Wednesday, November 1, 1967
UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
5
Hoch called a fire trap; University, city blamed
By B. J. Wilkins Kansan Staff Reporter
Hoch Auditorium is under attack.
So are the University administration, the Building and Grounds department, the Lawrence Fire Department, and the Kansas State Fire Marshal.
In a letter to the University Daily Kansan, Mrs. Cerf asserted that Hoch fire exits are not adequate in case of emergency and "responsible men have refused to recognize the unlikely as the possible."
Waging the war is Mrs. Raymond Cerf, 1000 Sunset Drive.
She believes Hoch, in case of a fire or any other disaster, would become a deathtrap.
In her view, the fire exits are "perfectly ghastly."
A Lawrence resident for 17 years, Mrs. Cerf noticed the inadequacies because "my father was in the fire insurance business and I became very conscious of exit facilities."
She noticed Hoch's failings at
a Christmas vespers performance in 1965. "I began wondering whether the Christmas trees were fire-proofed," she said, "because the lighted candles presented such dangerous possibilities."
The marshal tried to refer Mrs. Cerf back to Lawrence fire authorities. However, "after a little argument," the marshal sent a representative to Hoch. This investigator, Mrs. Cerf said, said the facilities were, indeed, inadequate.
Mrs. Cerf called KU's Building and Grounds department to bring the matter to their attention. She was referred to the Lawrence Fire department. The fire chief then told her it was "none of my business" and referred her to the Kansas Fire Marshal.
This report does not coincide with the marshal's records. Fire Marshal Art Ramey said, "Our reports show that the building has 25 exit doors and two fire escapes. This is adequate, in our opinion."
Ramey admitted the report
Official Bulletin
TODAY
Kansas St. Teachers' Assoc. Meet-
eat Allen Field House, Kansas
Dugge
Reading and Study Skills Clinic Enrollment. 9:4-30 p.m. 102 Bailey.
Fine Arts Lecture. 1:30 p.m. "Music in the Soviet Union." Harold Schonberg, N.Y. Times, Music Editor. Swarthout Recital Hall.
Carillon Recital. 7 p.m. Albert Gerken.
SNEA-KSTA. 7:30 p.m. Meeting.
Temple Hall.
Classical Film 7 & 9 p.m. "The Last
Mary Queen." France *Dyche Aud-
riquille*.
Sigma Xi Lecture. 7:30 p.m. "Einstein's Gravitational Theory 50 Years Later." Robert H. Dicke, Princeton U. Forum Room, Union.
Senior Recital. 8 p.m. Shirley Willis-Chomas King. Swarthout out-Reilly
University Forum, 8 p.m. "Russia;
50 Years After the Revolution." Harrison Salisbury, ass't. managing editor; Fred M. Hecinger, Harold C. Schonberg, Theodore Suabad, all N.Y. Times, Union Ballroom
Study Break Devotions. 9:30 p.m.
University Lutheran Church.
Kansas St. Teachers' Assoc. Meeting
Allen Field House, Kansas Union.
Reading and Study Skills Clinic Enrollment. 9-4:30 p.m. 102 Bailey.
*University Women's Club.* 1 p.m.
*The Round.* Watkins Room, Union.
SUA Poetry Hour. 4:30 p.m. Edward Griter, Music Room, Kansas Union. Sigma Psi. 7:30 p.m. 305B, Kansas Union.
Homecoming Queen Finalists Interviewed. 8 p.m. KUOK campus radio. University Theatre. 8:20 p.m.
"Gynsy."
College Life. 9 p.m. "Where is Love?" Schrader, Schrader, Tau Kappa Epsilon House.
Owens FLORIST SHOP
VI 3-6111
LAWRENCE
9th & Indiana
showed two exits unidentified and two doors that do not open properly. These failings were reported to the University, but the marshal does not know whether the recommendations have been carried out.
The University "authority" involved did not appreciate Mrs. Cerf's observations.
"If I didn't think the building was safe, I wouldn't be there during the shows," said Harry M. Buchholz, superintendent of Buildings and Grounds.
He did not say whether he has ever attended any Hoch presentations and refused to comment further on Mrs. Cerf's charges.
The capacity of Hoch Auditorium, which has been used since 1927, is "around 3,700", according to the Chancellor's office.
If you see news happening— call UN 4-3646
Attention!
All Student Council Elections November 15-16,1967
Unaffiliated and Party Petitions available in Dean of Men's office, 228 Strong, due Nov. 6 by 5:00. To be elected: ASC Living District Representatives and Freshman Class Officers.
Questions Call:
Rosie Burns VI 2-0379
Guy Davis
Co-Chairman—Elections Committee
TONIGHT Wed., Nov. 1
GIRLS' NIGHT OUT!
All Ladies Admitted Free
★ Free Pitcher for Every Four Stag Girls
- In Person—Kraft Music Haul
Red Dog Kill the Cats Party
★ Back the team Tonight
at the RED DOG INN
Friday, Nov. 3—Sophomore Class Party
Saturday, Nov. 4--After Game Party "Victory Celebration" 8 p.m. Sounds of Gentleman J and the Goodtimes
Wednesday, Nov. 8 THE OUTSIDERS "Time Won't Let Me"
All Outsiders Records at Kief's