1938 — July 28-Aug 11, Heatwaves, esp. AZ/CA/MA/WV/10ea., NJ/13, NY/22, PA/16 –>131
Compiled by Wayne Blanchard; last edit 11-3-2024 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/
–131 Blanchard tally based on State breakouts below.
Blanchard note: The Bureau of the Census Vital Statistics, Mortality, Part I, shows that there were 437 “excessive heat” deaths in the U.S. for the year 1938.
Summary of Heat-Related Deaths By State
Alabama ( 1)
Arizona (10)
California (10)
DC ( 2)
Illinois ( 7)
Indiana ( 2)
Iowa ( 1)
Massachusetts(10)
Michigan ( 2)
Minnesota ( 1)
Missouri ( 2)
New Jersey (13)
New York (22)
Ohio ( 8)
Pennsylvania (16)
Rhode Island ( 1)
West Virginia (10)
Wisconsin ( 3)
Total: 131
Breakout of Heat Wave Related Fatalities by State
Alabama ( 1)
–1 Ragland, July 28. Henry Davis, 56, found dead in clump of bushes, outskirts of town.[1]
Arizona (10)
— 6 Phoenix, Aug 1. UP. “Six Deaths Are Blamed On Heat.” Modesto News, 8-2, 1938, p. 2.[2]
–1 Antonio Azorio, 58, succumbed while building a house.
–1 Charles Irving, 40, found dead in his rooming house.
–1 Ernest Jackson, 29, prostrated while working in a mine.
–1 Henry Kalberg, 49, after drinking large quantities of water.
–1 Isa Murich, 75, found dead from heat stroke in front of his home.
–1 William Pitts, 25, collapsed while cultivating a corn field.
–10 Phoenix, Aug 1-2. Appleton Post-Crescent, WI. “14 Dead in West.” 8-3-1938, p. 1.[3]
California (10)
–10 Blanchard tally from breakouts below.
— 9 State, July 31-Aug 3. Oakland Tribune. “17 Die in Ariz. and S. Cal. Heat.” 8-3-1938, 1.
— 4 State, July 31-Aug 2. Appleton Post-Crescent, WI. “14 Dead in West.” 8-3-1938, 1.
— 2 Imperial Valley, Aug 1. Santa Ana Register, CA. “State Swelters…” 8-2-1938, p. 1.
–1 Calipatria, Aug 1. Lolo Newton Campbell, 40.[4]
–1 El Centro, Aug 1. Mrs. Anna Wells, 67. (Temperatures had reached 115 degrees.)[5]
— 3 Imperial Valley, Aug 3. Oakland Tribune. “17 Die in Ariz. and S. Cal. Heat.” 8-3-1938, 1.
— 1 Ludlow, Aug 4. Salt Lake Tribune. “Noted Prospector Dies of Heat.” 8-6-1938, 2.
District of Columbia (2)
–1 Aug 5. Heat stroke while at work in a brick plant; Nathan Howard, 30.[6]
–2 Aug 5. Big Spring Herald, TX. “Heat Wave Unbroken…Deaths…” 8-5-1938, 1.
Illinois ( 7)
— 2 Chicago, Aug 3. Indiana Gazette, PA. “Mercury Rockets to 100…” 8-4-1938, 1.
— 4 Chicago, Aug 10. Heat; three men and one woman; “…hottest day of the year in Chicago.”[7]
–1 Heat prostration; Mrs. Alice Cotton, 77; died in a Chicago hospital.[8]
— 1 Joliet, Aug 4. Lubbock Morning Avalanche, TX. “Broiling Heat…” 8-4-1938, 1.
Indiana ( 2)
–1 Attica, Aug 9. “…intense heat induced a fatal heart attack…” William Shroyer, 70.[9]
–1 Pendleton, ~Aug 9. Heat prostration cutting weeds; Raymond Crull, 45.[10]
Iowa ( 1)
–1 Emmett County, Aug 5. “…heart attack superinduced by the heat.” Charles Logan, 73.[11]
Massachusetts (10)
— 2 Boston, Aug 3. North Adams Transcript, MA. “8…Drown…New England…” 8-3-1938, 1
— 1 “ Aug 5. Heat victim Patrick Cahill, 50.[12]
— 1 Chelsea, Aug 5. “Heat victim…” Abraham Ezick, 62.[13]
— 1 Fairhaven, July 31. North Adams Transcript, MA. “17…Drowned…New Eng.” 8-1-1938, p.1.
— 1 Lynn, Aug 5. “overcome by heat atop roof…plunged 35 feet to his death.” Wiley R. Stenson, 61.[14]
— 1 Natick, Aug 3. North Adams Transcript, MA. “8…Drown…New England…” 8-3-1938, 1
— 1 North Weymouth, Aug. 3. North Adams Transcript, MA. “8…Drown…New..” 8-3-1938, 1
— 1 Revere Beach, Aug 3. North Adams Transcript, MA. “8…Drown…New Eng.” 8-3-1938, 1
— 1 Roxbury, Aug 5. Heat victim Miss Mary M. Osborne, 54.[15]
Michigan ( 2)
— 2 State, Aug 3. Indiana Gazette, PA. “Mercury Rockets to 100…” 8-4-1938, 1.
— 1 Detroit, Aug 4. Edwardsville Intelligencer, IL. “Heat Continues…” 8-4-1938, 1.
Minnesota ( 1)
–1 Hartland, Aug 11. Heat Prostration; B. N. Anderson.[16]
Missouri ( 2)
–1 Jefferson City, Aug 11. Heat stroke; construction worker Leonard B. Guinn, 50.[17]
–1 St. Louis, Aug 10. Heat exhaustion; died in city hospital; laborer George Tinglehoff, 69.[18]
New England (26)
–26 Region, Aug 3-4. Middletown Times Herald, NY. “26 Die in New Eng.” 8-4-1938, 1.
— 5 Region, Aug 3. Indiana Gazette, PA. “Mercury Rockets to 100…” 8-4-1938, 1.
New Jersey (13)
— 7 Statewide, Aug 5 Big Spring Herald, TX. “Heat Wave Unbroken…Deaths…” 8-5-1938, 1
— 1 Jersey City, Aug 4. Collapsed on train; Mrs. Bessie Stewart, 45, of Buffalo, NY.[19]
–12 Newark, up to Aug 7. Salt Lake Tribune. “East Swelters…Deaths Hit 42.” 8-7-1938, 1.
