Articles on the Academy of Music fire

A few minutes before midnight a fire started in the Academy of Music, burned it down and spread out over several other buildings on 14th and 15th street all the way to Third Avenue.

“Destruction of the Academy of Music and New York Medical University.

      The Dutch Reformed Church on Fifteenth Street Also Destroyed.

            SEVERAL LIVES LOST.

Fourteenth and Fifteenth Streets and Third and Fourth Avenues in a Blaze.

        All Efforts at Extinction Unavailable.

Shortly before 12 o’clock last night fire was discovered in the basement of the Academy of Music, fronting on Irving place.  The performance had been closed but a short time, and a number of persons attached to the theatre were still in the building.  An effort was made by those present to subdue the flames, but without avail, as it was evident the fire was visible in several places at the same time, which at once led to the belief that the fire was the work of design.

The alarm was promptly given, the firemen quickly reported, and several powerful streams were taken into the front of the buildings; but it was soon found impossible to remain as the smoke poured out in such density as to nearly suffocate those within its range.  In less than fifteen minutes after the first alarm the flames were seen gushing out of the upper windows and cornices.  Engineer Kingsland, finding it was only wasting water to throw it on the theatre at once directed his force to the preservation of the adjoining buildings.  Streams were applied to the front of Grace chapel on Fourteenth street and to the dwellings adjoining; also to the dwellings opposite on Irving place.

The body of heat and burning wood took its course eastward, setting fire to the Medical College, next to the theatre, and the pianoforte manufactory of Ihne & Son.  The burning sparks also fell on the roof of Worcester’s pianoforte factory, northeast corner of Third avenue and Fourteenth street, setting that building on fire.  At half-past one o’clock only the walls of the Academy were standing, the whole of the interior having been consumed.

When the flames burst through the roof the sky in the vicinity was illuminated, and one very remarkable feature, a large number of small birds were flying around, the glare of light having drawn them from the trees in Union square.  The bright light shining on them as they hovered and danced around gave them the appearance of canary birds.  Every now and then one poor little fellow would approach too near and disappear in the flames.

 About half-past one o’clock, the wind freshened considerably from the west, communicating the fire by means of burning timber to the Dutch Reformed church, on Fifteenth street, which was entirely demolished.

Officer Van Ranst, of the Eighth precinct, while endeavoring to remove some of the church valuables was crushed by the falling ceiling, and seriously, though it is supposed not fatally injured.  He was conveyed to private residence 133 Fifteenth street, and properly cared for.

            ANOTHER ACCOUNT.

The Academy of Music fell a victim to the devouring element about twelve o’clock last night, together with the Medical College and the extensive piano factory of Ihne & Son, corner of Fourteenth street and Third avenue, and several dwellings on Third avenue. About a quarter before twelve fire was discovered in the basement in the front portion of the building, when the police immediately gave the alarm to Hook and Ladder Company No. 3, lying in West Thirteenth street, and the alarm signal No. 43 immediately sounded. On the arrival of the above company the whole lower portion of the front part was enveloped in flames. An attempt was made to prevent its extending up the stairway, but owing to a large quantity of combustible material being stored in one of the lower rooms it could not be arrested, and the flames soon drove the firemen. In the meantime several streams were brought to bear on the rear portion of the building, but it was but a few moments when it was found impossible to save the building. Quite a large number of firemen were in the building, together with several civilians, who were engaged in carrying out the wardrobes and other articles that could be conveyed by hand. All of a sudden a dense mass of flames shot up in the front portion, cutting off all escape of those within the building by the front way, and drove those in front out into the street. Several succeeded in making to the rear of the building, but here some of them were cut off by smoke, and suffocated. Among the number known missing at present is the Foreman of Engine Company No. 5, David Waters, and one of the members, named Welsh. There is not a shadow of doubt but that five or six lives have been lost.

