Memories of Clarick Theater Fire
By Phylis Badgley
Elwin
Anderson's article March 9, 1995 regarding the Clarick fire evoked a
few memories of my own, about Baker's theaters.
Yes, the 1937 Clarick fire drew many students (including me) away
from classes.
Townspeople and students crowded the street to watch the spectacular
fire. The picture you printed showed a large number of men wearing
felt hats, the "baseball cap" craze would become popular much later.
My Dad, C.H. "Red" May owned Red's Delivery on Resort Street
directly across from the Clarick. One of his employees called in the
alarm after observing smoke seeping from the building. General
opinion thought the fire started in the upholstery loges, perhaps
from a cigarette that smoldered there. I do not know the facts.
As the Clarick became engulfed, my Dad feared his wooden building
might also burn. The heat was so intense that it popped the putty
from the windows of Red's Delivery. Dad used a garden hose from Dr.
Ragle's home next door-to spray water on the front of the building.
I recall during the fire when the east wall of the Clarick fell,
with a giant crash! Bricks scattered onto Resort Street and flames
shot high into the air when a transformer exploded.
An exceptional instrument was lost in the fire. That was a huge
three keyboard organ that Mrs. Buckmiller played. It had been
situated in the orchestra pit immediately in front of the stage. The
Clarick stage was used for many events, including Baker High
graduation ceremonies. When seating space overflowed on the ground
floor, spectators found themselves directed to the second and third
balconies. The third one was dubbed "nigger heaven," a term
unacceptable in today's world.
The Orpheum was located mid-town in the 1800 block on Main Street
(where BJ's Apparel is now.) Many people drank good cold water from
a fountain in front of the Orpheum. Water flowed continuously from a
rock fashioned pedestal. A similar fountain was mounted in front of
the Geiser Grand Hotel, and another at the old post office square.
The Orpheum sponsored a promotion call "Pal Night"; with one paid
ticket, a second person got in free. "Bank Night" was also popular,
each person in the crowd hoping to hold the winning ticket for cash
giveaway.
Remember the Polka Dot? This snack bar squeezed compactly into a
small portion of the Orpheum building. Commodities sold were Coca
Cola and ice cream. Show house admission prices were .10 for kids
under twelve, .35 for adults.
Harrison's Baker's Bakery, two doors north, offered a good selection
of penny candy. A couple of jawbreakers were a .02 cent investment,
and would last well past the newsreel.
Tunnels Beneath
It's documented that years ago underground tunnels were located in
the downtown area. Sometime in the late 1930s, local law officers
"routed out" some youthful gang members who had their headquarters
beneath the Orpheum theater.
Remember the Shopping Guide? This was a complimentary four page
paper printed every Friday telling of theater offerings, giving
synopsis of coming shows, and carried merchants' ads. A special
weekly column called "Farmer Brown Sez" was written by attorney Lott
Brown. He spelled each word just as it sounds and give his opinion
on numerous subjects. He gently needled some local city fathers who
agreed to disagree with him on community issues.
The Empire theater in the 2000 Block on Main Street (Stockmen's)
presented a quantity of cowboy shows. The serials led viewers to the
most exciting portion of the episode, then a message flashed across
the screen "Continued Next Week!"
I'm reminded of a business operated by "Pop" Givens, who had a
portable popcorn wagon. He parked it at Main and Court streets-paralled
to the Neuberger and Heilner building. This was a familiar sight at
that location for years
Theater goers seem convinced that all movies are enhanced when
munchable popcorn is available.
