1926 — July 18-24, Heat Wave, West, Mid-West, Mid-Atlantic, esp. Northeast –~160-180
— 180-219 Blanchard tally of State and locality breakouts below.[1] Needs Recounting & CDC
–~160 Charleston Daily Mail, WV. “Heat Toll Now 160,” 7-24-1926, p. 1.
–~160 Lima News, OH. “Storm Breaks Four Day Heat Wave of East,” 7-24-1926, p. 2.
–~160 San Antonio Express, TX. “Heat Wave Kills 50 in Day, 160 in Four,” 7-25-1926, p. 7.
— 150 Kansas City Star, KS. “Heat Deaths in East 150,” 7-24-1926, p. 3.
–>100 Daily Republican, Rushville, IN. “Wave Takes Heavy Toll,” 7-22-1926, p. 3.
–~100 Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “Heat Wave Broken by Heavy Electric…” 7-23-1926, 1.
— 100 Kittanning Simpson Leader Times, PA. “Pages From the Past,” 7-22-1966, p. 6.
— 100 Midwest. Marion Star, OH. “Three-Day Heat Wave in Ohio…” 7-22-1926, p. 1.
— 100 Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Hundred Dead of Heat…” 7-22-1926, p. 1.
— 97 July 21-23. The Bee, Danville, VA. “57 Deaths in Past 24 Hours are Reported,” 7-23-26.
— 94 Daily Gazette, Sterling, IL. “Deaths Mount to 100 as Heat Envelops East.” 7-22-1926, 1.
— >80 by July 21. Oelwein Daily Register, IA. “Heat Wave Causes…Loss of Life.” 7-21-26, 1.
— 60 Ludington Daily News, MI. “East Gets Relief from Heat Wave,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.
— 57 Jul 22-23. The Bee, Danville, VA. “57 Deaths in Past 24 Hours are Reported,” 7-23-1926
— 50 Midwest, by July 21. Beatrice Daily Sun, NE. “Heat Wave is Moving East.” 7-22-1926,1
— 50 Midwest, by July 22. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Hundred Dead…” 7-22-1926, p1.
— 44 Jul 19-21. Sioux City Journal, IA. “Rains Dispel Heat…Middle West,” 7-22-1926, 1.[2]
— >40 by July 21. Iowa City Press-Citizen, IA. “Peak of Heat Wave Over…” 7-21-1926, 1.
— 40 North Adams Transcript, MA. “Toll of 40 Dead in Wake of Heat Wave…” 7-23-1926.
— 36 by July 20. Oxnard Daily Courier, CA. “Three More Killed.” 7-20-1926, p. 1.
— 32 by July 20AM. Waterloo Evening Courier, IA. “Sweltering Heat Takes 32…” 7-20-26, 2
— 24 July 19. Lock Haven Express, PA. “Rainfall Relieves West From…Heat.” 7-20-1926, 1.
— 20 July 20. Bakersfield Morning Echo, CA. “Sizzling Heat Takes Toll…” 7-21-1926, p. 1.
— ~20 July 19. Marshall Evening Chronicle, MI. “Heat Wave Continues.” 7-20-1926, p. 1.
Breakout of Fatalities by State (and Locality, where noted):
Arizona ( 11)
–11 Blanchard tally of 4 deaths on July 19, 1 on 20th, and six men along RR tracks ~ July 21.
— 4 State, July 19. Oxnard Daily Courier, CA. “Death Toll From Torrid Weather…” 7-20-26, 1.
— 1 Dome (near), July 18. Edward Peters, quarryman, aged 50.[3]
— 1 Yuma, July 20 (Alvarado Quirrez, musician, “succumbed to the torrid temperatures.”)[4]
— 8 ~Yuma, July 21. Bridgeport Telegram, CT. “Eight Die in Arizona.” 7-22-1926, p. 2.[5]
— 1 Location not stated, July 18, Fred Wiley, 40, “overcome while irrigating his ranch.”[6]
California ( 5)
— 5 Imperial Valley, Jul 18. Oxnard Daily Courier, CA. “Five Dead…Imperial…” 7-19-26, 1.[7]
— 1 El Centro, July 18, Henry Gill, 65, “a victim of the…heat wave in the Imperial valley.”[8]
Connecticut ( >2)
— >2 New Haven. Portsmouth Herald, NH. “Heat Takes Toll of 16 Lives.” 7-22-1926, p. 1.[9]
District of Columbia ( 5)
— 5 Coshocton Tribune, OH. “Five Die From Heat.” 7-25-1926, p. 11.
— 2 Ludington Daily News, MI. “East Gets Relief from Heat Wave,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.
— 2 July 21. New Castle News, PA. “Over Three Score Deaths,” 6-22-1926, p. 2.
Illinois (>25)
–>25 State, July 18-26. Blanchard tally.[10]
— 15 State, by July 20. Oxnard Daily Courier, CA. “Three More Killed.” 7-20-1926, p. 1.
–>30 Chicago, by July 21 (direct and indirect). Beatrice Daily Sun, NE. 7-22-1926, p. 1.
— 24 “ July 19-20. Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. “24 Deaths…” 7-21-1926, p. 1.
–>20 “ by July 22. New Castle News, PA. “Over Three Score Deaths,” 6-22-1926, p. 2.
— 17 “ Moorhead Daily News, MN. “Heat Wave Broken by Rain…” 7-21-1926, 1.
— 2 “ July 18. Daily Ardmoreite, OK. “Northwest Heat Wave is Broken.” 7-18-1926, p. 1.
— 14 “ July 19. Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. “24 Deaths…” 7-21-1926, p. 1.[11]
— 13 “ July 19. Waterloo Evening Courier, IA. “Sweltering Heat…32 Lives…” 7-20-26, 2.
— 12 “ July 19. Escanaba Daily Press, MI. “Twelve Dead in Heat Wave.” 7-20-1926, p. 1.
— 8 “ July 19. Oneonta Daily Star, NY. “Dozen Die…Heat Wave in West.” 7-20-1926, 1.
— 5 “ July 19. Atlantic News-Telegraph, IA. “Five Dead in Chicago.” 7-19-1926, p. 1.
— 12 “ July 20. Sandusky Register, OH. “More Than 20 Dead.” 7-21-1926, p. 1, col. 1.
— 4 “ July 21. Sioux City Journal, IA. “Rains Dispel Heat Wave in Mid…West,” 7-22-26, 1
— 1 “ July 26. Escanaba Daily Press, MI. “Mrs. Montgomery Ward…,” 8-27-1926, p. 1.
— 1 East St. Louis, July 21 (Ivan Bauc, aged 51).[12]
Indiana ( 8)
–8 State, Jul 19-22.[13] Daily Republican, Rushville, IN. “Break in Heat Wave Near,” 7-22-26, 1.
–6 “ Jul 19-20. Daily Republican, Rushville, IN. “Six Deaths in Indiana.” 7-20-1926, p.6.[14]
–2 “ July 19, “…died from the heat…”[15]
–1 Fort Wayne, Jul 19 (10-year-old boy (Stillwell) drowned “Seeking relief from the heat…”[16]
–1 Indianapolis, July 20 (Fred Wehrel, 39, overcome at work in Indianapolis factory).[17]
–2 Lewis (Eel River), July 19, drownings while “swimming to avoid the heat.”[18]
–1 Marion, July 19 (P.E. Lemon “dropped dead from the heat in a factory at Marion…”)[19]
–1 Warsaw, Jul 19 (B. Halfley, 52, farmer, stroke, physicians said was brought on by heat.
Iowa ( 1)
— 1 Waterloo Evening Courier, IA. “Sweltering Heat Takes 32 Lives…” 7-20-1926, p.2, col. 1.
Kentucky ( 1)
— 1 Covington, July 21, man “overcome by heat at a dry cleaning establishment…and died…”[20]
Maine ( 1)
— 1 Portland, July 22, heat prostration, woman 105 years-old and Maine’s oldest citizen.[21]
Maryland ( 4)
— 4 Bakersfield Californian. “Four Die of Heat in Baltimore.” 7-22-1926, p. 1.