In the short space of thirty minutes the whole building was a massive sheet of flames, illuminating the city and vicinity for miles. A strong northwest wind blowing at the time, the fire soon communicated to the Medical College adjoining, on East Fourteenth street, which was also soon in flames. Chief Engineer Kingsland, finding that his force was inadequate to arrest its progress, caused a second alarm to be rung, which soon brought an extra force of engines. By one o’clock the fire had communicated to the large piano manufactory of Ihne & Sons, on the corner of Third avenue and Fourteenth street. This building was fast being destroyed as our reporter left the scene. The first floor on the corner was occupied as a ladies’ and gentlemen’s dining saloon.

The fire also extended to Nos. 122 and 124 Third avenue, a one story building, occupied by Charles Kreits as a lager beer saloon, and Edward Hunt as a pork store. No. 126 was also in flames; the building was occupied by J. H. Green on the first floor, as an upholsterer, and the upper portion by several families. The buildings at No. 128 and No. 130 were also on fire, and the flames finally crossed Third avenue to the piano factory on the northeast corner of Fourteenth street and to the buildings adjoining.

On the south side of East Fourteenth street the firemen turned their attention to saving the building, among them Grace chapel and the New York Circus, which at two o’clock seemed out of danger.

Great fear was entertained for the Manhattan Gas Company’s house, on the corner of Irving place and Fifteenth street, and the dwellings on Fifteenth street. At half-past one o”clock the interior of the Academy had been totally destroyed, but the walls had not fell in. It is presumed that should they fall they will crush in the roofs of the buildings on Fifteenth street. The building No. 6 Irving place, occupied by John Ling, as a restaurant, took fire at one o’clock, and was also consumed.

 The police, of which there was a large force on hand, devoted considerable attention to saving the property of the neighborhood. The whole property of the Circus company was got out and conveyed up to Union square. All the furniture in Grace chapel was also got out. A fireman named John Decnin, of Engine Company No. 13, was slightly burned. Most of the contents of the Medical College were also rescued by the Insurance Patrol and firemen.

The firemen worked like good fellows, but it was apparent that their force was not sufficient. Engineer Kingsland and his assistants, Bates, Orr, Sullivan, Mackey and others were on hand, and did all in their power to arrest the progress of the flames.

About two o’clock a third alarm was sounded for the firemen at signal No. 146, when several companies upon their arrival at the corner of Canal street and Broadway were dispatched to the scene. Several companies from the Brooklyn Fire Department came over, among them one or two hose carriages.

Irving Hall, on the southwest corner of Irving place and Fifteenth street, was saved, mowing to several streams being kept on the building.”

“Mr. Grau’s company last night had the unpleasant distinction of occupying the Academy for the last time.  When a new Academy will be erected depends on the enterprise and public spirit of our citizens. We have little doubt that a new edifice equal in accommodations, superior in design, and less liable to destruction by fire, will replace the old Academy in time for the winter season.”

“Was waked at half past one this morning to be told of a great fire B even the Academy of Music.  Up forthwith, dressed, and trotted down Irving Place.  Found the Academy gutted but still blazing and all of the north Side of Fourteenth St. from Irving Place to 3rd Ave. (including the Medical College) in ruins.”

[detailed article on the fire and its aftermath]

        “Full Account of the Great Conflagration.

        Its Origin, Discovery, Progress and Limits.

        Estimated Loss Two Millions of Dollars.

    Four Firemen Supposed to Have Perished in the Ruins.            

              TWO BODIES RECOVERED.

                 CASUALTIES, SCENES AND INCIDENTS.

          HISTORY OF THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC.

The flames that burst forth in lurid splendor from within the Academy of Music on Monday died away yesterday at dawn, after destroying two human lives and consuming much valuable property.  From Irving place to Third avenue, from Fourteenth to Fifteenth streets, the fire king for a time held sway, finally retreating and leaving as a memento of his stay charred and crumbling walls where once rose massive edifices of iron and stone.  Spite of the chilly breeze that drove the devouring element from house roof to house roof in search of a fitting food—spite of the fiery breath that ever and anon scorched the faces of the brave workers—spite of the omnipresence of death masked behind tottering structures, or veiled by sheets of flame, the undaunted firemen worked unceasingly until, at peril, or rather at sacrifice, of life and limb, and though hindered by lack of mechanical assistance, the flames were mastered and dwellings and lives unnumbered saved. . . .

