Grand Theater

kencmcintyre on November 11, 2008 at 10:35 pm

Here is an article from the Cedar Rapids Gazette dated 11/30/53:

DES MOINES (AP)â€"Damage estimated at more than $80,000 resulted from a fire which gutted the Grand theater at East Sixth and Grand here Monday. Ten fire companies were called to fight the blaze which apparently started in the basement of the theater. No one was in the theater and occupants of apartments above the theater and an adjoining building escaped without injury. Fire Chief Charles Slade made a preliminary estimate of $75,000 to the theater itself. The operator of a cleaner’s shop in the theater building said damage there would approximate $8,000. Firemen fought the blaze for nearly two hours before seeing any flame. Most of the theater’s first floor dropped into the basement.