— 4 The News, Frederick, MD. “Four Dead in Baltimore…Heat Wave Continues.” 7-22-26, 1[22]
Massachusetts ( 9)
— 9 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 4 Boston, July 22. New Castle News, PA. “Over Three Score Deaths,” 6-22-1926, p. 2.[23]
— 1 Cambridge, July 23. Bridgeport Telegram, CT. “Death List Swells,” 7-24-1926, p. 6.
— 1 Lowell, July 23, female, heat prostration.[24]
— 1 Marlboro, July 22. Grave digger overcome by heat while digging grave.[25]
— 1 South Deerfield, July 23. Bridgeport Telegram, CT. “Death List Swells,” 7-24-1926, p. 6.
— 1 Waltham, July 21, heat prostration, 92-year-old woman.[26]
Michigan ( >15)
–>15 State, July 19-21. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Hundred Dead of Heat.” 7-22-1926, 1
— 1 Detroit, July 19. Daily Republican, Rushville, IN. “Six Deaths in Indiana.” 7-20-1926, 6.
— 2 Detroit, July 20-21. Ludington Daily News, MI. “Tuesday Year’s Hottest…” 7-21-1926, 4.
Minnesota ( 3)
— 3 State. Waterloo Evening Courier, IA. “Sweltering Heat Takes 32 Lives…” 7-20-1926, 2.
— 1 Redwing. Moorhead Daily News, MN. “Heat Wave Broken by Rain…” 7-21-1926, 1.[27]
Nebraska ( 2)
— 1 State. Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Heat Adds to Growing Deaths.” 7-21-1926, p. 1., col. 1.[28]
— 1 Alliance (A. R. Racheson, 54). Waterloo Evening Courier, IA. “Sweltering…” 7-20-1926, 2.
— 1 Omaha, ~July 28. Pinedale Roundup, WY. “Heat Adds to Growing Deaths.” 7-29-1926, p2.
New England (19-31)[29]
–31 Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA. “Cooler to Stay After 99 Degrees,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.
–24 North Adams Transcript, MA. “Toll of 40 Dead in Wake of Heat Wave…” 7-23-1926, 1.[30]
–22 Ludington Daily News, MI. “East Gets Relief from Heat Wave,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.
–19 San Antonio Express, TX. “Heat Wave Kills 50 in Day, 160 in Four.” 7-25-1926, p. 7.
–16 Port Arthur News, TX. “Scores Die in Withering Heat on East Coast,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.
New Jersey ( 18)
— 18 San Antonio Express, TX. “Heat Wave Kills 50 in Day, 160 in Four.” 7-25-1926, p. 7.
— 11 Ludington Daily News, MI. “East Gets Relief from Heat Wave,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.
New York (16-20)
–20 State, by July 23. Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA. “Cooler…After 99 Degrees,” 7-23-26.
— 4 “ (other than NYC). San Antonio Express. “Heat Wave Kills 50 in Day…” 7-25-26, p.7.
–15 NYC metropolitan area. New Castle News, PA. “Relief From Heat…” 7-23-1926, p. 1.
–12 “ by July 22. Port Arthur News, TX. “Scores Die in Withering Heat…East Coast,” 7-22-26
–10 “ Ludington Daily News, MI. “East Gets Relief from Heat Wave,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.
— 9 “ San Antonio Express, TX. “Heat Wave Kills 50 in Day, 160 in Four.” 7-25-1926, p7
— 6 “ July 21. New Castle News, PA. “Expect Relief from Heat in New York…” 7-22-1926, p1.
— 3 “ July 21. Sioux City Journal, IA. “Rains Dispel Heat Wave in Middle West,” 7-22-26, p1.
–10 “ July 22. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Hundred Dead of Heat…” 7-22-1926, p. 1.[31]
— 6 “ July 22. Port Arthur News, TX. “Scores Die in Withering Heat…East Coast,” 7-22-1926.
— 1 Rochester vic. Port Arthur News, TX. “Rochester Reports Deaths From Heat,” 7-22-26, 1
— 1 Poughkeepsie, July 23, heat prostration, 36 year-old female.[32]
— 1 Utica. Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “Hottest July 21st in Many Years…” 7-22-1926, p. 1.
North Carolina ( 3)
— 2 Charlotte, July 2, heat prostration, male construction worker and female laundress.[33]
— 1 Elizabeth City, July 22, male field worker.[34]
Ohio (30)
— 30 State. Marion Star, OH. “Three-Day Heat Wave in Ohio Takes 30 Lives.” 7-22-1926, p1.
— 30 “ New Castle News, PA. “Over Three Score Deaths,” 6-22-1926, p. 2.
—>15 “ Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. “Century Mark…Many Cities.” 7-21-1926, p. 1.
— 1 Akron, July 20, Ellis Neal, 44, “died of the heat.”[35]
— 1 Bowling Green, July 21, female, 67, “…dropped dead in the business district…”[36]
— 1 Canton, July 21. Nadyne Bridewell, 8, overcome by heat.[37]
— 2 Cincinnati, July 19. Coshocton Tribune, OH. “Heat Wave Takes…Two…” 7-20-26, 4.[38]
— 17 Cleveland, by July 21. Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Hundred Dead…” 7-22-1926, 2.
— 1 Cleveland, July 20, heat prostration.[39]
— 1 Cleveland, Jul 22. Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA. “Cooler…99 Degrees,” 7-23-26, 1[40]
— 1 Dayton, July 20, five-months-old child (noted as “Dayton’s first heat victim”).[41]
— 1 Steubenville, July 21, William Monaghan, 24, carpenter at work.[42]
— 1 Wellington, July 21, Frank Roe, heat prostration while working in a hay barn.[43]
Pennsylvania (12)
–12 State. Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
–10 State, by July 23. Clearfield Progress, PA. “Death Toll of 10…” 7-23-1926, p. 1.[44]
— 7 “ July 21. New Castle News, PA. “Over Three Score Deaths,” 6-22-1926, p. 2.
— 4 “ July 22. Monessen Daily Independent, PA. “Heat Wave Broken,” 7-23-1926, 1.[45]
— 1 Homestead, July 20, Rafael Castilanos, 33, heat prostration at work, Homestead Works.[46]
— 1 McKees Rocks, July 22, infant. Monessen Daily Independent, PA. “Heat…” 7-23-1926, 1.
— 1 McKeesport, Jul 22, two-month old baby. Monessen Daily Independent, PA. 7-23-26, 1.[47]
— 2 Philadelphia. Ludington Daily News, MI. “East Gets Relief…Heat Wave,” 7-23-1926, p.1.
— 9 Pittsburgh vic. Clearfield Progress, PA. “Death Toll of 10 Before…” 7-23-1926, p. 1.[48]
— 5 “ July 21. Indiana Evening Gazette, PA. “Heat Fatal to 5 in Pittsburgh.” 7-21-26, 1.
— 2 “ July 22, male aged 50 and married female.[49]
Rhode Island ( 3)
— 3 Blanchard tally of locality breakouts below.
— 1 Pawtucket, July 22, heat prostration; Mansfield, Mass. male at railroad station.[50]
— 1 Providence, July 22, heat prostration, 81 year-old Civil War veteran, picking field fruit.[51]
— 1 Woonsocket, July 23. Bridgeport Telegram, CT. “Death List Swells,” 7-24-1926, p. 6.
South Dakota ( 2)
— 2 State. Waterloo Evening Courier, IA. “Sweltering Heat Takes 32 Lives…” 7-20-1926, p. 2.
— 1 Mitchell, July 19. Oneonta Daily Star, NY. “Dozen Die…Heat Wave in West.” 7-20-26, 1.
— 1 Sioux Falls, Jul 19. Oneonta Daily Star, NY. “Dozen Die…Heat Wave in West.” 7-20-26, 1
Vermont ( 1)
— 1 Barre, July 22. Male overcome by heat and falls to death at marble quarry.[52]
Virginia ( 2?)