New York (22)
–21 Blanchard tally based upon locality breakouts below.
— 1 Brooklyn, Aug 4. Collapsed and died on subway; James Law, 55.[20]
— 1 Buffalo, Aug 4 Dunkirk Observer, NY. “Rainstorm…Snaps Heat…” 8-4-1938, 15
— 1 “ Aug 15 Edwardsville Intelligencer, IL. “Cooling Winds….” 8-16-1938, 5.
— 1 Coney Island area. Mrs. Ida Sexter, 58.[21]
— 1 Long Eddy, Aug 3. Heat exhaustion; highway flagman Clarence Hawker, 23.[22]
— 1 NYC, Aug 3. Oakland Tribune. “Heat Drives NY Boy to Death…” 8-3-1938, 1.
— 3 “ Aug 4 Oelwein Register, IA. “Heat Wave in East Continues.” 8-5-1938, 1
— 1 Niagara Falls, Aug 4. Dunkirk Observer, NY. “Rainstorm…Snaps Heat…” 8-4-1938, 15
— 2 Upstate, Aug 3. Lubbock Morning Avalanche, TX. “Broiling Heat…” 8-4-1938, 1.
–12 Northern NY, Aug 4 Oelwein Register, IA. “Heat Wave in East Continues.” 8-5-1938, 1.[23]
Ohio ( 8)
— 1 State, Aug 3. Indiana Gazette, PA. “Mercury Rockets to 100…” 8-4-1938, 2.
— 1 Cincinnati, Aug 8. “…heart attack superinduced by heat.” Edward Campbell, 68.[24]
— 5 Cleveland, Aug 4. Edwardsville Intelligencer, IL. “Heat Continues…” 8-4-1938, 1.
— 1 Fostoria, Aug 5. Heat exhaustion; Clinton Baum, 38, electrician working on catwalk.[25]
Pennsylvania (16)
–16 Blanchard tally from locality breakouts below.
–15 AP. “Another Death Brings State Toll from Torrid Wave to 15.” Bradford Era, PA. 8-9-1938, p1.
–10 State, July 27-Aug 4. Indiana Gazette, PA. “Mercury Rockets to 100…” 8-4-1938, p1.
— 1 Chester, Aug 3. Heat wave attributed death; Henry J. Hyer, 41.[26]
— 1 Edgely, July 29. Heat exhaustion; Albert Eugene Larrabee, 56.[27]
— 1 Lancaster, Aug 7. “…overcome by heat’ and died in a hospital; John G. Fritchy, 61.[28]
— 1 Lock Haven, Aug 5. Heat exhaustion; Christian Heck, 68, “…working on a road job…”[29]
— 3 Philadelphia, July 31. Heat. “Three of the [7] victims collapsed and died in Philadelphia.”[30]
— 2 Philadelphia, Aug 3. “…heart attacks physicians said were brought on by the heat.”[31]
–1 Albert V. Westerman, 40, Penn. Railroad timekeeper.
–1 Richard Long, 40.
— 3 Philadelphia, Aug 4. Edwardsville Intelligencer, IL. “Heat Continues…” 8-4-1938, p1.[32]
— 1 Pittsburgh, July 28. Altoona Mirror, PA. “Record…Pittsburgh Heat…” 7-28-1938, p5.
— 1 “ Aug 15. Edwardsville Intelligencer, IL. “Cooling Winds….” 8-16-1938, 5.
— 1 Wilkes-Barre, July 29. Titusville Herald, PA. “Weather Varies Widely….” 7-30-1938, 1.[33]
— 1 “ Aug 4. Titusville Herald, PA. “3 More Die In Penn. Heat.” 8-4-1938, 1.
— 1 York, Aug 5. Henry Hahn, 58; “physician blamed the heat.”[34]
Rhode Island ( 1)
— 1 West Warwick, July 31. North Adams Transcript, MA. “17…Drown…New Eng.” 8-1-1938
West Virginia (10)
— 1 Davis Creek, July 28. Heat exhaustion; farmer Joe Snodgrass, 58, after plowing.[35]
— 2 Locales not noted, July 28. Snodgrass death above noted as 3rd heat exhaustion death.[36]
— 7 Statewide, Aug 2-11. Charleston Gazette, WV. “10-Day Heat Wave in State.” 8-12-1938, 1
— 1 Charleston, Aug 8. “Heat victim.” Plant engineer Jester Corliss Mitchell, 44, at work.[37]
Wisconsin ( 3)
— 1 Milwaukee, Aug 2. Thomas Jefferson, 51. “Physicians attributed his illness to the heat.”[38]
— 2 Oconto, Aug 2. Appleton Post-Crescent, WI. “Relief…Heat…West.” 8-3-1938, 1.
–1 Clyde Davis, 42.
–1 Mrs. Julia Donlevy, 79.
Narrative Information – The Nation
Aug 1, Transradio Press: “(By Transradio Press). Millions of eastern residents sweltered today in a torrid heat wave but most of their country cousins out west enjoyed normal weather. Authorities counted 28 persons dead from excessive heat and drownings over the week-end in New England and Philadelphia…The mercury is expected to rise to 90 degrees today in Washington…. Government observers said that only the northern plain states, South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas, as well as southern Minnesota and Western Iowa, are hit by the terrific heat gripping the east.” (Transradio Press. “28 Die in Heat Wave.” Endicott Bulletin, NY. 8-1-1938, p. 1.)
Aug 3, AP: “Chicago, Aug. 3 – (AP) – Much of the midwest simmered under the most severe heat wave of the summer today, but showers or cool breezes were expected to bring relief to most of the area by tomorrow. The northern and central great plains region baked under cloudless skies yesterday, with thermometers soaring to 106 degrees at Huron, S.D.; 106, Goodland, Kas.’ 102, Dodge City, Kas.; 106, North Platte, Neb.’ 102, Rapid City, S.D., and 108, Valentine, Neb.
“Weather Forecaster J. R. Lloyd said intense heat would prevail today over the central and southern plains states, the lower Missouri and upper Mississippi valleys, the Great Lakes and northeastern states. The northern plains states, western Iowa and Minnesota enjoyed a measure of relief today. The heat wave, Lloyd said, was pushing eastward and that cooler weather would follow in its wake for Illinois, Indiana and Michigan extending to Ohio by tomorrow night.
