Fire Destroys Historic Building, Longtime Home Of South Jersey Theater Group

WOODBURY, NJ — An intense fire hollowed out a 135-year-old building that was once staged plays and served as a Woodbury theater group's home.

At 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, crews responded to the reported blaze at 433 Glover St. The 3-story building has been vacant in recent years but was once a school and later a local hub for the performing arts.

Members of the Woodbury Fire Department observed heavy flames in the corner of the building when they arrived. Firefighters requested an all-hands response.

Crews attempted to battle the fire from inside, but a 2nd alarm was requested and all members evacuated. The building was already in poor condition because of "years of neglect," according to the Woodbury Fire Department.

The structure collapsed in multiple areas as crews suppressed the fire, which was placed under control by around 5:30 a.m., officials said.

No injuries were reported.

Photos of the aftermath — shared by the Woodbury Fire Department — show a hollowed-out, smoky interior with a massive pile of rubble spilling out a side of the building that was destroyed.

A demolition crew reached the scene to assist with overhaul and investigation efforts. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Gloucester County Fire Marshal's Office, the Woodbury Police Department Detective Bureau and the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office.

Fire companies were released from the scene at 8:25 a.m.

Built in 1889, the facility had served as the West End School's original location. Sketch Club purchased the building in 1951 and converted it into a community theater.

In its heyday, Sketch Club performed one-act plays in the theater. The organization also engaged and educated youth from throughout the region in the performing arts.

The building developed a reputation as a potentially haunted site and garnered interest from paranormal enthusiasts. Over the years, theater members and guests reported strange activity throughout the building, according to New Jersey Haunted Houses.

"Witnesses have seen weird shadows and heard unusual voices; many also report feeling uneasy when they enter the basement," the website says. "Actors in the second floor dressing room say they heard the sounds of a party happening in the adjoining room, but when they went to investigate they found no one to be there and the sounds to stop as soon as the door opened."