1957 — May 21, Tornadoes, especially Desloge/7, Fremont/6, Van Buren/1, MO –14-15

–15 Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, p. 1007.
–14 AP. “Tornadoes Hit Again, Claim 14 More Lives.” Sedalia Democrat, MO 5-22-1957, p. 1.
–7 Desloge area
–6 Fremont
–1 Van Buren
–14 Jefferson City Post-Tribune. “14 More Lives Snuffed Out By Tornadoes…” 22 May 1957.

Narrative Information

Grazulis: “MO MAY 21, 1957 1553 7k 75inj 500y 25m F4. SHANNON/CARTER–Moved ENE, devastating most of the town of Fremont. The tornado probably touched down in the Mark Twain National Forest, in the SE corner of Shannon County and lifted in the NE corner of Carter County. Only seven homes were left intact in Fremont, with possible F5 damage to homes, schools, and businesses on the east side of town. That section, along the railroad tracks, had houses of only poor construction, however. Near-F3 damage was reported from the south edge of Van Buren.

“MO MAY 21, 1957 1600 8k 50inj 300y 25m F3. WASHINGTON/ST.FRANCOIS –Moved ENE from near Belgrade, destroying homes in rural areas as well as in more populated sections near Leadwood, Desloge, and Cantwell. Three people were killed on a farm in rural Washington County, three died at Desloge, and two at Cantwell. About 20% of Belgrade was destroyed and 24 barns were destroyed NE of Belgrade.” (Grazulis 1993, p. 1007.)

Newspapers

May 21, AP: “St. Louis (AP) – Tornadoes struck a second death blow at Missouri yesterday by a rash of tornadoes…” (Jefferson City Post-Tribune, MO. “14 More Lives Snuffed Out By Tornadoes in Missouri.” May 22, 1957, 1)

Sources

Associated Press. “Tornadoes Hit Again, Claim 14 More Lives.” Sedalia Democrat, MO 5-22-1957, p. 1. Accessed 2-26-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sedalia-democrat-may-22-1957-p-1/

Grazulis, Thomas P. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991: A Chronology and Analysis of Events. St. Johnsbury, VE: Environmental Films, 1993, 1,326 pages.

Jefferson City Post-Tribune, MO. “14 More Lives Snuffed Out By Tornadoes in Missouri.” May 22, 1957, 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=101237202