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1929 Detroit Study nightclub fire...
1929 Detroit Study nightclub fire...
Item # 690510
September 20, 1929
CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE, September 20, 1929
* The Study club fire (same day report)
* Detroit, Michigan speakeasy disaster
* Illegal prohibition era nightclub
The front page has a five column heading: "17 Perish in Detroit cabaret Fire" with subheads. (see) First report coverage on the prohibition era Detroit, Michigan nightclub fire disaster shortly before the great stock market crash of 1929.
Complete with 50 pages, rag edition, a few light printing flaw creasaes, otherwise in very nice condition.
wikipedia notes: On Friday September 20th a fire occurred at the Study Night Club, a cabaret, located close to East Vernor Highway in Detroit, Michigan. Though the official cause of the fire was not determined, it is assumed that it began in the stairwell (lined with flammable draperies and decorations) leading to the second floor and was caused by a discarded cigarette. The owner of the building believed the fire to be a result of a bomb. The stairwell happened to be the only means of egress for the second floor patrons. Over 20 people were killed in the aftermath with nearly 50 injuries. Despite the stairwell being blocked, some people managed to find their way to the roof of the building where they escaped by jumping off the building. Most people survived this way and suffered only broken bones. Others fled for safety to back dressing rooms in the building and were found at that location after the fire. It was reported by survivors that some patrons believed the fire to be part of the dancing act provided that evening. Most windows were blocked with boards and were inaccessible even to fire fighters. The majority of those who died were in their 30s and most deaths were attributed to suffocation as well as asphyxiation from toxic fumes emitted from the burning debris rather than the actual heat from the flames. Post fire the building interior was completely destroyed while exterior appeared undamaged minus broken windows. The fire escape along the side of the structure apparently was inaccessible and useless to trapped patrons. Some estimates reported losses to be over US$ 35,000.
Category: The 1600's and 1700's
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