in mid-january, my traveling poetry class ventured out to fairview cemetery for a memorial service of the rhoads opera house fire victims, with the flamed devestation dating back to 1908.
the event, hosted by the boyertown area historical society through the efforts of margaret and carl harner, had at least 40 people in attendance, although i wish more young people besides reporters cared and show their interest at these kinds of events. but my 30-something self, seemingly 83-years-old inside, is doing what's possible to believe young people won't let history of value die away, perhaps as they develop curiosity about their towns and heritage as they get older.
below are eye-scenes from the event, along with a sky-view of the original opera house building as it looks now, notes from what we heard the harners explain of this local-turned-national history, and a poem inspired into the fruit of writing by barbara tucker.
Hai-Ku
by Barbara Tucker
Rhoads Opera House
“The Scottish Reformation”
Boyertown was thrilled
Mrs. Monroe wrote
The play and many others
What could go wrong?
Located on the
Second floor with few exits
Death trap for many
Mrs. Monroe hired
Mostly locals and untrained
Proved to be fatal
Firefighter killed
Pulling the water wagon
A tragic ending
Chance placed someone’s boy
At the entertainment there
Lost in flames and fear
400 were there
171 perished
Some remains unknown
Mrs. Monroe was
Subpoenaed but refused to
Appear, was accused
January night
1908 is recalled
By those who still care
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