Demolition begins on 19th century Pa. theater

BELLEFONTE, Pa. (AP) — Demolition work has begun on a fire-damaged 19th century theater in central Pennsylvania and the old hotel next to it.

WJAC-TV reports demolition began Thursday on the historic Garman Theatre and Hotel Do De in Bellefonte.

A judge earlier this month denied a request by the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association to hold off the demolition.

The theater was built in 1890 and over the years hosted acts such as Harry Houdini, George Burns and Gracie Allen. It was in foreclosure and vacant and had been closed for four years when it was damaged by the fire that destroyed the hotel last year.

The demolition is expected to take up to four weeks.