Collection of 14 real photo postcards and 2-offset printed photo postcards related to the Boyertown (Rhoads) Opera House fire that occurred on January 13, 1908. The opera house/auditorium was located on the second story of the building and during the evening's performance a kerosene lamp being used for stage lighting was knocked over. The resulting fire in the room containing about 400 person caused the death of 171 of them. Many of the dead were unable to be identified and were buried in a mass grave in Fairview Cemetery, Boyertown, Pennsylvania. By 1909 Pennsylvania legislature passed new laws increasing safety in public venues. The 2-offset postcards were published by J. O'Donnell estate. Collection includes various views including: outdoor views of damaged building, interior views of damage, views of victims, funerals and other responses.