“A far west heat wave which has claimed 14 lives in southern California and Arizona moved coastward from the desert again today. Yuma, Ariz., reported 110 degrees, Phoenix, 108 and many inland California cities above 100.
“In Chicago, the mercury had climbed to 86 degrees at 11 a.m., headed for what Lloyd predicted would be a 95 or 96 degree top, a record for the year.” (Associated Press. “Cool Breezes Due Thursday. Midwest Simmers Under Heat Wave…” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI. 8-3-1938, p. 1.)
Aug 4, Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, PA.: “A general heat wave gripped the Northern Hemisphere today with the United States experiencing ifs full share of sultriness and the general high temperature. Maine, Texas, California and the Dakotas saw the mercury reach up into the nineties, and intermediate readings were generally equally hot. The meteorological map showed three atmospheric ‘highs’ over the nation, only a few scattered recordings of rain, and no likelihood of cooler weather anywhere for the next few days….
“Early in the morning, the Portland Me., weather bureau predicted temperatures above 90 during the day, and the same prediction held good for all New England where, Wednesday, six drownings and five other deaths were attributed to the heat.
“New York’s metropolitan area entered its eleventh consecutive day of intense heat, with a prediction of a high of 92 – and the humidity readings going up….
“Ohio, where one person died of heat prostration and three were drowned Wednesday, again remained in the nineties with bright sunshine.
“Although rain swept the Chicago area, following a season record of 92 Tuesday and only one degree less the following day, when two died of heat, a temperature of 90 was forecast again today.
“Strong northwest winds brought some relief to the Dakotas and Minnesota Wednesday after temperatures as high as 110 at Pierre, S.D., and 108 at Mobridge, S.D., had been reached.
“Two died of heat and one of drowning in Michigan Wednesday in temperatures as high as 98 at Alpena…
“Kansas City was slightly cooler after the mercury had touched 99 Wednesday, with all Kansas and Missouri blanketed with similar heat.
“In Salt Lake City, a high mark of 100 degrees was reported but temperatures were falling a bit.
“The hot spots in the far West were Fresno, Calif., 106, and Phoenix, Ariz., and Needles, Calif., where marks of 104 were established. The previous day’s marks, however, for the latter two cities, were 109 and 116 respectively, so the inhabitants felt cooler.” (Indiana Gazette, PA. “Mercury Rockets to 100…” 8-4-1938, 1.)
Aug 5, UP: “New York, Aug 5, (UP) – The eastern seaboard sweltered in the 12th day of a heat wave today and although forecasts were for a burst of cool air from the west, the sky remained hazy and the humidity high. Yesterday’s maximum temperature in the Metropolitan area was 85 degrees at 10:30 a.m., and although the mercury fell in the afternoon, the humidity increased until it was 91 per cent at 3 p.m. when the temperature was 77. There were many prostrations and three persons died in the streets. At least 12 more deaths were reported in the norther part of the State, and there were several more casualties in the city attributed indirectly to heat.
“A temperature of 97 was reported at Manchester, N.H. There, and at several other cities, employees were sent home from factories. Gov. A. Harry Moore of New Jersey authorized State department heads to have their staffs vacate any offices that seemed too hot. More than 5000 factory workers were given a holiday yesterday in Rochester, N.Y. At Hornell, N.Y., the temperature reached 100 degrees.
“The Weather Bureau predicted that the temperature would fall to normal, which is 78 degrees here, as soon a a cool mass of air from the Pacific Coast was felt. The ‘mass’ was reported over the Mississippi Valley yesterday evening….” (United Press. “East Sweats, But Relief Promised.” Berkshire Evening Eagle, Pittsfield, MA. 8-5-1938, p. 20.)
Aug 6, AP: “By The Associated Press. Another blazing week-end was in prospect for most of the United States Saturday, since sectional weather forecasts were mainly ‘fair and warm’ or ‘fair and warmer.’ Except for a ‘cool’ interlude in the western area of the Great Lakes region – where, in places, thermometer readings were in the high seventies yesterday – little relief was expected…but the sun blazed from Boise eastward….The South, Middle Atlantic seaboard, and New England…were hard hit by high humidity and heat combined….Meteorologists did not predict any major relief from the 12-day heat spell within the next few days.” (Associated Press. “Hot Week-end In Prospect Over Nation.” The Titusville Herald, PA. 8-6-1938, p. 1.)
Aug 7, AP: “By The Associated Press. Heat and humidity combined Saturday [Aug 6] to bring distress to widespread areas, particularly in the east. Although cooler weather was reported by the Chicago weather bureau in the extreme northern plains, lower Missouri Valley and North Atlantic states the thermometers in most eastern and southern sectors showed readings above normal. At least 42 deaths had been blamed on high temperatures, humidity and torrential rains, the past four days. Eight persons – members of two families – drowned Friday at Sevierville, Tenn., in the wake of rains. Twenty other deaths were reported in upper New York state, Pennsylvania counted two dead, Newark, N.J. reported 12 fatalities.
“In many localities figures on the percentage of humidity were higher than the temperature readings. Kansas baked and there was little hope for relief from a heat wave which sent the mercury to 112 on Friday.” (Associated Press. “42 Die In Heat Wave.” Paris News, TX. 8-7-1938, p. 1.)
Aug 11, UP: “United Press. A mass of cool air, borne by northwest winds, swept down over the central plains area today and brought temperatures down from record highs to near seasonal averages. The cool front was expected to reach as far east as New England by tonight. Temperatures dropped sharply in parts of the southwest and in the northern Mississippi Valley early today, the first break in stifling heat which has covered most of the country for four days…. At Kansas City the temperature dropped 20 degrees in five hours from a maximum of 104, the season’s highest. At Chicago the mercury which yesterday rose to 95, a high for the year, had dropped to 78 early today. Four persons, three men and a woman, died from the heat there….” (Oelwein Daily Register. “Iowa in Path of Cool Wave.” 8-11-1938.)
Arizona
Aug 2, Miami Daily News-Record, OK: “Phoenix, Ariz., Aug. 2 – (AP) – Physicians today attributed the deaths of six men here yesterday wholly or in part to heat prostration. The temperature was 111 degrees with a maximum humidity of 59.” (Miami Daily News-Record, Miami, OK. “Six Phoenix Deaths Attributed to Heat.” 8-2-1938, 6.)
