Rutland Herald

From the N. Y. Advertiser

DESTRUCTION OF THE BOWERY THEATRE BY FIRE.

At about a quarter before 5 o'clock yesterday morning a man who was passing along Elizabeth st. discovered a quantity of smoke issuing from the rear of the Bowery Theatre—he proceeded to examine it more closely and almost instantly discovered that the building was on fire—from thence he ran to the front of the building, and along with other persons, who had by that time arrived, gave the requisite alarm to the watchmen and firemen, a great body of whom were very quickly on the spot.

Owing to the very combustible nature of the articles within, and the fitting up of the Theatre, and the exposure of that portion where the fire originated, it became evident from the rapidity with which the flames spread, that there was no chance of saving the building, or its valuable contents from destruction, indeed, the fire raged with such fearful violence, that to stop it, except by the thick brick walls of the building, seemed, and ultimately proved impossible. Great exertions were made to save the wardrobe, scenery, and valuable properties of the Theatre, although we are sorry to add, with but very little success.

The proprietor, Mr. T. Hamblin, in attempting to save some portion of his property, received a severe injury to his left hand, and had a narrow escape with his life. The loss of Mr. H. notwithstanding he was insured to a somewhat considerable amount, will he states, be not less than $75,000, as the whole of the building is destroyed, except the external walls which are still standing. Thus is the second time the Bowery Theatre has been subjected to a similar casualty—the last occasion was about 7 or 8 years ago.