Ashland Weekly Tidings

CHAUTAUQUA BUILDING SAFE SAYS ARCHITECT

Some apprehension has been felt that the Chautauqua building might collapse, because of its unsubstantial appearance and the fact that a leak has developed in the roof. C. O. Smith, the architect, who designed and constructed the edifice, explains that the leak is caused by the stage addition having pulled away from the main dome, leaving a small crack at one place. The slight defect was made possible by the cylindrical nature of the construction of a small portion of the roof to the stage addition. Means of closing this crack have been advised and recommended by Mr. Smith.

"There is absolutely no danger of the main dome giving away," asserts Mr. Smith. "The construction, while thin and unsupported, is of such a nature that it cannot sag or collapse. Wooden strips, less than one inch square, were used instead of sheeting, and these strips were not only nailed to the rafters, but nailed together, a nail being driven about every nine inches. This makes the roof one solid shell, which cannot sag or give in any direction.

"The fact that the Chautauqua building has stood firm for a half-dozen years and that the immense dome upheld the heavy snowfall of two years ago, should constitute a sufficient evidence that the structure is strongly and substantially built able to withstand the stress of time and storm. There are some slight defects in the roof construction, but these are immaterial and due solely to the fact that on one day nearly 200 unskilled workmen were employed, being public-spirited citizens who donated their services, but who volunteered in such great numbers that it was found impossible properly to supervise all their work."