While researching the January 28, 1922, Knickerbocker Theater Disaster, I located a death certificate and some newspaper reports about Reginald Wycliffe Geare, theater architect. Mr. Geare was a well-known, young, architect in Washington, DC in the early part of the 1900s. He designed several luxurious movie theaters during the silent movie era, as well as many opulent homes for wealthy, affluent members of Washington, DC, society.

Reginald W. Geare was cleared of any blame for the disaster, but he never recovered, and committed suicide in 1927.

The death certificate indicates that Reginald W. Geare was the son of Randolph Geare (of England) and Mary J. Cooper (of Kentucky). He was married to Dorothy Smallwood and was residing at 3047 Porter Street, NW, Washington, DC, at the time of his death. The cause of death was suicide by inhalation of illuminating gas.

If anyone is interested in the death certificate, please contact me.

I am writing a report about the Knickerbocker Theater and would appreciate any information about Reginald W. Geare, his family, and his career. I'd like to include as much information and photographs as I can. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks.

Debbie K. Chambers
e-mail: ChambersDK@state.gov or chambersdk@yahoo.com