Aug 3, Appleton Post-Crescent, WI: “Los Angeles – (AP) – A heat wave that took 14 lives in southern California and Arizona rolled coast-ward again today from a low pressure area in the desert. Phoenix, Ariz., where 10 fatalities were attributed to excessive heat, reported a decline from 111 to 108 degrees yesterday.” (Appleton Post-Crescent, WI. “14 Dead in West.” 8-3-1938, 1.)
California
Aug 1: “El Centro, Aug 1. – (AP) – Heat took a toll of one life in Imperial Valley yesterday when 115 degrees, highest temperature of the year, was recorded. Mrs. Anna Wells, 57, was found dead in her El Centro home.” (Oakland Tribune, CA. “Heat Claims Victim.” Aug 1, 1938, p. 1.)
Aug 2: “El Centro, Calif. – (AP) – With two persons dead of heat prostration, Imperial Valley looked for no relief from sweltering weather Tuesday. Heat victims this week were Mrs. Anna Wells, 67, El Centro, and Lola Newton Campbell, 46, Calipatria. The temperature reached 115 degrees here Monday.” (Brownsville Herald, TX. “Two Persons Expire in California Area.” 8-2-1938, 1)
Aug 3: “Los Angeles, Aug. 3. (AP) – An August heat wave that took 17 lives in Southern California and Arizona again rolled coastward today from low pressure area in the desert. Weather Bureau observers said relief from this week’s high temperatures might come tomorrow. Slight drops were recorded yesterday. It was 94 in Los Angeles, compared to the season’s maximum of 95 on Monday….Three additional deaths from heat in Imperial Valley were reported today, increasing the official list of victims there to nine. The peak temperature at El Centro yesterday was 112.” (Oakland Tribune. “17 Die in Ariz. and S. Cal. Heat.” 8-3-1938, 1.)
Colorado
Aug 1, Greeley Daily Tribune, CO: “Heat wave which blanketed all of Colorado sent the mercury in a season’s record high of 102 at the Greeley sugar factory early Monday afternoon at 1 p.m. which was two degrees hotter than on Sunday when the century mark was reached for the second time this summer….” (Greeley Tribune, CO. “Mercury Hits Season’s Top, 102 Degrees.” 8-1-1938, p.1.)
Idaho
July 30, Idaho Evening Times, Twin Falls: “Eighteen consecutive days of 90 degree or better high temperature readings – and filtered water consumed for domestic purposes in Twin Falls rose accordingly records of the city filter plant…showed this afternoon. As the temperature hit 93 above yesterday afternoon it was the 18th consecutive day that a reading over 90 degrees was recorded, records of the bureau of entomology show. Another steady climb this afternoon gave every indication the mercury would again go over the 90 degree mark today.
“Continuation of the heat wave through Sunday [July 31] is seen in a forecast which calls for fair weather tonight and Sunday with little change in temperature. Low reading yesterday was 53 above while low this morning was 54 above….” (Idaho Evening Times, Twin Falls. “Water Usage Up In Hot Weather.” 7-30-1938, p. 2.)
Illinois
Aug 8, INS: “Chicago, Aug. 8. – (INS) – Heat which drove Chicagoans to seek relief in swimming was responsible for five deaths today.” (INS. “Chicago Heat Wave.” The Victoria Advocate, TX. 8-8-1938, p. 1.)
Indiana
Aug 8, Seymour Daily Tribune, IN: “The mercury in the government thermometer at the Henry Ahlert place north of the city stood at 95 degrees at 2:30 o’clock this afternoon, it was reported by Miss Louise Ahlert, local weather observer. The reading at that time was three degrees short of the current season high mark of 98 degrees, established several weeks ago. It was believed the mercury would advance at one more degree this afternoon to go within two degrees of the 1938 summer peak recording, but partly cloudy skies had kept the temperature from advancing as rapidly during the middle of the day and early afternoon as it did early in the morning.
“The first seven days of the month were marked by high temperatures on many of the days, and by heavy rainfall….Miss Ahlert’s records beginning with August 1 showed maximum temperatures ranging from eighty-three degrees to ninety-five degrees….” (Seymour Daily Tribune, IN. “Temperature At 95 Degrees Here.” 8-8-1938, p. 1.)
Iowa
Aug 8, UP: “Des Moines, Ia. (U.P.) – Continued cloudy and unsettled weather with no relief from temperatures which averaged six to 10 degrees above norma., was forecast by the weather bureau today. Even higher temperatures were forecast for central and eastern portions of the state tomorrow afternoon. Showers early yesterday increased humidity and made the day one of the most uncomfortable of the summer. The high temperature of 94 degrees was set at Albia and Carroll. The low last night was 64 degrees at Estherville….” (United Press. “No Relief From Heat Wave Seen.” Ames Daily Tribune, IA. 8-8-1938, p. 1.)
Aug 11, Fort Madison Evening Democrat, IN: “A heat wave which held Fort Madison and locality in its grasp the past two days, broke suddenly Wednesday night when temperatures tumbled from 97 degrees Wednesday night to 69 degrees at 6 a.m. today. There was a steady climb recorded in the mercury again today and at noon the temperature had climbed as high as 80 degrees.” (Fort Madison Evening Democrat, IN. “Heat Wave Is Broken Here.” 8-11-1938, p. 7.)
Massachusetts
Aug 3, North Adams Transcript, MA: “Boston, Aug 3 (AP) – High humidity and 90-degree heat, accompanied by a rush to lakes and beaches for relief, left eight persons dead by drowning in New England today. Death of five others were attributed indirectly to heat….Deaths attributed to the heat included those of George Lealie, 60, of Natick, who suffered a heart attack while painting a house at Needham, Mass., and John Riggo, 60 of Boston, who set a chair on the window ledge of a rooming house to find a cool place to sit, then toppled three stores to his death. Louis McD. Campbell, 63, retired Lynn, Mass., real estate man, collapsed and died at Revere Beach, Mass. Morris L. Mann, 30, of North Weymouth, Mass, died while working in a turbine room. Charles Gauss, 26, of Boston, was overcome by heat while cleaning a window and fell 20 feet…suffering fatal injuries.” (North Adams Transcript, MA. “8…Drown…New England…” 8-3-1938, 1.)
