Saturday, January 28, 2017

1908 rhoads opera house fire reflections through a mid-january memorial service in fairview cemetery.

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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