–1? Danville. The Bee, Danville, Va. “Mercury Here Stood at 100 at 2 O’clock,” 7-23-1926, 1[53]
–1 Prince George Co., farmer, 64, drowns in pond “while seeking relief from the weather.”[54]
Wisconsin (3-7)
— 7 State. Appleton Post-Crescent, WI. “Heat Wave Takes Toll of 7 in State.” 7-21-1926, p1.[55]
— 3 “ Sioux City Journal, IA. “Rains Dispel Heat Wave in Middle West,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.
— 2 “ Waterloo Evening Courier, IA. “Sweltering Heat Takes 32…” 7-20-1926, p.2, col. 1.
— 2 Milwaukee, July 20. Appleton Post-Crescent, WI. “Heat Wave…Toll of 7.” 7-21-1926, 1.[56]
— 1 Milwaukee, July 20-21. Bakersfield Morning Echo, CA. “Sizzling Heat…” 7-21-1926, p. 1.
Narrative Information:
July 19: “Upward of a dozen persons died Monday [July 19] from the record-breaking heat wave which overspread the Middle West Sunday and brought the mercury to new high levels Monday, states a Chicago dispatch.” (The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. 7-22-1926, p. 4.)
July 20: “Chicago, July 20. (AP) – The sizzling heat wave which for more than two days has overspread the entire middle west today hung up new records after taking a toll of two score of lives, directly and indirectly charged to the heat. Sweltering millions tonight, however, were promised some relief within a few hours in the form of thunder showers and a break in the temperature.
“Chicago saw yesterday’s record of 94.2 go by the boards at 4 o’clock this evening, when the weather bureau reported 95 degrees. Scores of other cities and towns reported temperatures today above the 100 mark, many shattering records for the year. Omaha had 102 for the second successive day and reported Nebraska farmers must have immediate rain to save their crops from further damage.
“Of the upward of two score deaths, most of them were from drownings. Nearly a score of the fatalities were in Chicago and included three babies.
“Many places in Minnesota, the Dakotas and Nebraska reported official readings of from 100 to 108 degrees for yesterday and today….
“Five persons were overcome in Milwaukee and one death was reported, while three were overcome in Minneapolis and two in Omaha.
“It was estimated that more than two hundred thousand persons sought relief from the heat on Chicago’s beaches. Half a dozen deaths had been reported here for today alone and were added in the more than a dozen who died yesterday.” (Bakersfield Morning Echo, CA. “Sizzling Heat Takes Toll in Middle West.” 7-21-1926, p. 1.)
July 20: “Chicago, July 20. – (INS)….The heat wave is general from the Rocky mountain states to the Atlantic seaboard. The middle-west suffered most. Temperatures of 100 degrees or more were recorded in a number of places. Chicago reached a maximum of 94.2 at 4:30 yesterday afternoon, the hottest July on record. Known dead, due to the heat and accompanying storms in the states over which the torrid wave has settled, totaled 32 this morning.
“Scores of persons are prostrated. States reported deaths as follows: Illinois, 13; Minnesota, 3; South Dakota, 2, Wisconsin, 2; Ohio, 2; Iowa, 1; New England states, 9. Three of Chicago’s dead were babies less than a year old….
“Lisbon, N.D., was the hottest place in the country yesterday with an official temperature of 108 degrees.[57] Mitchell, S.D., registered 106. Other cities recording temperatures well over the century mark were Omaha, North Platte and Sioux City….All heat records for 25 years were broken at Sioux City yesterday when the temperature reached 104. It was 103 at Fort Dodge and a number of cities reported 100….Nebraska has sweltered thru five successive days of torrid temperatures during which practically every weather station reported heat records of more than 100 degrees. Hot winds which accompanied the heat wave also added to discomforts and sapped growing crops. However, only one death, that of A. R. Racheson, 54, Alliance, was attributed to the heat and few prostrations were reported.
“Detroit, July 20 – (INS) — Thundershowers were expected to bring relief today from the heat wave which has caused two deaths and numerous prostrations in the last 24 hours. The mercury mounted to 95f at 5 p.m., yesterday.” (Waterloo Evening Courier, IA. “Sweltering Heat Takes 32 Lives in Midwest, East.” 7-20-1926, p. 2, col. 1.)
July 21: “By United Press….The hottest place in the United States yesterday [July 20] was Yuma, Ariz., where the mercury soared to an official 110. It was 104 in Sioux City, and 108 at Hastings, Neb., 100 in Nashville, Tenn., and 98 in St. Louis, Mo., Minneapolis, Minn., Des Moines, Ia., and Cleveland, Ohio. Chicago, with 95 spent the hottest July 20 since 1901. On Monday, Mitchell, S.D., reported 108. The heat wave started on the west coast Sunday [July 18] and began to roll slowly eastward, reaching the eastern seaboard yesterday….” (Oelwein Daily Register, IA. “Heat Wave Causes Much Suffering and Loss of Life.” 7-21-1926, p. 1.)
July 21: “Chicago, July 21….The warm wave continued today from the lower Missouri valley eastward to the middle Atlantic states, according to the official weather bulletin. In fact, the heat has become intensified over this area. Several Nebraska points reported temperatures of 108 today. In many Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan cities the mercury touched the 100 degree mark.
“The cooler weather which is forecast for Chicago, and the middle west has already advanced eastward across Minnesota and southward into Nebraska, and readings generally ranged from 5 to 13 degrees below normal in the northwestern plains area and northern Rocky Mountain region….The cool wave is expected to continue its advance to reach the lower Ohio valley by Thursday and, generally speaking, moderate temperatures are expected to prevail during the remainder of the week….” (Sioux City Journal, IA. “Rains Dispel Heat Wave in Middle West,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 22: “Forty Years Ago, Thursday, July 22, 1926….The summer’s first heat wave continued to envelop the east, driving the death list up to 100.” (Kittanning Simpson Leader Times, PA. “Pages From the Past.” 7-22-1966, p. 6.)
July 22: “(By The Associated Press). The hottest July 22 ever recorded in most sections of the east passed with long promised cooling showers still only a hope. As the third day of the summer’s most intense heat wave drew to a close it left in its wake a record of offices and industrial plants closed, of men and women prostrated at their work and on the streets, of drowning among crowds that surged to seaside and lake front, of both animals and humans demented by the scorching weather.
100 Degree Temperatures
“Although suffering was intense Wednesday [July 21], temperatures were generally several points higher Thursday. Records of 100 were unusual and scattered before but on Thursday such temperatures became the rule rather than the exception. From all the reports of prostrations, drownings, suicides, deaths of persons already ill, all to some extent attributed to the weather, it was impossible to compile any accurate list of deaths for which the heat could be held directly and solely responsible.
“In various places in New York, New England and Pennsylvania, stores and industrial plants closed their doors.
“New York City experienced its hottest July 22 since the weather bureau has been in operation. The mercury reached 97 degrees at three o’clock. An hour later it had dropped one degree and some hope was held out for relief.
“Formality went by the board and in many courts officers and visitors were permitted to remove their coats. Business was stopped in one New York court room when a court room crowd, taking too literally the judge’s permission to make themselves comfortable, removed their shirts as well as their coats and drew a sharp reprimand.
“The record of the heat wave was one of mingled tragedy and humor. In Binghamton, N. Y., four persons became temporarily deranged and had to be restrained by police; and In Lowell, Mass., an egg was fried on a brick roof. In Jersey City three heat crazed dogs attacked two young boys….” (Bradford Era, PA. “July 22 in Many Sections of East is Hottest on Record,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.)
July 22: “New York, July 22. (International News Service) – The scorching heat wave which has rolled over the East in the past two days has resulted in a casualty list, which today mounted to well over three score deaths….in New York City eight [deaths], in Ohio 30, and in Pennsylvania, seven. In many cities the weather established marks for thermometer altitude, and while relief is expected tonight, it’ is not yet actually in sight….
“Throughout the entire East hospitals were kept busy caring for victims and ambulances charged through the streets to pick up those who had been prostrated by the fiery furnace blasts of air….” (New Castle News, PA. “Over Three Score Deaths,” 6-22-1926, p. 2.)
