Iroquois Theatre Fire of 1903

I've just started reading Nat Brandt's 2003 book, Chicago Death Trap: The Iroquois Theatre Fire of 1903. Over the years, I've heard a bit about this fire, usually on its anniversary, but thought I'd get more information. I understand that there's also a book out called Tinder Box, which I will read eventually, too.

I'm not too far into this yet but it's interesting and has a lively writing style. I never knew that the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre sits on the site of the old Iroquois Theatre (Randolph, near State). I'm going to see A Chorus Line there in April and will have to check it out for any commemorative information.

One thing struck me initially. Back then, they allowed standees. Now I've been to dozens and dozens of Chicago shows but cannot ever recall standing room in any indoor shows or other events. Baseball games, yes, but shows, no. When I went to the Met in New York, there were standees.

Besides reading about the story of the fire, I will be curious to see how the laws etc changed here as a result of this fire.

I like the way Chicago Death Trap cites paragraphs from the Chicago fire code (as it existed in 1903) at the beginning of each chapter. The saddest thing about these big fires is that you see the same old problems over and over. Not enough exits for the proposed occupancy, and some of them swing inward. Packing in way more people than the occupancy permit would alllow (your standees). Using combustible interior finish materials where the code clearly requires noncombusitible. And, of course, locking most of the emergency exits to prevent anyone from sneaking in without a ticket.

You can download NFPA's technical investigation reports on quite a few fires in "places of assembly" here (the Iroquois fire is at the bottom of the list).

Edited to reference the correct book; I have several titles on the Iroquois fire.

>1 lindapanzo: It is a great book, Linda. I envy you that you'll get to visit the site of possible memorials.

>2 oregonobsessionz: The info at NFPA looks very interesting. Thanks for the link. Like Linda, I know that laws and regulations have changed in the aftermaths of these disasters, but have been curious to know details. The NFPA site will be a great source for that.

I've got to go to your library and see the other books you have on the Iroquois. I've only got the one Linda is reading and The Tinder Box; The Iroquois Theatre Disaster 1903.