John M. Trimble

John Montague Trimble (1815–1867), known professionally as John M. Trimble, was an American builder and theater architect responsible for many prominent theaters in New York, such as Palmo's Opera House, as well as theaters in Buffalo, Richmond, Charleston, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Albany.

H. P. Phelps writes:

Mr. John Montague Trimble…was born in New York, in 1815,…and became stage carpenter at the old Bowery [Theatre]. He, in time, acquired the trades of both carpentry and masonry, and also learned something of architecture. He became famous as the Lightning Builder. Once, when the Bowery burned down, he re-erected it in sixty days. He built Barnum's old museum, Genin's hat store [next to Barnum's on Broadway between Ann and Fulton Streets in New York], and other buildings, almost without number, and in an incredible [sic] short space of time. During the California excitement, he built many houses which were shipped to the Pacific coast, all ready to be put up. He delighted to make a contract to have a certain number done in a very short time, say forty days, and then do the work in half that period. He understood, thoroughly, the way to employ a large number of men at the same time and at the best advantage. His work seemed always done by magic. [But Brown reports: “During the time Brougham’s Lyceum was building, and on August 5, 1850, the rear part of the building fell to the ground, killing two of the laborers.” ] …While building the New Bowery, in 1859, ] He died at 4 A. M., June 7, 1867, at 31 Beaver street [Albany], of consumption, and was buried in Greenwood cemetery.

In 1848, he was engaged to enlarge the Albany Museum, a theatre. in New York.…He built the Buffalo, Richmond and Charleston theatres….Most unfortunately, Mr. Trimble has for several years been totally blind.…Despite this calamity, Mr. Trimble has worked steadily along with all the energy of a man fully possessed of all his senses.