July 22: “New York, July 22. – (U.P.) — As the direct or indirect death toll in the record heat wave which has swept the country in the last few days mounted to well over 100, with additional deaths being reported hourly in the east, the weather bureau promised relief by tonight, when rain will bring down the temperatures….
“As the heat wave passed from the middle west, where 50 deaths were recorded, it left a trail of suffering in every state on its way to the Atlantic seaboard….” (Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Hundred Dead of Heat…” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 23: “New York, July 23. – A temporary break in the heat wave which has prevailed in the East for the last three days with a heavy toll of deaths and suffering brought relief to some sections today but the Weather Bureau was unable to forecast the general end of the hot spell.
“New England reported a respite from the heat which was blamed for 31 deaths and scores of prostrations.
“In New York the heat wave caused 20 deaths while eight persons were reported drowned seeking relief. A furious wind and rain storm struck up state sections last night, killing three persons and injuring many who were struck by falling trees or caught in the wreckage of buildings.
“Hotter than any of the preceding days, the heat rays yesterday sent the mercury nearly to the top of the column in the official thermometer. Ninety-nine degrees in the shade were registered, climaxing nearly a whole week of torrid temperatures. This morning at 10:45 o’clock the mercury stood at 80 degrees, just 12 points lower than it was 24 hours previous….The heat yesterday lasted well into the night. It was 11 o’clock before a cool breeze began to have its effect, and sleepy persons were able to get real rest….” (Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA. “Cooler to Stay After 99 Degrees; No Rain Promised,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.)
July 23: “Three more deaths and two new heat records marked the progress of the season’s most aggressive heat wave across the South today. While the Mississippi valley states and the Florida peninsula experienced no abnormal temperatures, the mercury pushed grimly up beyond the hundred mark in the South Atlantic States, smashing a twenty-seven year heat record at the University of Virginia laboratory.
“Not satisfied with the sizzling 102 set Wednesday at Charlotte’s new high mark, the mercury squeezed up to the 103 mark today, claiming the lives of two persons. One, a negro laborer on a construction job died after being overcome, and the other, a negro laundress, died while at work. The third death from heat prostration was at Elizabeth City, N.C., where a negro dropped dead while working in a field.
“South Carolina continued to feel the blistering touch of torrid summer. At York, the high mark for the South was set when the thermometer registered 106 in the shade. The creek upon which the little city depends for water was virtually dry, and an emergency pipe line was put into operation.
“In Atlanta, after reaching the year’s high mark Wednesday when it touched 99.5, the mercury slipped downward and yesterday’s descent was stopped at 94.5 by a thunder-shower.
“Nashville led Tennessee with a high mark of 98. Chattanooga and Knoxville each registered highs of 96, and Memphis paused at 91. Louisville also clung to the marks set by Knoxville and Chattanooga, as did Birmingham the high mark of Alabama. Montgomery showed a high of 94….
“The hottest July 22 recorded in most sections of the east passed with long-promised cooling showers still only a hope.” (Morning News Review, Florence, SC. “No Relief From Intense Heat Wave Yet in Sight,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.)
July 23: “New York, July 23.—(AP)—Destructive storms brought relief today to New England and the middle Atlantic states but increased to three score the death toll from a heat wave that had piled up new high temperature records. Within 24 hours…more deaths were added by heat and storm to Wednesday’s [July 21] total of two score killed in the east and middle west. The midwest got relief in rain and cooling breezes yesterday but the east sweltered until last night….There were 22 deaths in New England traceable to the heat, or storms, 10 in New York City, 11 in New Jersey, two in Washington and Philadelphia and several upstate in New York….The highest official temperature recorded was 107 in Hagerstown, Md. It was 104 in Washington and 100 generally in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. Four persons went temporarily insane in Binghamton, N.Y….The heat wave brought a plague of flies at Ogdensburg, N.Y., and snow shovels were used to clear them away.
“Prisoners were released from the city jail at Raleigh, N.C., on their own recognizance.
“Threat of storms drove to their homes thousands who had slept two nights in New York parks when the temperature, after a day’s high of 97, dropped six degrees in eight minutes.” (Ludington Daily News, MI. “East Gets Relief from Heat Wave,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.)
July 23: “New York, July 23.—(AP)…. Within 24 hours 57 deaths were added by heat and storm to Wednesday’s toll [July 21] of two score killed in the East and Midwest….The mercury reached 104 in Lancaster, Vt., 101 in Washington and Reading, 103 in Chester, Pa., and 100 generally in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware….” (Middletown Times-Press, NY. “60 Dead in Heat Wave Broken by Storms that Killed 5 More,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.)
July 23: “Boston, July 23—(A.P.)—A three day heat wave and the storm that broke its back, a gale of terrific velocity, had passed New England today leaving in their wake a toll of 40 deaths and property damage mounting into the hundreds of thousands. This city was recovering from the hottest day in 15 years when the thermometer touched 103 by the official instruments and read as high as 116 elsewhere.
“Throughout New England there had been 24 deaths directly attributed to the heat or the storm which partially dispelled it. Of these, eight were drownings, 14 were heat deaths and two occurred in the storm, On the two previous days the weather had claimed 16 lives while prostrations for the three days mounted well over three score.
“The storm swept out of the Berkshires late yesterday with unexpected suddenness although showers generally had been anticipated. Before it had rushed out to sea late at night it had wrought damage in four-states. In Northern Massachusetts, Southern Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine it had bowled over orchards, leveled telephone and telegraph wires, unroofed houses and hotels, strewn giant trees in the path of trains, paralyzed traffic and killed two persons.
“The wind that accompanied it was reported to have attained almost cyclonic proportions. In Portsmouth, N.H., a lofty observation tower was hurled to the ground severely injuring a man. A falling silo brought death to James H. Thayer, a farmer near Brattleboro, Vt., while in Lawrence, Mass., the worst gale since 1890 crashed a tree into the baby carriage of a year old infant bringing instant death. Near Manchester, N.H., a tree fell upon the rails of the Boston & Maine Railroad, just before a crack express train was due and in Maine the engineer of a Maine Central passenger train barely halted his locomotive in time before a similar obstacle. Railroad damage elsewhere included the Boston & Albany roundhouse at North Adams, Mass., where a ‘twister’ tore the roof off the building. In the same city a church spire was truncated by the gale….
“At St. Albans, Vt., customs officials reported an extraordinary rush of Americans across the line to the Canadian beer gardens located on the other side. In Boston and Lowell experimentive reporters succeeded in frying eggs on the roofs of newspaper buildings, while one who tried boiling water, reported the water evaporated before it could boil.
“Business houses and factories that suspended operations at the height of the heat wave yesterday were re-opened today and the district was preparing to return to normal. A much cooler temperature was forecast for tonight.” (North Adams Transcript, MA. “Toll of 40 Dead in Wake of Heat Wave and Storm,” 7-23-1926, 1)
July 24: “New York, July 24 (AP) – A four-day heat wave in the New England and Middle Atlantic States, ameliorated Thursday [July 22] by storms, Saturday [July 24] had claimed nearly 100 lives. Fifty deaths were added during the past 24 hours. There were 19 in New England, 18 in New Jersey, nine in New York City and, four in New York State.” (San Antonio Express, TX. “Heat Wave Kills 50 in Day, 160 in Four.” 7-25-1926, p. 7.)
Connecticut:
July 22: “New Britain, Conn. – All the larger factories in New Britain closed down at noon today because of the record heat wave as the mercury climbed up near the 100 mark here. About 15,000 employes were thus released to find what relief they could at beaches and parks. No deaths were reported here as yet, however.” (Sheboygan Press, WI. “Heat Moves Eastward as Relief Comes Here,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
District of Columbia:
July 22: “New York, July 22. (International News Service)….In Washington the sun glared down with such intensity that the thermometer rose to 104 yesterday, and is expected to go even higher today. Two deaths from heat were reported in the capital and scores of prostrations.” (New Castle News, PA. “Over Three Score Deaths,” 6-22-1926, p. 2.)
