CAPITAL CITY PARALYZED BY SNOWSTORM; DETAILS OF KNICKERBOCKER ROOF COLLAPSE
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) By late evening Sunday, January 29, 1922, the Nation's Capital was covered with 26 inches of snow "paralyzing activities of all kinds" and virtually isolating Washington, D.C. "from the outside world."
The only links still available were telephone and telegraph service. The Sunday Star reports that it had been the worst snowstorm to hit the area since 1899.
The Star also gave details about last night's tragedy involving the collapse of the snow-covered roof of the Knickerbocker Theatre. The newspaper reports that the incident occurred as the orchestra was playing during an intermission required for the changing of movie reels.
The Star says...
"...a hiss--a terrific crash--the rattle....of falling timber, stone, steel and plaster. A woman screamed. Beneath tons of steel and masonry, scores of men, women and children were buried."
The headline stated that "40 or more" had perished. That number would eventually grow to 98 with 133 injured. The capacity of the theater was 1700, but it is not known just how many patrons were inside at the time of the roof collapse.
SOURCES
"40 or More Killed And Scores Injured When Knickerbocker Theatre Caves In," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., January 29, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"Storm Goes Seaward; Leaves Traffic Tie-Up And 26 Inches Of Snow," The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., January 29, 1922, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
