Fire destroys Matter's Ballroom
Date 3/13/2003 12:00 AM | Topic: NewsEarly on the morning of Sunday, March 9, Matter's Ballroom, located on Locust Road just east of Decorah, was destroyed by fire.
Reports of smoke coming from the building were called in to the Decorah Fire Department shortly after 6:00 a.m. Sunday morning. Decorah firefighters arrived on the scene at 6:22. Heavy smoke and fire was reported as the first engine arrived.
Firefighters initially attacked the blaze from inside the building but were eventually forced out as the fire grew in intensity. Firefighters worked to put out the blaze from the outside and remained on the scene until 5 p.m. The building and its contents were completely destroyed by the fire.
No injuries were reported. The Iowa State Fire Marshall began an investigation on Tuesday, March 11, which has not yet revealed an exact cause of the fire. It is believed the fire started on the east end of the structure and spread rapidly to involve the entire building. Additional investigation work will be done when the roof material is removed.
The ballroom suffered a minor fire in 2000, but firefighters were able to save the building, which was damaged mostly by smoke and water.
The building that eventually became Matter's Ballroom was built by orchard owner John Matter in 1914. Matter built a 32x80 foot fruit cellar, with a building on top that was used for packing and crating fruit for shipment. In 1916, Matter modified the building and the first community dance was held there in September of that year.
Throughout the 1930s and 40s, bands such as Hal Leonard, Don Strickland and Lawrence Welk and His Orchestra dominated the stage. In the 1950s, country and western and rock 'n roll were introdruced. Names like Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, The Four Seasons, Tony Orlando, Johnny Cash, performers from the Grand Ole Opry and 80 other national acts graced the stage that was used up until the fire.
Recently, the ballroom was used for wedding receptions, banquets, the firemens' ball and various events hosted by student groups from Luther.
Anyone having information regarding the fire should contact the Decorah Fire Department at 563-382-3472.
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Chris Burton
News Editor
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