July 22: “Washington, July 22. – The capital was so oven-like today that government departments again went on curtailed working schedules, permitting thousands of employees to go home.” (Port Arthur News, TX. “Washington Office Workers Suffer,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 24: “Washington, July 24. – The heat wave which has gripped the capital in a fiery grasp for a week was broken today and comparatively cool breezes prevailed to bring relief to sweltering thousands. Sharp thunderstorms swept over the city during the night. Five deaths were directly attributed to the heat, which at times registered 104, and scores were prostrated.” (Coshocton Tribune, OH. “Five Die From Heat.” 7-25-1926, p. 11.)
Illinois:
July 21: “Chicago, July 21. — With 24 dead in Chicago and suburbs as the result of the record-breaking heat wave of the past two days, relief in the form of thundershowers was promised by the weather bureau today. The mercury has hovered around the 90 mark since Sunday. Monday a maximum temperature of 94.2 made that day the hottest July 19, in the history of the local weather bureau. It claimed 14 lives. Yesterday the mercury climbed to 95 and 10 more persons succumbed to the .heat….
“It was estimated that one million persons, a third of the population of Chicago, sought relief
along the thirty miles of lake front yesterday. The beaches were crowded from dawn to dusk,
many persons remaining there throughout the night.
“Five of the heat victims were babies less than a year old. Hospitals are jammed with cases of
prostration. One man dropped dead after playing 18 holes of golf in the hot sun.” (Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. “24 Deaths in Torrid Wave in Chicago.” 7-21-1926, p. 1.)
July 21: “Chicago, July 21. – With a street level temperature of 100 degrees today, a new heat record for the summer was established. The weather bureau announced that the official high for the day was 97. The 100 degree mark was recorded on the weather bureau thermometer at the northeast corner of the federal building. Reflected heat from pavements and buildings makes the street level temperature higher than that of the weather bureau’s observatory at the University of Chicago. The official mark of 97 was the highest for July 21 in the last 25 years. On this date in 1901 th government thermometer read 102.9. The thunder shower which the weather man predicted for last night failed to arrive. The weather bureau now forecasts the storm to reach Chicago tonight or tomorrow. Thursday and Friday will be cooler.
“There were four more deaths due to the heat in Chicago today, bringing the total number of fatalities in the middle western states up to 44 for the three-day period….
“The heat wave has threatened the water supply in every section of Chicago. Violation of the sprinkling ordinance and the use of running water as a substitute for ice in the poorer districts of the city have overtaxed the water mains to such an extent that hundreds of families on upper floors of flat buildings have been entirely deprived of running water. Every pumping station is being forced to the limit. With the daily supply increased to 1,100,000,000 gallons, pressure has dropped from the normal 25 pounds to less than 15. This is not sufficient to raise water above the second floor of a building….” (Sioux City Journal, IA. “Rains Dispel Heat Wave in Middle West,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 22: “New York, July 22. (International News Service)…. In Chicago more than a score of
deaths were recorded….” (New Castle News, PA. “Over Three Score Deaths,” 6-22-1926, p. 2.)
July 26: “Chicago, July 26 – (AP) – Mrs. A. Montgomery Ward, widow of Chicago’s pioneer mail order merchant and widely known for her philanthropies which mounted far into the millions of dollars, died here today, another victim of the terrific week which last week overspread the middle and far west. She would have been 70 years old this month.
“Mrs. Ward returned here from Pasadena, Cal., only last night. She chose the southern route to avoid the higher altitudes of the northern route, but by so doing encountered excessive heat which cost her life. She was prostrated by the heat, which at one point of the return journey reached 110 degrees. At Yuma, Ariz., a physician attended her and a nurse accompanied her from there to Chicago…. She died unattended, her body being found by members of her household who went to her room….” (Escanaba Daily Press, MI. “Mrs. Montgomery Ward is Victim of Heat Wave,” 8-27-1926, p. 1.)
Indiana:
July 22: “….Relief this morning from the sun came about when clouds shielded the rays at intervals. The mercury however at noon reached 90 degrees, according to Elwood Kirkwood at Manzy. At noon Wednesday it was 93 degrees and mounted to 96 degrees for the highest of the day, which equaled a record set a few days ago….
“Indianapolis, Ind., July 22 – (UP) – A break was near today in the heat wave which was the direct or indirect cause of eight deaths in Indiana since the first of the week….Three persons were overcome in Indianapolis yesterday as the temperature climbed to 96.4, the second hottest day of the year. Another prostration was reported at Anderson….
“Laporte, Ind., July 22 (UP) – The severest heat wave which has visited northwestern Indiana in years was broken last night by a steady downpour of rain which fell throughout the night and early this morning. The temperature fell 37 degrees in two hours preceding the rain….”
(Daily Republican, Rushville, IN. “Break in Heat Wave Near,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
Maryland:
July 22: “Baltimore, July 22. – (AP) – Four persons were dead in Baltimore today as the result of the heat wave of the past 48 hours. The temperature starting at a minimum of 77 at 6 a. m., had reached 105 In some parts of Maryland by mid-afternoon. Six prostrations were reported.”
(Bakersfield Californian. “Four Die of Heat in Baltimore.” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
Massachusetts:
July 22: “New York, July 22. (International News Service)….In Boston four new deaths were reported today, with the mercury rising steadily, and there were dozens of prostrations during the morning rush hour….” (New Castle News, PA. “Over Three Score Deaths,” 6-22-1926, p. 2.)
Michigan:
July 22: “Detroit, July 22. – (UP) — Southern Michigan today enjoyed a definite break in the heat wave which in three days caused at least 15 deaths in the state and reached a record temperature of 97.4 here Wednesday [July 21]. Showers and cooling winds in Detroit this morning brought a six-degree drop in temperature within less than two hours, from 76 at 9 a.m. to 70 shortly before 11 o’clock. This represented a drop of more than 23 degrees from yesterday’s reading of 93 at 11 a.m….” (Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Hundred Dead of Heat…” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
Nebraska:
July 21: “Omaha. July 21. – (AP) – Relief from torrid temperatures was brought to Nebraska today by rains which fell in South Dakota and northern sections of this state. A precipitation of more than two inches was reported in several sections where crop conditions were acute owing to the hot winds and excessive heat. After two days of unbroken heat, during which the temperature reached 102 degrees for a 1926 record, Omaha experienced cooler weather this afternoon. At 8 p. m., the mercury stood at 78 or 20 degrees less than for the same time yesterday.” (Beatrice Daily Sun, NE. “Heat Wave is Moving East.” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 26: “Omaha. – Two drownings and one death ascribed to heat were reported in Nebraska as the five-day heat wave which Monday [July 26] sent the temperature to 108 at three places continued Tuesday. Harington, in the northeast corner of Nebraska reported 108 for Tuesday’s maximum, the federal weather bureau here said. North Loup and Culbertson had the same. O’Neill and Broken Bow, also in northern Nebraska, had 107. Omaha on Monday had 102, its hottest day of 1926 and the hottest July on record.” (Pinedale Roundup, WY. “Heat Adds to Growing Deaths.” 7-29-1926, p. 2.)
July 24: “New York, July 24 – (AP)….Showers in many localities yesterday lowered the temperature slightly but made the atmosphere more oppressive. The high mark in New York was 87, or ten degrees less than the maximum Thursday [22nd]. Rumors of a possible water famine in New York were dispelled by the police and firemen who continued to give street urchins the benefit of park pools and fire hydrants. The crowd at Coney Island yesterday was estimated at 500,000, about 100,000 less than Thursday’s. Official permission to sleep in parks was given….”
(Lima News, OH. “Storm Breaks Four Day Heat Wave of East,” 7-24-1926, p. 2.)
