Firefighters from Rivesville, Fairview, Grant Town, Baxter, Barrickville, Star City, Valley and Monongah worked Thursday evening to put out the fire at the 83-year-old historical landmark.
Star City Fire Chief Jason Quinn, who was on scene, stood in front of the building and watched as firefighters struggled to meet the demand for water.
Fire hydrants on city streets were overwhelmed, Quinn said. Pumps were attached to hoses dropped into the nearby Monongahela River to provide additional water.
Fire authorities weren't immediately sure what started the fire, which is being investigated by the state fire marshal's office.
The theater, according to Tom Koon, a Marion County Historical Society historian, was not operational.
Eddie Mahalic, 37, who lives a few doors down from the old theater, said he watched the back roof of the building collapse just after 6 p.m.
``It just caved in,'' he said. ``It imploded both sides.''
Some firefighters were treated for overheating by EMS workers, but no one was seriously injured in the blaze.
Watson residents Ralph and Nick Raspa, whose father Frank Raspa built and owned the theater in 1921, stood outside the flaming building and watched the structure burn.
``They used to have all sorts of family events there, like movies, boxing, stage shows and even dance contests,'' said Nick Raspa, 76.
Ralph Raspa, 77, said he remembered when the first movie was shown in 1922.
``It was 'Wet Gold,''' he said. ``What a shame'' to see it burn.
Information from: The Dominion Post
