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Website with 691+ pages devoted to 1903 Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago

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Iroquois Theater stone bust by Joseph Dux

The 3' x 4' bust of an Iroquois Indian chief (above) that graced the front of the Iroquois Theater was produced by an architectural sculpturing firm in Chicago, Beil and Mauch, who contracted with Chicago sculptor Joseph Dux (pronounced "dukes") for the stone carving. Dux carvings appeared in numerous architectural projects in the Midwest, including the Fort Wayne Allen County Courthouse, Madison Wisconsin Historical Society Library, Chicago Athletic Club, Chicago LaSalle Hotel, University of Illinois Stadium, Ogden Armour, and Edith Rockefeller McCormick homes.
A Philadelphia native, Joseph Dux (1856–1931) was married to Mathilda Blanche Best Dux. The pair had four children, one of whom, Arlene, married Dr. Charles Reign Scoville, a prominent Evangelist minister.

Laughing woman bust replacement at Iroquois Theater

In August 1904, seven months after the Iroquois fire, the new owners of the theater replaced the bust on the front of the theater with what was called a "laughing woman." The Iroquois name was covered over with a large "Vaudeville Theater" sign. In 1909 a human being promoting George M. Cohan's Yankee Prince was in her place. It isn't known when she was removed from her platform or if she was returned after 1909.

St. John Lewis scenic theater curtain painter

Painted stage curtains in early 1900s

Theater syndicate had big plans for Chicago corner

Other discussions you might find interesting

irqconstruction

Story 1073


A note about sourcing.  When this project began, I failed to anticipate the day might come when a more scholarly approach would be called for.  When my mistake was recognized I faced a decision: go back and spend years creating source lists for every page, or go forward and try to cover more of the people and circumstances involved in the disaster.  Were I twenty years younger, I'd have gone back, but in recognition that this project will end when I do, I chose to go forward.  These pages will provide enough information, it is hoped, to provide subsequent researchers with additional information.


I would like to hear from you if you have additional info about an Iroquois victim, or find an error, and you're invited to visit the comments page to share stories and observations about the Iroquois Theater fire.


Judy Cooke 2024 All rights reserved ©