New England:
July 22: “Boston, Mass., July 22. – With sixteen known dead and scores knocked out in the present unprecedented heat wave, New England gasped for breath today again as the mercury mounted to 100½. Throughout New England, factories, stores and offices closed down today when it became apparent that there was no hope for immediate relief from the sizzling heat. Governor Fuller ordered the state house here closed today to permit the employes to join the huge throngs at the beaches. Hospitals all day long were receiving heat prostration cases.” (Port Arthur News, TX. “16 Known Dead in Boston Hot Wave,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 23: “Boston. July 23. –(AP)—Despite a drop in temperature that officially closed the heat wave today, 19 deaths caused directly or indirectly by the weather were added to the list of two score-recorded in the three previous days. Suffering, moreover, was only slightly less today than yesterday, because although the highest point reached by the mercury today was 21 degrees lower than the 103 of Thursday [July 22], the humidity, which on Thursday mercifully dropped to 26 percent, today jumped to 75 percent.
“Two babies were among the victims of the heat today. They were Thomas Cranigan of Cambridge, Mass., and George La Pierre of Woonsocket, R.I….
“Miss Way Wartella of Bogota, N.J., overcome while running for a bus at South Deerfield, for Northfield, Mass., where she was attending the women’s missionary conference, died today at a Greenfield hospital.” (Bridgeport Telegram, CT. “Death List Swells,” 7-24-1926, p. 6.
New York
July 21: “New York, July 22. (International News Service) – No relief from the heat wave which resulted yesterday [July 21] in the death of six and the prostration of at least twenty can be expected until tonight. The weather bureau announced today. There will be cooler weather on Friday, the announcement said. Yesterday’s temperature of 96 degrees at 4:30 p. m., the hottest, July 21 in 41 years, probably will be duplicated today, officials at the bureau predicted. There was some hope of temporary relief through thundershowers, they said.
“Another record breaking day was expected at the beaches today. Thousands spent the night sleeping on the sand at Coney Island and other nearby resorts. Many corporations were preparing to dismiss employes at the noon hour today at the first sign of extreme heat.” (New Castle News, PA. “Expect Relief from Heat in New York by This Evening, ” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 22: “….In New York city the mercury mounted steadily all day until it reached a new high for the year of ’96. where it stayed and dusk came without any sign of relief. Almost a dozen prostrations were reported during the night and one man, a laborer, fell dead in the ditch where he was working. In northern New York the weather was moderate but in the southern tier sweltering heat was experienced. All records for the summer were broken at Hornell. Factories had to be closed on account of the heat in Lockport. One heat death was reported in Utica. The eastern Catskill and the Hudson river valley reported blistering temperatures….” (Daily News, Huntingdon, PA. “Hottest July 21st in Many Years, is Reported in East.” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 22: “New York, July 22. (International News Service)….[during the previous night] fire escapes and roofs held many a tossing sleeper.” (New Castle News, PA. “Over Three Score Deaths,” 6-22-1926, p. 2.)
July 22: “New York, July 22. — With a new high temperature record of 95 degrees registered at one o’clock this afternoon, the toll from the heat wave searing the metropolitan areas mounted to 12 deaths, six more victims being claimed today, although life saving showers were predicted for late today.” (Port Arthur News, TX. “Scores Die in Withering Heat on East Coast,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 22: “Rochester, N.Y., July 22. – The sweltering heat wave in western New York, which has caused one death and numerous prostrations, promised to break another record today when the mercury had reached 89.” (Port Arthur News, TX. “Rochester Reports Deaths From Heat,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 22: “New York, July 22. – (U.P.)…. Heat records were falling in New York today as the thermometer started a steady climb that had brought it to 92 at noon. At noon yesterday it was 89. There was every expectation that yesterday’s maximum of 96 at 4 p. m. would be surpassed, with a possibility of temperatures in the hundreds. Ten deaths had been recorded in the metropolitan area at noon.” (Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Hundred Dead of Heat.” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 23: “New York, July 23. (International News Service) – Cooler today and considerably cooler tonight was the weather bureau announcement which brought joy to millions in the Metropolitan area, which has registered a death toll of fifteen from the withering heat wave of the last few days. The thermometer receded to 76 degrees at eight thirty o’clock this morning, ten degrees cooler than yesterday, although still seven degrees higher than the same date last year. Intermittent rain through the night aided in the temperature drop from yesterday’s record breaking 97 degrees.” (New Castle News, PA. “Relief From Heat Promised New York City, 15 Are Dead,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.)
Ohio
July 21: “Cleveland, O., July 21. – The break in the terrific heat wave that has held Ohio and the middlewest in its grip for two days was expected by nightfall, E. H. Emery, the government weatherman said here today. Thundershowers are on the way. From all over the state have come reports of heat records shattered.
“At least 15 persons have died in. Ohio as the result of the two days of hot weather. In Cleveland a maximum temperature of 98 degrees was recorded late yesterday afternoon breaking a July heat record of 55 years. On August 6, 1918, the mercury climbed to 100 degrees here. Many points in the state today reported prospects of still hotter weather. East Liverpool which had a high mark of 98 degrees yesterday, had 78 degrees at 8 a.m. today which was four points higher than the mark at that hour yesterday morning….” (Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. “Century Mark is Reached in Many Cities.” 7-21-1926, p. 1.)
Pennsylvania
July 21: “Pittsburgh, July 21. – (INS) — Five deaths from the heat wave were on record here today, as all recent records fell before the soaring mercury. Relief, in the form of thundershowers, was promised by the weather Bureau, but the day dawned clear and indications were that yesterday’s high temperature of 96 would be surpassed.
“Those who succumbed to the heat were: Joseph Wegigleski, 54; Raffeal Castelanof, 33; Margaret Hrdinda, 3 months; George Wisinkski, 18, and George Shades, 49.
“Many heat sufferers flocked to the bathing beaches and to city parks.” (Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, PA. “Heat Fatal to 5 in Pittsburgh.” 7-21-1926, p. 1.)
July 22: “Pittsburgh, Pa., July 22. (International News Service) — Western Pennsylvania looked forward to promised relief tonight from a three-day siege of dry heat which already has numbered a toll of six deaths and shattered longstanding records in the district. With five dead in Pittsburgh as a result of the heat, Harry Green, 18, of McKeesport, swelled the total to six when he was drowned in the Monongahela river where he went late last night to seek relief. Scores were reported prostrated in sweltering cities in the western part of the state. Thousands sought relief at crowded benches and resorts, nearly two hundred persons entraining last night for the seashore from Pittsburgh alone.
“At the government weather bureau the forecast is cooler, possibly showers Thursday night, promised to break the grip of the torrid wave.” (New Castle News, PA. “Cooler Weather Promised Here,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
July 23: “Pittsburgh, July 23 (INS) — With a toil of ten dead in the unprecedented heat wave which held Western Pennsylvania in its grip for three days, and two seriously injured in a miniature hurricane and thunderstorm which brought with it cooling showers and relief to suffering thousands, local showers and a considerable drop in temperature today were believed to have ended a siege of suffering. Three additional deaths in Pittsburgh and one in McKeesport were recorded before showers put an end to the thermometer’s steady climb.
“In the north portion of Bradford County, a heavy wind storm…[word unclear] an electrical storm crippled telegraph and telephone communication, tore the roofs from several homes, and seriously injured two women at Athens. In Clarion county a miniature hurricane followed by a hail storm swept the roofs off barns, tore out trees by the roots and endangered the lives of motorists as flying debris crashed into automobiles, breaking windshields and caving in tops.
“In Pittsburgh the deaths of Mrs. Margaret Brose, 50; John McPaul, 50, and Abner Packard, nine months, swelled the toll of heat deaths from heat to nine. The death of Thomas Szarzynski, three months old, at McKeesport, brought the total deaths in Western Pennsylvania to ten.” (Clearfield Progress, PA. “Death Toll of 10 Before Rain Storm Brings Heat Relief,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.”
July 22-23: “Pittsburgh, Pa., July 23 (UP) – Temporarily, at least, the heat wave which prevailed in this district has abated. Showers overnight caused a decided drop in temperature just as the list from the heat reached…[page cut off]. Four deaths were reported…during the past 24 hours as attributed to heat. They were those of Thomas Szarzynski, two months old of McKeesport, Abner Packard…months, of McKees Rocks, John…[page cut off], 50 and Mrs. Margaret Brose, both of Pittsburgh.” (Monessen Daily Independent, PA. “Heat Wave Broken,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.)
