Fifty Years On: The Legacy of the 1974 Fire at The Maryland Theatre

HAGERSTOWN, MD News (2/9/2024) – On Thursday the Ballroom of The Maryland Theatre buzzed with memories and reflections as the community came together to commemorate the tragic fire that struck the historic venue on a similar evening exactly fifty years ago.

The event, marking the 1974 fire that threatened the very heart of The Maryland Theatre, aimed to honor the bravery of those who battled the blaze and the resilience of the local community. Among the panelists were individuals deeply intertwined with the events of that fateful night. John Hersh, whose family resided in one of the apartments adjacent to the theatre, shared his firsthand account. Dave Hildebrand, a firefighter who found himself trapped under the falling marquee, recounted the harrowing experience. Kingsley Poole and Ron Horn, both firefighters present at the scene, also lent their perspectives. Ron Bowers moderated the panel discussion.

The fire, which erupted around 1:30 am, engulfed the front section of the theatre, consuming the apartments above and the Box Office. Despite the intense inferno, the historic auditorium miraculously remained untouched, a testament to the efforts of the fire department’s efforts.

Two years following the blaze, the tragic discovery of “Dutch” Reynolds’ body added another layer of sorrow to the tragic fire. While officially attributed to an electrical fault, John Hersh shared a haunting confession he had received regarding Reynolds’ demise.

Dave Hildebrand’s recollection of being pinned under the marquee underscored the chaos and danger faced by firefighters that night. Hindered by limited equipment, the rescue efforts were a testament to their courage and resourcefulness. Reflecting on the advancements in firefighting techniques since then, both Poole and Hildebrand expressed admiration for the current generation of firefighters.

Overall, the event was an informative and eye opening experience. Several period pieces from the First Hose Company’s Museum of Firefighting History were also on display. The curator of the museum encouraged attendees to visit the museum, which is open on Saturdays from 1 to 5 PM.

Story by multiple RFHC contributors.