Aug 4, Middletown Times Herald, NY: “….The Weather Bureau promised two more days of heat in the New England area where the wave has already been blamed for twenty-six deaths.” (Middletown Times Herald, NY. “26 Die in New England;” 8-4-1938, 1.)
Minnesota
Aug 1, Moorhead Daily News, MN: “No immediate relief is in sight for the heat wave which sent temperatures soaring to 98 yesterday, highest this year, according to the Moorhead weather bureau. With the temperature at 95 at 2 p.m. today, tomorrow will also be in the high 90’s, said R. J. McClurg, observer, who forecast ‘fair tonight and Tuesday; not much change in temperature.’ Lowest temperature was 64 at 5:45 a.m. today.” (Moorhead Daily News, MN. “Hottest Day In Year Sunday, 98.” 8-1-1938, p. 1.)
Missouri
Aug 9, Daily Capital News, Jefferson City MO: “The heat wave of the past several days almost exhausted the limited funds for ice to the poor of the city. Those in charge yesterday made appeals for additional funds and strongly urged the purchase of tickets for the benefit softball game scheduled for Wednesday night at City Park. ‘We need funds badly,’ one member of the committee said. ‘Our inability to meet all the demands has caused no little suffering. The mercury has climbed steadily during the last few days and many of the sick in the hovels throughout the city have not had the ice they should have….” (Daily Capital News, Jefferson City, MO. “Ice Fund for Poor Exhausted by Heat.” 8-9-1938, p. 1.)
Nevada
July 30, Reno Evening Gazette: “Traces of a July heat wave lingered in Nevada today as practically all stations reported high temperatures, and the weather bureau forecast fair skies and little temperature change for tonight and tomorrow in the state generally. The maximum temperature in Reno up to 2 p.m. was eighty-nine degrees, two higher than yesterday’s extreme. The weather bureau’s airport stations reported temperatures at 12:41 p.m. as follows: Humboldt 95, Elko 96, Beowawe 96, Buffalo Valley 94, Ventosa 94, Wendover 95, Salt Lake City 100…”
(Reno Evening Gazette, NV. “Heat Wave Lingers Over State.” 7-30-1938, p. 16.)
New England
“Boston – The temperature soared toward a possible new high today and the weather bureau forecast at least two more days of a heat wave blamed for twenty-six deaths in New England during the last forty-eight hours.” (Middletown Times Herald, NY. “26 Die in New England;” 8-4-1938, 1.)
New York
Aug 3: “New York, Aug 3. – (UP) – To escape the heat, 12-year-old Kenneth Kelly moved his bed close to the window. During the early hours of the morning he tumbled out of his bed and dropped five flights to his death.” (Oakland Tribune. “Heat Drives NY Boy to Death…” 8-3-1938, 1.)
Aug 4: “…Three thousand WPA employees in New York City were sent home from work due to the excessive heat…. Millions of New Yorkers faced the discouraging forecast of another heat record today, the eleventh day of high temperatures and excessive humidity.” (Middletown Times Herald, NY. “26 Die in New England;” 8-4-1938, 1-2.)
Aug 4 (UP): “The weather man made only slender promises of relief today as a perspiring nation prepared to simmer and steam through another 24 hours….Three persons died in the street of heat prostration in New York City yesterday where the maximum temperature was 85 and the humidity increased to 91. Twelve deaths were reported in the northern part of the state. At Hornell, N.Y., the temperature reached 100. More than 5,000 factory workers at Rochester, N.Y., were sent home early in the day to fret about the heat unhampered by work.” (Oelwein Daily Register, IA. “Heat Wave in East Continues.” 8-5-1938, 1.)
Ohio
Aug 8, Evening Independent, Massillon, OH: “Rain, hail, wind, thunder and lightning have not been able to break the prolonged heat wave which indirectly took the lives of 15 Ohioans who sought relief in the water or on the highways over the week-end. The temperature continued in the 90s in Massillon today with no relief in sight….There was seven traffic deaths and eight drownings in Ohio’s tragic week-end.” (Evening Independent, Massillon, OH. “No Relief Seem From Warm Wave Fatal To 15 Ohioans.” 8-8-1938, p.1.)
Pennsylvania
July 28, Altoona Mirror, PA: “Pittsburgh, July 28. – One death attributed to the current heat wave was on record today as a mid-morning shower and overcast skies gave the city hope of relief from sizzling temperatures. Willard Spohn, 59-year-old watchman at Memorial hall, Oakland, died of heat prostration after collapsing at work last night, according to a coroner’s report. The mercury resumed its rise through the morning after dropping to an overnight low of 73 degrees. Yesterday’s high reading was 89.” (Altoona Mirror, PA. “Record…Pittsburgh Heat…” 7-28-1938, 5.)
July 29, Titusville Herald, PA: “Scattered showers cooled western Pennsylvania Thursday while the eastern section of the state sweltered in a heat wave blamed for two deaths in Wilkes-Barre….The mercury climbed to 90 in Philadelphia and throughout southeastern Pennsylvania residents awaited promised showers for relief from the heat and humidity. Near Wilkes-Barre, Robert Tucker, 19, seeking a cool spot, went fishing, slipped into the swift current of Tague’s Eddy and drowned [not counted as a heat fatality above]. Joseph A. Errico, 46, Wilkes-Barre WPA worker, fell dead while at work on a codifying project in the city hall a few minutes after he complained of feeling the heat.” (Titusville Herald, PA. “Weather Varies Widely….” 7-30-1938, 1.)
Aug 1, Chester Times, PA: “Despite his prediction of showers for southeastern Pennsylvania, the weatherman today held out little hope for an end of the current heat wave which claimed the lives of seven Philadelphians yesterday. Three of the victims collapsed and died in Philadelphia, while the other four were drowned in New Jersey inland and seashore waters[39] as a scorching sun drove the mercury into the 90’s. Many residents of Eastern Pennsylvania sought relief at seashore and Delaware river beaches. Chief beneficiaries of the exodus were bus lines and railroads, which reported a huge volume of business, and New Jersey resorts.” (Chester Times, PA. “7 Deaths Due to Heat Wave.” 8-1-1938, 15.)