Virginia
July 23: “Petersburgh, Va., July 23. (AP)– Indications this morning were that the worst of the heat wave here had been passed. The mercury at 9:30 o’clock was at 86, several degrees lower than at the same hour yesterday, and, a welcome breeze did a lot to relieve the heat. One death as a result of the heat has resulted in this vicinity. Louise Koread, 64, farmer, who drowned in a mill pond in Prince George county yesterday afternoon while seeking relief from the weather. Several heat prostrations have been recorded here but none seriously.
“Lynchburg, Va., July 23. (AP) – Following a temperature here yesterday afternoon of 102 degrees, the minimum last night was 74 degrees. The night was the hottest so far of the year until the minimum occurred about 6 o’clock. There have been no deaths here due directly or indirectly to the hot weather. The official temperature at eight o’clock this morning was 79.2 degrees.” (Kingsport Times, TN. “Believe Worst of Heat Wave Has Passed Thru,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.)
July 23: “The government thermometer at two o’clock this afternoon registered 100 degrees, two degrees lower than at the same hour yesterday. The mercury therefore moved up only one decree after ten o’clock when it was 99. Clouds were beginning to gather this afternoon and the obscuring of the sun and the breeze were factors in checking further progress of the heat wave.
“A higher maximum temperature than that of yesterday is in prospect today. At ten o’clock the official reading for Danville was 99 degrees or four degrees higher than at the same time yesterday when the mercury stood at 95 degrees….
“Danville has had no further deaths from the heat nor have any more prostrations been reported. Men at work in the open however are being affected by the heat and there is a letting up in all forms of physical exertion. Probably the worst sufferers in Danville today are the negroes who attend the retorts[58] in the city gas house. J.V. Perry, superintendent of the gas plant told The Bee this morning that the heat yesterday in the retort house was 135 degrees and that in order to supply the city with gas it was necessary to carry on. The negroes, ten in number, work in shifts. None can stand more than one hour at a time in the fire box zone. Their task is shoveling coal through the gaping doors not far from the leaping flame. The colored men stripped to the waist and wringing wet most of the time defy the usual warning of doctors and consume large quantities of ice water with impunity….” (The Bee, Danville, VA. “Mercury Here Stood at 100 at 2 O’clock,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.)
Wisconsin:
July 21: “Milwaukee – (AP) – A toll of seven victims were taken by the heat wave which has engulfed Wisconsin for the past two days and Tuesday sent the temperature to 96 here – a high record for the season. Temperatures over the entire state were reported above 90. John Radke, 42, laborer and Mrs. Victoria Hojnoscka, 68, died of heat here Tuesday [July 20].” (Appleton Post-Crescent, WI. “Heat Wave Takes Toll of 7 in State.” 7-21-1926, p. 1.)
July 21: “Chicago, July 21….In Milwaukee the top was reached at 95½ and four drownings and three heat deaths were recorded in Wisconsin. Showers predicted for tonight in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Iowa and Nebraska were expected to break the heat wave in those states.” (Sioux City Journal, IA. “Rains Dispel Heat Wave in Middle West,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
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Lock Haven Express, PA. “Rainfall Relieves West From Sweltering Heat.” 7-20-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=147300575&sterm
Ludington Daily News, MI. “East Gets Relief from Heat Wave,” 7-23-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=135495879&sterm
Ludington Daily News, MI. “Tuesday Year’s Hottest Day of Year in Detroit.” 7-21-1926, p. 4. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=130638004&sterm
Marion Star, OH. “Three-Day Heat Wave in Ohio Takes 30 Lives; Midwest Death Toll 100; Weatherman Again Promises Relief.” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=6967898&sterm
Marshall Evening Chronicle, MI. “Heat Wave Continues.” 7-20-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=102449279&sterm
Middletown Times-Press, NY. “60 Dead in Heat Wave Broken by Storms that Killed 5 More,” 7-23-1926, p. 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=37970500&sterm
Monessen Daily Independent, PA. “Heat Wave Broken,” 7-23-1926, 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=19751000&sterm
Morning News Review, Florence, SC. “No Relief From Intense Heat Wave Yet in Sight,” 7-23-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=2306373&sterm
New Castle News, PA. “Cooler Weather Promised Here,” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=57688417&sterm
New Castle News, PA. “Expect Relief from Heat in New York by This Evening, ” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=57688417&sterm
New Castle News, PA. “Over Three Score Deaths,” 6-22-1926, p. 2. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=57688418&sterm
New Castle News, PA. “Relief From Heat Promised New York City, 15 Are Dead,” 7-23-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=57688437&sterm
North Adams Transcript, MA. “Toll of 40 Dead in Wake of Heat Wave and Storm,” 7-23-1926, 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=62348021&sterm
Oelwein Daily Register, IA. “Heat Wave Causes Much Suffering and Loss of Life.” 7-21-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=105672456&sterm
Oneonta Daily Star, NY. “Dozen Die in Terrific Heat Wave in West.” 7-20-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=41050637&sterm
Oneonta Daily Star, NY. “Poughkeepsie Has First Heat Death,” 7-24-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=41050657&sterm
Oxnard Daily Courier, CA. “Death Toll From Torrid Weather Increase; El Centro 115 Degrees. Over 50 People in Various Sections Where Heat is Intense, Succumb.” 7-20-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=202926853&sterm
Oxnard Daily Courier, CA. “Five Dead from Scorching Heat in Imperial Valley; 112 Degrees.” 7-19-1926, p. 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=52536995&sterm
Oxnard Daily Courier, CA. “Three More Killed.” 7-20-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=202926853&sterm
Pinedale Roundup, WY. “Heat Adds to Growing Deaths.” 7-29-1926, p. 2. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=37797588&sterm
Port Arthur News, TX. “16 Known Dead in Boston Hot Wave,” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=21019453&sterm
Port Arthur News, TX. “Rochester Reports Deaths From Heat,” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=21019453&sterm
Port Arthur News, TX. “Scores Die in Withering Heat on East Coast,” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=21019453&sterm
Port Arthur News, TX. “Washington Office Workers Suffer,” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=21019453&sterm
Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Heat Adds to Growing Deaths.” 7-21-1926, p. 1., col. 1. Assessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=102410614&sterm
San Antonio Express, TX. “Heat Wave Kills 50 in Day, 160 in Four,” 7-25-1926, p. 7. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=70967139&sterm
Sandusky Register, OH. “More Than 20 Dead.” 7-21-1926, p. 1, col. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=138674669&sterm
Sandusky Register, OH. “Relief in Sight From Heat Wave.” 7-21-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=138674669&sterm
Sandusky Register, OH. “Three Dead in Ohio as Mercury Goes Above 100 Mark.” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=138674681&sterm
Sheboygan Press, WI. “Heat Moves Eastward as Relief Comes Here,” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=7284397&sterm
Simpsons’ Daily Leader-Times, Kittanning, PA. “Hot Weather Alarms Mid-West Farmers.” 7-20-1926, p. 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=96080715&sterm
Sioux City Journal, IA. “Rains Dispel Heat Wave in Middle West,” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=125865565&sterm
Syracuse Post Standard, NY. “60 More Die as Heat Wave in East Snaps,” 7-23-1926, p. 13. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=22932255&sterm
The Bee, Danville, VA. “57 Deaths in Past 24 Hours are Reported,” 7-23-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=19592719&sterm
The Bee, Danville, VA. “Mercury Here Stood at 100 at 2 O’clock,” 7-23-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=19592719&sterm
The News, Frederick, MD. “Four Dead in Baltimore as Heat Wave Continues.” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=11160711&sterm
The Robesonian, Lumberton, NC. 7-22-1926, p. 4. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=100384621&sterm
Traverse City Record-Eagle, MI. “Hundred Dead of Heat; Relief Arriving Today.” 7-22-1926, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=64480477&sterm
Waterloo Evening Courier, IA. “Sweltering Heat Takes 32 Lives in Midwest, East.” 7-20-1926, p. 2, col. 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=87105238&sterm
[1] For high estimate we used the New England high estimate of 31 (not separately counting individual New England States) and the high range of 20 for New York. For the low range we did not use the New England estimate, but rather the individual numbers for New England States, as well as the low range of 16 for NY, and the WI low range. We do not use 213 as the high estimate in that we believe it may well include drowning deaths that would have happened had there not been a heat wave and in that other sudden deaths might also have occurred in any event.
