After The Fire
Thousands of people flocked to the theatre ruins on Sunday to see the aftermath of the fire for themselves. They were kept back a safe distance from the walls as the remaining top parts were not looking safe. 1
Monday after Sunday’s fire, The Champaign News-Gazette reported that they were already making plans to rebuild as a community hall as soon as the insurance settlement was finalized. The 23-inches-thick lower walls were not compromised by the fire, so they would be shortened to make a one-story building. There was a basement under the entire building, but a new roof and floor would need to be built. The new hall could accommodate 1,000 diners at a banquet. 2
The Gazette story on Monday reported that J. J. Reynolds said, “All the records that were in the three safes the organization own are safe but numerous others in another part of the building were lost.” He went on to say that “the Klan would have a new temporary home by Tuesday but it will be several days before definite plans can be announced.” 3
The community hall plan was never realized and the burned-out ruins continued to stand for many more months.