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Photograph

Stage of the Orpheum Theatre, circa 1920

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Seattle residents were understandably worried about fire. The owners of the Orpheum Theater, which opened in 1911, assured their audiences that the new theater "is as near to being ABSOLUTELY FIREPROOF as modern science could make it." Only the scenery might be combustible, but the audience was protected from a stage fire by a fireproof asbestos curtain.

This photo taken around 1920, shows the Orpheum Theatre's elegant ceiling, boxes, and stage area. The fireproof curtain is labeled ASBESTOS in big letters.

Photographer's Reference Number: 96060
ID Number: 1983.10.2513.4
Date: Circa 1920
Creator(s): Webster & Stevens, Photographer
Physical Description: 1 negative : nitrate, b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Credit: MOHAI, PEMCO Webster & Stevens Collection, 1983.10.2513.4
Copyright: No Known Copyright