Copyright USGenNet Inc., 2017 All Rights Reserved USGenNet Data Repository Please read USGenNet Copyright Statement on this page: Transcribed and submitted by Linda Talbott for the USGenNet Data Repository http://www.us-data.org/ =========================================================================== Formatted by USGenNet Data Repository Chief Archivist, Linda Talbott All of the above information must remain when copied or downloaded. =========================================================================== The Ludington Record Vol. XVI, Old Series, No. 47 Vol. 4, New Series, No. 10 Thursday, July 26, 1883 Saturday's Storm The storm of last Saturday evening and night was more terrific than is usually experienced in this part of the country. The lightning left a large number of casualties fortunately none fatal to human life. The storm commenced between 3 and 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and was ac- companied by a heavy fall of rain. During the early part of the storm, the residence of Judge JAS. B. McMAHON was struck by lightning; the chimney was demolished and some damage done to the walls of the house. His little son about three years old was completely dazed by the shock, but recovered in a few minutes. A short time after this, one of the buildings on the Fair grounds was seen to be on fire and was entirely consumed; an adjoining building con- siderably damaged and with difficulty saved by citizens who had repaired to the scene under a drenching rain. The loss to the so- ciety is estimated at $400. During the evening the residence of Mr. H. P. HILTON was struck; the chimney thrown down and building slightly damaged. Loss $20. S. S. MURPHEY'S barn was considerably damaged, and a cow which had taken shelter there was killed. It was owned by Mr. E. McMULLEN. To- wards midnight the storm increased in violence, and the next point to be struck was the resi- dence of C. P. STANTON. On the north-side of the house there are two small holes through the plaster as though made by a pistol shot; the shelving in the pantry is splintered in several places and other damage done to the window casings. The telephone which connects from the south side of the house was demolish- ed but probably not by the same shock. The family were sitting in the room at the time. MRS. STANTON was on the lounge and one end of it was against the wall and probably acted as a conductor; she received a severe shock and for a few hours her left arm was paralized. A hole was burned in her boot heel and stocking, and the foot and limb blistered. The telephone wire extends across the ravine where the James St. bridge is now building and has a span of some 700 feet be- tween the posts. The lightning took the wire between these posts and was conducted to the ground in both directions, splintering them in its passage. Of the 700 feet of wire, not a vestige remains. Several families in dif- ferent parts of the city were stunned and did not recover from the effects of the storm for several hours. One of the most remarkable things connected with the storm was the tidal wave. The waters of the lake arose suddenly and rushed to shore with an irresistable fury. The wave was suf- ficiently high to rush over the bank at the foot of the avenue and flood the street as far east as Dewar's block. In rushing up the harbor channel, the current was so strong that the dredge, at the time on duty, was carried away from its anchorage, the "spuds" or spiles which are used to keep the dredge in position were snapped off, and the boat at once started up the harbor, gaining head way momentarily. Seeing the danger, the tug boat lying at Allen's dock, started in pursuit and succeeded in checking the dredge just in time to save a collision with the elevator dock. The dredge was brought back and left at the dock near the ferry. Before it had been securely moored the wave was spent and the reaction caused a strong current to flow out- ward. The dredge was torn from her moorings and carried down the channel by the force of the current but was picked up by the tug and brought to safety again. ==========================================================================