             THE STORY OF AN EYE WITNESS.

The curtain had scarcely fallen upon the last act of La Juive on Monday night, the audience had just departed, and the artists had only left their dressing rooms, when the alarm of fire was given in the Academy of Music. . . . The fact that the conflagration commenced in three different places at the same time suggests the suspicion that the fire was not accidental. . . . By a desperate effort a portion of the music and a few instruments in the orchestra were saved by a fireman . . . A small portion of the wardrobe was got out of the stage entrance with great difficulty, but the large part of it was destroyed, some of the property of the lessee and some belonging to Mr. Grau, whose company was playing for the second night of the season at the Academy, and, as the fates had willed it, for the last time. Grau’s property was uninsured. He lost considerably in the value of his wardrobe and the score [sic] of several operas. The artists also lost more or less of their private property. All the stage jewels of Madame Noel Guidi were destroyed. . . . [description of the rapidity of the fire’s spread within the Academy and to other buildings].

        ORIGIN AND DISCOVERY OF THE FIRE.

It has been pretty clearly proven that the fire broke out among a quantity of empty boxes in the basement, on the north side of the stage, directly under the first tier and adjoining the rubbish room.  When and by whom the flame was kindled is still a mystery.  The boxes were such as are used by operatic troupes to carry their wardrobes when traveling, and were about twenty or twenty-five in number.  Soon after the closing of the house and the extinguishing of the lights Eugene Pelletier, the wardrobe keeper, proceeded, as usual, to look under the seats with a lantern.  As he returned from his tour of inspection towards the stage he met Mr. Graham, the assistant gas man, who asked him ‘what he was raising such a dust for?’  Mr. Pelletier replied that he was doing nothing of the kind, and had no sooner made the remark when Mr. Graham exclaimed that he smelt smoke. The two men instantly ran to see whence it proceeded and on going below found the whole place in flames. Mr. Pelletier at once ran out into the street and gave the alarm, while Graham got the small hose at work. . .

[Other sections, with a diagram of the buildings affected by the fire]

ENTERING THE BUILDING. ESCAPE OF THE JANITOR’S FAMILY. FIRST EFFORTS. PROGRESS OF THE FIRE. THE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL COLLEGE. PREPARATIONS FOR THE FUTURE. FOUNDATION AND GROWTH OF THE COLLEGE. IN SEARCH OF THE DEAD. PETER H. WALSH. DAVID B. WATERS. THE DECEASED FIREMEN. CASUALTIES.

                     THE LOSSES.

The following is a partial list of the losses consequent on the conflagration:—

Academy of Music—Loss on building, $120,000. [with a list of insurers]

    Loss on scenery, wardrobes and properties, $90,000; partly insured.

        MR. GRAU THE GREATEST SUFFERER.

The heaviest loser is Mr. J. Grau, who had conveyed to the Academy, immediately upon his arrival from Havana, his entire wardrobe and properties, as also some music. He was not insured. His actual loss is likely to exceed $40,000, and the property destroyed could not be replaced for $60,000.

[Other sections]

OTHER LOSSES. INHE AND SON’S PIANOFORTE FACTORY. [including other businesses and residences] DEFERRED PERFORMANCES. GRAU’S ITALIAN OPERA

        HISTORY OF THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC.

