The Show Will Go On Thanks to Missouri Fire Fighters

Maplewood Barn before the fire

June 9, 2010 – Columbia, MO Local 1055 fire fighters have dedicated themselves to restoring an historic barn and theatre after it was destroyed by an April fire. Because of their hard work, the Maplewood Barn Community Theatre was able to begin its 2010 season on time.

Until it burned, the Maplewood barn was a 140-year old structure that had been converted into a community theatre in the early 1970s. The barn theatre maintained large community support over the years, so when it burned, support from the community came immediate.

“We were devastated that we were unable to save the barn,” says Local 1055 President Brad Fraizer. “A few of our members were able to solicit donated supplies from some area hardware stores and then used them to rebuild the stage at the barn site so that the theatre could begin its 2010 season as planned.”

Maplewood Barn after the fire

Local 1055 fire fighters are also involved in the process of rebuilding the barn.

“We are working with the area historic society and other community groups to devise a plan to rebuild the barn to look as close to the original as possible,” says Fraizer.

These plans are in the beginning stages, and a timeframe has not been determined.

The cause of the fire remains unknown.