PATERSON, N. J., Nov. 2.--The Opera House, on Main Street, was destroyed by fire which started at 3 o'clock this morning in the boiler room. A high wind was blowing, and the firemen had great difficulty in saving adjoining property. At one time it looked as if the whole block would be destroyed. After the fire had been blazing a half hour a portion of the south wall fell and crushed in part of the roof of an adjoining building occupied by Joseph Donahue as a saloon and billiard room. The men of two of the engine companies had narrow escapes.
    The Opera House was a three-story brick structure, 60 feet front and 200 deep. It was built in 1865, and was owned by a stock company. John J. Goetachius was manager.
    The flames spread rapidly, and a photographer named Wynkoop, with his wife and two children, who occupied apartments in the third story of the building, escaped in their nightclothes.
    The "Rright Man" company occupied the Opera House, and the members of the company lost all their effects used in the play. The loss on the building and contents will probably reach $65,000, on which there was an insurance of $32,000, in different companies. Donahue's loss is about $5,000, partly covered by insurance.

Source:

Unknown, "Paterson Opera House Burned. Firemen Narrowly Escape from Falling Walls," The New York Times, New York, Saturday, 3 November 1900, p. 1.