The ruined building, completed in the fall of 1854, in accordance with the plans and under the direction of Mr. Alexander Saeltzer, the architect who has just built the new French theatre, was inaugurated October 2, 1854 by the representation of Bellini’s Norma.  Grisi and Mario sustained the leading parts, assisted by Signorina Donovanni and Signor Susini.  The great success which had attended Grisi and Mario in every part of the world where their names were known bespoke a brilliant opening for the new house.  But twelve years ago the general public seemed to take little interest in operatic performances, and by some fault or other is carrying out the designs of the architect the house, which was intended to seat four thousand five hundred persons, could scarcely comfortably accommodate and seat one half that number.  The party of gentlemen who advanced the means to erect the building also stipulated that two hundred choice seats for every performance during the whole year should become, not only a lifelong and reversionary privilege, but one transferable to any part or portion of their family, to their friends and to the acquaintances of their friends, a point which has been strictly adhered to up to the present time.

On October 2, 1854, Mr. Hackett being the manager of the Academy of Music, the audience amounted to about one thousand persons.  The first and second tiers were nearly empty.  The inauguration proved a failure, and the subsequent performances were marked by similar features for a considerable time. . . .

Taking the Herald’s advice, Mr. Hackett lowered his prices of admission, but the two hundred privileged seat holders stood in the way, and have stood in the way ever since.  It was given out as a sign of the times, that the Mario and Grisi troupe played some forty nights under the management of Messrs. N.H. Payne and Hackett, and the management lost money.  Ole Bull in his speculative attempt at management lost money.  The Committee of Management ‘with crowded houses’ lost money—it was said about $28,000.  The Lagrange operatic company, or their proprietors and managers, during a very short season, were said to have lost about $12,000.  The operations of about seven months’ management produced this eloquent result; and, as it was uphill work for those who succeeded, it would be tedious to follow them in their adventurous task.

The work of rebuilding the Academy will probably be commenced within the next two or three weeks, and it is expected that a new and more imposing building will rise from under the present ruins within less than six months.  It is thought that the amount required for rebuilding the edifice will not fall short of $400,000.  The future stockholders and managers, however, will have to submit to the exigencies of the times with regard to public opinion and public patronage, without which the greatest enterprises of the day would prove a failure.  It will be necessary to consult the expectations of the educated classes, the refined taste of an intelligent people keenly alive to the rights of every citizen at the banquet of national progress.  What is wanted now is not a temple of music for a select few who can pay the highest prices and secure the greatest comfort but a national institution where the greatest perfection in art will delight and refine the greatest number of our fellow citizens.”

     “TOTAL DESTRUCTION OF THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC.

 The University Medical College, two Piano Factories and other Buildings Destroyed and Damaged.

         St. James Lutheran Church Destroyed.

         TOTAL LOSS ABOUT $1,000,000.    

        $150,000 in Wardrobes and Scenery Destroyed.

         THE FIRE CROSSES THIRD AVENUE.  

            The Whole City Illuminated.

 Two Firemen Burned to Death, and Others Seriously Injured—The Bodies of the Men Recovered.

     LIST OF LOSSES AND INSURANCES.,” another very lengthy account.

A “card” from Grau concerning losses in the fire, “To prevent any misapprehension from the various correct and incorrect reports which have been published respecting my losses and insurance in connection with the fire at the Academy of Music, permit me to make a statement.  My wardrobe was contained in 48 large boxes, and was taken to the Academy of Music from the steamer Eagle, by which my company and self arrived from Havana. It had been made since 1858, and every season it was largely increased, on account of my extensive repertoire.  Portions of it had been purchased in London and Paris, so that it has been constantly growing in importance and value. Such a wardrobe, at the present prices of materials and the high price of labor, could not be made up, after many, many months of labor and the employment of about 50 persons daily, for $50,000. Contrary to my usual caution, I had neglected to insure any part of it, and I have not a single article left of the collection of years. Of my music, nine operas only were destroyed—those that had been and were to be represented during the recent brief season. The remainder of my music, comprising about 40 operas, I am happy to say, was not taken to the Academy and was saved in my storeroom.
    
To the many distinguished gentlemen and influential friends who have expressed to me their sympathy, and who have proffered their assistance in case I require it, I beg to return my sincere and grateful thanks.  With patience and perseverance, I trust to be able to surmount this misfortune, and I shall soon depart for Europe to accompany Madame Ristori, her suite and company to this country to complete my arrangements for the next operatic season for New-York and Havana, and also to perfect the directions which I have sent out to day to my agents in Milan and Paris, to order and purchase a new and splendid wardrobe for my next season.”