Aug 3, AP: “Associated Press. The toll of deaths attributed to Pennsylvania’s week-long intense heat wave rose to eight today as the state sweltered under temperatures ranging from the high 80s into the 90s. Albert V. Westerman, 40, Pennsylvania railroad timekeeper, and Richard Long, 40, both of Philadelphia, died of heart attacks physicians said were brought on by the heat.
“The temperature at Easton rocketed to 92 degrees at noon, six degrees higher than Tuesday’s reading at the same time and one degree above the maximum reached Tuesday at 3 p. m. It was 90 at Philadelphia and Reading, 89 at Wilkes-Barre, and 86 at Harrisburg. The weather bureau said the mercury was still climbing at noon and that in most localities it was one to three degrees higher than Tuesday’s noon readings. Temperatures ranged in the high 80s in virtually every section of the state Tuesday but at no point were the records set earlier in the year surpassed…. An unofficial high of 94 came from Wilkes-Barre. The scorching sun helped dry out farm crops which previous steady rains had damaged.” (Gettysburg Times, PA. “8 Deaths Attributed to Heat,” Aug 3, 1938, 1.)
Aug 4, Indiana Gazette, PA: “Rain fell in some sections at Pennsylvania today bringing slight relief to a state weary from a week-long torrid heat wave….The humidity stood at 88, making the heat oppressive…. The death of Henry J. Hyer, 41-year old Chester pipe-fitter, last night brought to 10 the total number of deaths attributed to the 8-day long heat wave.” (Indiana Gazette, PA. “Mercury Rockets to 100…” 8-4-1938, 1.)
Aug 4, AP: “Temperatures in some sections of Pennsylvania soared near all-time high records Wednesday, causing three more deaths. Nine have died as a result of the week-long heat wave. The hottest spot in the state was Philadelphia, where the mercury hit 94, two degrees below the record for the date. The weather bureau said there was no immediate relief in sight. At Pittsburgh it was 93 degrees, an all-time record for the date and within one degree of the summer’s highest mark. Wilkes-Barre also reported 93… The weather man forecast ‘continued warm’ for Eastern Pennsylvania tomorrow. The western section of the state was promised showers and thunderstorms, but warned there would be little change in temperature. It was 92 at York and Easton and 90 at Reading.
“Albert V. Westerman, 40, Pennsylvania railroad timekeeper, and Richard Long 40, both of Philadelphia died of heart attacks physicians ascribed to the intense heat [Aug 3]. At Wilkes-Barre, Peter Lelashus, 69, of the Miners Mills section, collapsed and died on his way home from the funeral of a neighbor. Members of his family attributed his death to a heart attack, apparently due to the heat.” (Titusville Herald, PA. “3 More Die In Penn. Heat; Philly is Hot Spot….” 8-4-1938, 1.)
Aug 8, Bristol Courier, PA: “Philadelphia, Aug. 8 0 Entering its third week, the heat wave continued unabated in southern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania today…” (Bristol Courier, PA. “Heat Wave Continues.” 8-8-1938, p. 1.)
West Virginia
“West Virginia’s 10-day heat wave which caused at least seven deaths was broken yesterday by rain in nearly every section of the state, giving promise of a cooler weekend than enjoyed for several weeks.” (Charleston Gazette, WV. “10-Day Heat Wave in State.” 8-12-1938, 1.)
Wisconsin
“Milwaukee – (AP) — Relief from Wisconsin’s current heat wave was promised for tonight by the weather bureau today…. Temperatures in the 90s were the rule in a large part of the state yesterday, Milwaukee, Park Falls and Green Bay registering 94 peaks. Wausau and La Crosse reported tops of 90. The official maximum at Duluth-Superior was 80. The mercury was climbing again today in Milwaukee, reaching 91 at 1 o’clock this afternoon. One death was attributed to the heat here yesterday, warmest day of the year thus far.
“Death of two persons at Oconto yesterday, when the temperature reached a seasonal high of 91. was believed superinduced by heat . Clyde Davis, 42, former coroner, and Mrs. Julia Donlevy. 78, widow of a former city assessor, were the victims.” (Appleton Post-Crescent, WI. “Relief From Heat Due in Middle West.” 8-3-1938, 1.)
Sources
Altoona Mirror, PA. “Record One Death In Pittsburgh Heat Wave.” 7-28-1938, 5. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=73725818
Appleton Post-Crescent, WI. “14 Dead in West” [Heat Wave]. 8-3-1938, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=9341248
Appleton Post-Crescent, WI. “Relief From Heat Due in Middle West.” 8-3-1938, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=9341248
Associated Press. “2 More Deaths Attributed to 10 Days Heat.” Record Herald, Waynesboro, PA. 8-6-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-2-2024 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/waynesboro-record-herald-aug-06-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “42 Die In Heat Wave.” Paris News, TX. 8-7-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/paris-news-aug-07-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “Another Death Brings State Toll from Torrid Wave to 15.” The Bradford Era, PA. 8-9-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bradford-era-aug-09-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “Cool Breezes Due Thursday. Midwest Simmers Under Heat Wave…” Ironwood Daily Globe, MI. 8-3-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ironwood-daily-globe-aug-03-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “Heat Victim.” The Decatur Daily, AL. 7-29-1938, p. 2. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/decatur-daily-jul-29-1938-p-2/
Associated Press. “Hot Week-end In Prospect Over Nation.” The Titusville Herald, PA. 8-6-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/titusville-herald-aug-06-1938-p-1/
Associated Press. “Joplin Man Dies After Heat Stroke.” Joplin News Herald, MO. 8-11-1938, p. 3. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/joplin-news-herald-aug-11-1938-p-3/
Big Spring Daily Herald, TX. “Heat Wave Unbroken by Rainfall; Several Deaths are Reported.” 8-5-1938, 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=96391300
Bristol Courier, PA. “Heat Causes Death of Albert E. Larabee, Edgely.” 7-30-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bristol-courier-jul-30-1938-p-1/
Bristol Courier, PA. “Heat Wave Continues.” 8-8-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/bristol-courier-aug-08-1938-p-1/
Brownsville Herald, TX. “Two Persons Expire in California Area.” 8-2-1938, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=74370462
Charleston Daily Mail, WV. “Farmer Drops Dead of Heat.” 7-29-1938, p. 2. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/charleston-daily-mail-jul-29-1938-p-2/
Charleston Gazette, WV. “10-Day Heat Wave in State.” 8-12-1938, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=40404881
Charleston Gazette, WV. “Plant Engineer is Heat Victim.” 8-9-1938, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=40404832
Chester Times, PA. “7 Deaths Due to Heat Wave.” 8-1-1938, 15. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=144729021
Cincinnati Times-Star, OH. “Man Dies of Heart Attack Blamed on Heat.” 8-9-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/cincinnati-times-star-aug-09-1938-p-1/
Daily Capital News, Jefferson City, MO. “Ice Fund for Poor Exhausted by Heat.” 8-9-1938, p. 1.
Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/jefferson-city-daily-capital-news-aug-09-1938-p-1/
Dunkirk Evening Observer, NY. “Rainstorm Here This Afternoon Snaps Heat Wave.” 8-4-1938, 15. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=57901485
Edwardsville Intelligencer, IL. “Cooling Winds Move Eastward.” 8-16-1938, 5. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=1612272
Edwardsville Intelligencer, IL. “Heat Continues Over Country.” 8-4-1938, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=1611755
Evening Independent, Massillon, OH. “No Relief Seem From Warm Wave Fatal To 15 Ohioans.” 8-8-1938, p.1. Accessed 11-3-2024 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/evening-independent-aug-08-1938-p-1/
Evening Star, Washington, DC. “No Relief in Sight for Capital, Suffering Excessive Humidity.” 8-6-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-2-2024 at:
https://newspaperarchive.com/washington-dc-washington-evening-star-aug-06-1938-p-1/
Evening Tribune, Albert Lea, MN. “B. Anderson Passes Away in Hartland. Heat Prostration Is Given as Cause of His Death.” 8-11-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/albert-lea-evening-tribune-aug-11-1938-p-6/
Fort Madison Evening Democrat, IN. “Heat Wave Is Broken Here.” 8-11-1938, p. 7. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/fort-madison-evening-democrat-aug-11-1938-p-7/
Gettysburg Times, PA. “8 Deaths Attributed to Heat,” Aug 3, 1938, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=5453961
Gettysburg Times, PA. “More Deaths Are Blamed on Heat.” 8-5-1938, p. 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=5454865
Greeley Daily Tribune, CO. “Mercury Hits Season’s Top, 102 Degrees.” 8-1-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/greeley-daily-tribune-aug-01-1938-p-1/
Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, PA. “Mercury Rockets to 100 as Citizenry Swelters.” 8-4-1938, p. 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=115705067
INS. “Chicago Heat Wave.” The Victoria Advocate, TX. 8-8-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/victoria-advocate-aug-08-1938-p-1/
INS. “Rains Half Inch: 100 Degrees Here.” The Evening Journal, Washington, IA. 8-6-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/washington-evening-journal-aug-06-1938-p-1/
Logansport Pharos Tribune, IN. “Heat Claims Four Lives.” 8-11-1938, p. 14. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-pharos-tribune-aug-11-1938-p-14/
Logansport Pharos-Tribune, IN. “Heat Death.” 8-10-1938, 7. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com
Logansport Pharos-Tribune, IN. “Heat Stroke Is Fatal to Mrs. Cotton.” 8-11-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-pharos-tribune-aug-11-1938-p-1/
Lowell Sun, MA. “51 Deaths Laid to Heat in this Area.” 8-6-1938, p. 13. Accessed at http://www.newspaperarchive.com
Lubbock Morning Avalanche, TX. “Broiling Heat Rolls Over Country; Western Wave Causes Death of 14.” 8-4-1938, 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=114013727
Miami Daily News-Record, Miami, OK. “Six Phoenix Deaths Attributed to Heat.” 8-2-1938, 6. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=129934072
Middletown Times Herald, NY. “26 Die in New England;” 8-4-1938, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=37981663
Middletown Times Herald, NY. “Showers Fail To Break Heat (continued from p.1.).” 8-5-1938, p. 10. Accessed 11-2-2024: https://newspaperarchive.com/middletown-times-herald-aug-05-1938-p-10/
Modesto Bee and News Herald, CA. “Temperature Here Drops Six Degrees.” 8-2-1938, p. 4. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/modesto-bee-and-news-herald-aug-02-1938-p-4/
Moorhead Daily News, MN. “Hottest Day In Year Sunday, 98.” 8-1-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/moorhead-daily-news-aug-01-1938-p-1/
North Adams Transcript, MA. “8 More Persons Drown at New England Resorts.” 8-3-1938, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=63573523
North Adams Transcript, MA. “17 Are Drowned in New England.” 8-1-1938, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=63573495
Oakland Tribune, CA. “17 Die in Arizona and S. California Heat.” 8-3-1938, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=46107335
Oakland Tribune, CA. “Heat Drives N.Y. Boy to Death Plunge.” 8-3-1938, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=46107335
Oelwein Daily Register, IA. “Heat Wave in East Continues.” 8-5-1938, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=104605193
Oelwein Daily Register, IA. “Iowa in Path of Cool Wave.” 8-11-1938, p. 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=104605211
Reno Evening Gazette, NV. “Heat Wave Lingers Over State.” 7-30-1938, p. 16. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/reno-evening-gazette-jul-30-1938-p-16/
Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “East Swelters From Heat; Deaths Hit 42.” 8-7-1938, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=99444553
Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Noted Prospector Dies of Heat.” 8-6-1938, 2. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=89741934
Santa Ana Register, CA. “State Swelters In Record Heat Wave.” 8-2-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/santa-ana-register-aug-02-1938-p-1/
Sedalia Democrat, MO. “Dies of Heat Exhaustion.” 8-10-1938, p. 1, col. 2. Accessed 11-3-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sedalia-democrat-aug-10-1938-p-1/
Somerset Daily American, PA. “Heavy Rain, Hail Damage Some Crops.” 7-30-1938, p. 5. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/somerset-daily-american-jul-30-1938-p-5/
Titusville Herald, PA. “3 More Die In Penn. Heat; Philly is Hot Spot with 94 Degrees.” 8-4-1938, 1. At: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=106021024
Titusville Herald, PA. “Weather Varies Widely in State.” July 30, 1938, 1. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=106021007
Transradio Press. “28 Die in Heat Wave.” Endicott Daily Bulletin, NY. 8-1-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/endicott-daily-bulletin-aug-01-1938-p-1/
United Press. “Dies of Prostration.” Logansport Pharos-Tribune, IN. 8-10-1938, p. 7. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/logansport-pharos-tribune-aug-10-1938-p-7/
United Press. “East Sweats, But Relief Promised.” Berkshire Evening Eagle, Pittsfield, MA. 8-5-1938, p. 20. Accessed 11-2-2024: https://newspaperarchive.com/the-berkshire-evening-eagle-aug-05-1938-p-20/
United Press. “Electrician, 38, Victim of Heat.” The Daily Times, Philadelphia, PA. 8-5-1938, p. 15. Accessed 11-2-2024: https://newspaperarchive.com/new-philadelphia-daily-times-aug-05-1938-p-15/
United Press. “No Relief From Heat Wave Seen.” Ames Daily Tribune, IA. 8-8-1938, p. 1. Accessed 11-3-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/ames-daily-tribune-aug-08-1938-p-1/
United Press. “Six Deaths Are Blamed On Heat.” Modesto Bee News, 8-2, 1938, p. 2. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/modesto-bee-and-news-herald-aug-02-1938-p-4/
United States Bureau of the Census, Department of Commerce. Vital Statistics of the United States 1938, Part I, Natality and Mortality Data for the United States Tabulated by Place of Occurrence. Washington: United States Government Printing Office, 1940. Accessed 11-2-2024 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsus/VSUS_1938_1.pdf
[1] Associated Press. “”Heat Victim.” The Decatur Daily, AL. 7-29-1938, p. 2.
