adena Anderson, 47, night manager at the Sandy Crest restaurant, across the street, said she saw smoke coming out of the building at 6:30 a.m. The alarm was turned in from the restaurant.
Maurice Friedland, owner of a lodging house next door, said his tenants piled belongings out of their rooms and onto the sidewalk in the rain, in case the fire reached their dwellings."
–excerpt from The Oregonian, Monday, June 21st, 1948
Oregonian excerpt, Monday, June 21st, 1948
"Portland Theater Destroyed By Fire Imperiling Block
(Picture on Page 8)
Firemen battled flames for three hours in drenching rain Sunday morning to save a block of buildings along Sandy boulevard after fire swept through the Highway theater near N.E. 52d avenue and threatened adjoining structures.
Estimated loss will run close to $100,000 according to Fire Investigator Arthur M. Bell.
The fire destroyed the theater and spread upward over the massive truss root covering the giant Rollerdrome and a row of small shops. Flames and rolling clouds of black smoke were visible for miles.
Three alarms sounded within minutes sent 20 companies into action under command of Assistant Chief James Dillane. Big water lines strung from as far as 500 feet away were pitted against the flames from four sides. Pouring rain and absence of wind favored the firefighters.
Three firemen were injured and treated on the scene by the first aid crew and Jay C. Stevens disaster car. They were Identified as Edward Grenfell, Engine 7, gashed right arm, Robert M. Jaskie, Engine 13, second degree burns: And Walter D. Hatch, Engine 9, lacerated foot.
The fire started in a davenport set in the glass-enclosed theater nursery room, probably from a carelessly tossed cigaret, Chief Investigator William Cur-tis stated,
Projection Equipment Saved
Flames ate through the mezzanine, spread outward into the roof rafters and throughout the interior of the theater. The massive screen and curtains were touched off like a torch. Within minutes portions of the roof broke, falling through into the seated sections.
Harry Titus, manager and owner, who told firemen he checked the movie house at 1 a.m., said projection equipment was saved except for minor water damage.
Before firemen checked the spread of fire, the roof of the Rollerdrome was enflamed and adjoining shops threatened. Loss to Beck's drapery shop amounted to $2500; the Highway Hardware company $1000, and a cleaning shop $750.
Custodian Fleas Building
Joe Forest, custodian at the Rollerdrome, was asleep in his room when awakened by smoke about 6 a.m. He said he turned on lights in the rink in an effort to locate the fire and went seeking a phone when someone from outside called a warning to "get out."
A major fire struck the same Rollerdrome building in 1941.
Firemen covered the burned-out roof section to prevent further damage by rains to the $10,000 Rollerdrome floor and to permit skating Sunday night. Tarpaulins used were furnished by the city fire department.
Adena Anderson, 47, night manager at the Sandy Crest restaurant, across the street, said she saw smoke coming out of the building at 6:30 a.m. The alarm was turned in from the restaurant.
Maurice Friedland, owner of a lodging house next door, said his tenants piled belongings out of their rooms and onto the sidewalk in the rain, in case the fire reached their dwellings."
–excerpt from The Oregonian, Monday, June 21st, 1948