“Card” from Max Maretzek. “This establishment has been burned to the ground, but as I have no intention of soliciting pity or charity, and am incapable of using such a horrible catastrophe (which deprived several persons of their lives, and hundreds of the means of supporting their families) as a favorable opportunity to advertise my business, I will abstain from commenting on my present losses, and from heralding my future movements.

However, in order to allay any apprehensions on the part of artists, orchestral players, choruses, and other employees, I deem it consistent to declare that all engagements made for the next Fall and Winter seasons remain in full force, and that operations will commence early in October next.”

The destruction of the Academy of Music is discussed. No new information.

“The past week was one of unusual excitement in the world of art. It opened sadly with the destruction of the Academy of Music, a building which had survived the errors of its youth, and had reached a happy and prosperous maturity. The gloom which was occasioned by this calamity was not in any way disturbed by the malicious giggling of a single paper, but it was partly removed when it was understood that the directors would positively rebuild the structure. May their intentions be speedily and prosperously consummated. By the 1st of November the bright and cheerful halls of the Academy will again resound to melodious strains. On this point there is no doubt, and here we have one consolation. Another was certainly afforded in the laying of the foundation stone of Steinway's new music hall on Saturday last, an event which although anticipated, came aptly after the fire, and rounded off the week with buoyant thoughts of the future. It is no slight undertaking to build a music hall. The rewards of such an enterprise are by no means tempting. Messrs. Steinway & Sons, representing, as they do, the largest ari-manufacturing [sic] firm in the world, have been moved by other than financial motives. They desired to furnish New-York with a hall of such dimensions that the greatest orchestral and choral works could be performed therein successfully. We can readily understand that the capital involved in such an undertaking exceeds the probability of a pecuniary return. The Messrs. Steinway do not expect even to receive the interest on their money. What they do they do frankly and freely for art. In a few years we shall feel the influence of this liberal and beneficial policy.  We have long needed a better style of concert music, but it was impossible to expect it while we lacked a suitable hall. Now that the entrepreneur knows that he can accommodate nearly three thousand persons he will not fear to augment his forces. Thus Mr. Bateman intends opening the hall with a grand orchestra, a full chorus and a double staff of singers, headed by Parepa. Other managers will follow in the same style, and the public ear, instead of being satisfied with an Italian cabaletta, will demand a fuller and more artistic gratification. The ceremonies on Saturday were of the usual kind. Our good-looking Mayor officiated with that modest and gentlemanly reserve which characterizes his every act. At the earliest moment he slipped out by the back door. The majority of those present did not exhibit the same precipitation.  They returned to the piano-rooms, where a collation awaited them. We have rarely seen a more brilliant representation of the arts, of letters and of science. Politics, too, were represented in the persons of Hon. Luke Cozzens and Senator Ives. Both gentlemen favored the company with speeches. Subsequently there was an impromptu concert, at which Mr. Steins, Mr. Campbell, Mr. S. B. Mills, Mr. Robert Heller, M. A. H. Pease, Mr. Robert Goldbeck ad [sic] others took part. The tact and bonhommie of Mr. William Steinway were alike inexhaustible, and contributed very materially to the pleasure of the occasion. The new hall—let us add in conclusion—will be finished by the 1st of October. The organ of St. Thomas’ Church has been purchased, and will be used temporarily until the great organ is finished.”

“New Opera Houses.—The corner-stone of the new Music Hall, or Opera House, about to be built by Steinway & Sons, in 14th street, near Irving Place, was laid on Saturday, by Mayor Hoffman, in presence of a large audience. The Hall will be 75 feet wide and 43 feet high, and the building will have entrances on 14th and 15th streets. . . . The inauguration of a new Opera House on 14th street, near 6th avenue, also took place on Saturday evening.”