[2] “A coroner’s report said heat was the contributing factor in all the deaths.”
[3] Notes that the temperature declined from 111 to 108 on August 2.
[4] Modesto Bee and News Herald, CA. “Temperature Here Drops Six Degrees.” 8-2-1938, p. 4.
[5] Modesto Bee and News Herald, CA. “Temperature Here Drops Six Degrees.” 8-2-1938, p. 4.
[6] Evening Star, Washington, DC. “No Relief in Sight for Capital, Suffering Excessive Humidity.” 8-6-1938, p. 1.
[7] Logansport Pharos Tribune, IN. “Heat Claims Four Lives.” 8-11-1938, p. 14.
[8] Logansport Pharos-Tribune, IN. “Heat Stroke Is Fatal to Mrs. Cotton.” 8-11-1938, p. 1.
[9] Logansport Pharos-Tribune, IN. “Heat Death.” 8-10-1938, p. 7.
[10] United Press. “Dies of Prostration.” Logansport Pharos-Tribune, IN. 8-10-1938, p. 7.
[11] INS. “Rains Half Inch: 100 Degrees Here.” The Evening Journal, Washington, IA. 8-6-1938, p. 1.
[12] Lowell Sun, MA. “51 Deaths Laid to Heat in this Area.” 8-6-1938.
[13] Lowell Sun, MA. “51 Deaths Laid to Heat in this Area.” 8-6-1938.
[14] Lowell Sun, MA. “51 Deaths Laid to Heat in this Area.” 8-6-1938.
[15] Lowell Sun, MA. “51 Deaths Laid to Heat in this Area.” 8-6-1938.
[16] Evening Tribune, Albert Lea, MN. “B. Anderson Passes Away in Hartland. Heat Prostration…” 8-11-1938, p. 1.
[17] Associated Press. “Joplin Man Dies After Heat Stroke.” Joplin News Herald, MO. 8-11-1938, p. 3.
[18] Sedalia Democrat, MO. “Dies of Heat Exhaustion.” 8-10-1938, p. 1.
[19] United Press. “East Sweats, But Relief Promised.” Berkshire Evening Eagle, Pittsfield, MA. 8-5-1938, p. 20.
[20] United Press. “East Sweats, But Relief Promised.” Berkshire Evening Eagle, Pittsfield, MA. 8-5-1938, p. 20.)
[21] United Press. “East Sweats, But Relief Promised.” Berkshire Evening Eagle, Pittsfield, MA. 8-5-1938, p. 20.)
[22] Middletown Times Herald, NY. “Showers Fail To Break Heat (continued from p.1.).” 8-5-1938, p. 10.
[23] We exclude two deaths which were in Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY, both of which are in northern NY.
[24] Cincinnati Times-Star, OH. “Man Dies of Heart Attack Blamed on Heat.” 8-9-1938, p. 1.
[25] United Press. “Electrician, 38, Victim of Heat.” The Daily Times, Philadelphia, PA. 8-5-1938, p. 15.
[26] Indiana Gazette, PA. “Mercury Rockets to 100…” 8-4-1938, p. 1.
[27] Bristol Courier, PA. “Heat Causes Death of Albert E. Larabee, Edgely.” 7-30-1938, p. 1.
[28] AP. “Another Death Brings State Toll from Torrid Wave to 15.” The Bradford Era, PA. 8-9-1938, p. 1.
[29] Associated Press. “2 More Deaths Attributed to 10 Days Heat.” Record Herald, Waynesboro, PA. 8-6-1938, p. 1.
[30] Chester Times, PA. “7 Deaths Due to Heat Wave.” 8-1-1938, 15.
[31] Gettysburg Times, PA. “8 Deaths Attributed to Heat,” Aug 3, 1938, p.1.
[32] Our number. Article notes 8 heat deaths in Philly in the eleventh day of a heat wave in w=some sections. We have already noted five Philly deaths thus we show three additional heat deaths.
[33] Josephy A. Errico, 46, WPA worker, collapsed “after he complained of feeling the heat.” (Somerset Daily American, PA. “Heavy Rain, Hail Damage Some Crops.” 7-30-1938, p. 5.)
[34] Associated Press. “2 More Deaths Attributed to 10 Days Heat.” Record Herald, Waynesboro, PA. 8-6-1938, p. 1.
[35] Charleston Daily Mail, WV. “Farmer Drops Dead of Heat.” 7-29-1938, p. 2.
[36] Charleston Daily Mail, WV. “Farmer Drops Dead of Heat.” 7-29-1938, p. 2.
[37] Charleston Gazette, WV. “Plant Engineer is Heat Victim.” 8-9-1938, p. 2.
[38] AP. “Cool Breezes Due Thursday. Midwest Simmers Under Heat Wave…” Ironwood Globe, MI. 8-3-1938, p. 1.
[39] Not counted in heat wave fatality statistics above.