Idaho Semi Weekly World

Coliseum Crushed.

Bellevue Chronicle.

About noon Wednesday a loud crash brought the people along Main street to their doors to divine its cause.

A glance only was required to explain the source of the noise; the Coliseum Theater, corner Oak and Main streets, had gone down under the heavy weight of snow which had fallen on its roof during the past twenty-four hours. At the time there were only about twelve inches on the roof, but the rains of the preceding night and morning had so charged it with water and increased its weight that rafters could no longer bear it. It was a one-story building 30x78 feet and contained large and convenient stage boxes, scenery, etc., all of which is a complete wreck.

The Coliseum was the property of M. Alexander, who still owns the ground. It is a valuable corner, Mr. Alexander at one time having refused an offer of $4,500 for the bare ground, and he seriously contemplates erecting a large two-story brick or wooden building as soon as the weather will permit. If this is carried out, a large wholesale grocery house will probably occupy the lower story.

Fortunately the Bellevue Hook & Ladder Co.'s quarters, recently erected in the rear of the Coliseum, were but little damaged and all of their equipments are still in splendid condition.