[2] These 44 deaths were just for the Mid-West.
[3] Atlantic News-Telegraph, IA. “Five Dead in Chicago.” 7-19-1926, p. 1. Dome is in Arizona.
[4] Oxnard Daily Courier, CA. “Death Toll From Torrid Weather Increase; El Centro 115 Degrees. Over 50 People in Various Sections Where Heat is Intense, Succumb.” 7-20-1926, p. 1.
[5] “Eight deaths were traced directly to the heat wave in this district when two men…lying unconscious upon the tracks of the Southern Pacific railroad were killed by the flyer ‘Argonaut’ six miles west of here today. Six men, according to police, were overcome by the heat while walking along the tracks in the desert.”
[6] Atlantic News-Telegraph, IA. “Five Dead in Chicago.” 7-19-1926, p. 1.
[7] Besides the El Centro death noted below, “A temperature of 112 degrees caused the death of Mrs. Beulah Meyers, 50, Los Angeles, Pianist; Edward Peters, 50, a quarry man; James Cale, 28, a Los Angeles entertainer and Fred Wiley, 40, a rancher. Another article however leads us to believe that the quarryman, who was buried in Dome, AZ, should be listed as an Arizona fatality, thus our listing of four rather than five deaths.
[8] Oxnard Daily Courier, CA. “Five Dead from Scorching Heat in Imperial Valley; 112 Degrees.” 7-19-1926, p. 1.
[9] We are assuming New Haven, CT. The article does not note the State, but is datelined Boston, and mentions heat-related news for Conn., Mass., NH, RI and Vermont. We also assume at least two deaths, in that the article writes that “In New Haven laborers suffered fatal attacks directly attributed to the temperature.”
[10] We count for Chicago 2 deaths on July 18, use the low estimate of 5 for July 19 (though some accounts have it up to 14), 12 for July 20, 4 for July 21, and one for July 26. There was also one East St. Louis death on July 21.
[11] Notes five were “babies less than a year old” and one a man who had just played 18 holes of golf in the hot sun.
[12] Daily Gazette, Sterling, IL. “Deaths Mount to 100 as Heat Envelops East.” 7-22-1926, p. 1.
[13] “…the heat wave…was the direct or indirect cause of eight deans in Indiana since the first of the week.”
[14] Three, though, were drownings.
[15] Daily Republican, Rushville, IN. “Six Deaths in Indiana.” 7-20-1926, p. 6.
[16] Daily Republican, Rushville, IN. “Six Deaths in Indiana.” 7-20-1926, p. 6.
[17] Daily Republican, Rushville, IN. “Six Deaths in Indiana.” 7-20-1926, p. 6.
[18] Daily Republican, Rushville, IN. “Six Deaths in Indiana.” 7-20-1926, p. 6.
[19] Daily Republican, Rushville, IN. “Six Deaths in Indiana.” 7-20-1926, p. 6.
[20] Sandusky Register, OH. “Three Dead in Ohio as Mercury Goes Above 100 Mark.” 7-22-1926, p. 1.
[21] Syracuse Post Standard, NY. “60 More Die as Heat Wave in East Snaps,” 7-23-1926, p. 13.
[22] Named were: William Fales, 61; Michael Stack, 50; Willie Jones and Henry Ganby.
[23] The article writes that on July 22 “In Boston four new deaths were reported today…,” leaving impression there was at least one previous heat-related death there.
[24] North Adams Transcript, MA. “Toll of 40 Dead in Wake of Heat Wave and Storm,” 7-23-1926, 1.
[25] Syracuse Post Standard, NY. “60 More Die as Heat Wave in East Snaps,” 7-23-1926, p. 13.
[26] Bridgeport Telegram, CT. “Aged Woman Dies.” 7-22-1926, p. 2.
[27] “Albert Gnevo, 56, of Red Wing, Minn., was prostrated by the head and died.”
[28] In addition, two drownings on July 20, which we omit, were ascribed to the heat.
[29] This number, we believe, includes the separate listings herein for Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont. The higher number also includes deaths caused by the storms that broke the heat wave.
[30] Fourteen heat wave deaths, eight drownings, and 2 other storm-related deaths.
[31] The articles writes that “Ten deaths had been recorded in the metropolitan area at noon.”
[32] Oneonta Daily Star, NY. “Poughkeepsie Has First Heat Death,” 7-24-1926, 1.
[33] Florence Morning News Review, SC. “No Relief From…” 7-23-1926, p. 1.
[34] Florence Morning News Review, SC. “No Relief From…” 7-23-1926, p. 1.
[35] Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. “Number One (Continued from Page 1).” 7-21-1926, p. 7, col. 1.
[36] Sandusky Register, OH. “Three Dead in Ohio as Mercury Goes Above 100 Mark.” 7-22-1926, p. 1.
[37] Sandusky Register, OH. “Three Dead in Ohio as Mercury Goes Above 100 Mark.” 7-22-1926, p. 1.
[38] Both were drownings.
[39] Simpsons’ Daily Leader-Times, Kittanning, PA. “Hot Weather Alarms Mid-West Farmers.” 7-20-1926, p. 1. There were, in addition, two drowning deaths attributed to the heat wave, which we omit.
[40] “George W. Russell…dropped dead Thursday afternoon at Cleveland, Ohio…His sudden death was attributed to the intense heat…Mr. Russell…was 45 years old…” (Daily Courier, Connellsville, PA. “Cooler to Stay After 99 Degrees; No Rain Promised,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.)
[41] Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, OH. “Century Mark is Reached in Many Cities.” 7-21-1926, p. 1.
[42] Sandusky Register, OH. “Three Dead in Ohio as Mercury Goes Above 100 Mark.” 7-22-1926, p. 1.
[43] Sandusky Register, OH. “Relief in Sight From Heat Wave.” 7-21-1926, p. 1.
[44] The ten deaths are nine at Pittsburgh and one at McKeesport.
[45] This in reference to deaths reported within the previous 24 hours.
[46] Simpsons’ Daily Leader-Times, Kittanning, PA. “Hot Weather Alarms Mid-West Farmers.” 7-20-1926, p. 1.
[47] In addition there was a drowning death on July 21 (Harry Green, 18) “in the Monongahela river where he went late last night to seek relief.” (New Castle News, PA. “Cooler Weather Promised Here,” 7-22-1926, p. 1.)
[48] We assume this total includes what is separately listed for McKees Rocks, a Pittsburgh neighborhood across the Ohio river to the north. The article lists one additional death at McKeesport, also a suburb just to the southeast.
[49] Monessen Daily Independent, PA. “Heat Wave Broken,” 7-23-1926, 1.
[50] Bridgeport Telegram, CT. “Dies In Station.” 7-22-1926, p. 2.
[51] Syracuse Post Standard, NY. “60 More Die as Heat Wave in East Snaps,” 7-23-1926, p. 13.
[52] Syracuse Post Standard, NY. “60 More Die as Heat Wave in East Snaps,” 7-23-1926, p. 13.
[53] The Bee writes that “Danville has had no further deaths from the heat…” implying at least one death.
[54] Kingsport Times, TN. “Believe Worst of Heat Wave Has Passed Thru,” 7-23-1926, p. 1.
[55] Four of these deaths, however, are listed as drownings.
[56] Stated that both died from the heat – one a male laborer, and the other an elderly woman.
[57] A United Press report, though, had the hottest place as Yuma, AZ, with a temperature of 112 degrees. (Marshall Evening Chronicle, MI. “Heat Wave Continues.” 7-20-1926, p. 1.)
[58] Buildings in which coal is burned to generate gas. (Wikipedia. “Gasworks,” 10-11-2013 modification.)