20th Century

1949 — Mar 4, Woolworth Dept. Store fire, firefighters killed/floor collapse, Charleston, WV–7

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 13, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

— 7  Charleston Gazette, WV. “12 Children Lost Fathers in Blaze.” 3-5-1949, 14.

— 7  Charleston Gazette, WV. “Bodies of Seven Firemen…Ruins…Woolworth Blaze.” 3-5-49, 1

— 7  Charleston Gazette, WV. “Smoke Concealed Deadly Trap…Early…Stages.” 3-5-1949, 1.

Narrative Information

March 5, Charleston Gazette, WV: “…the most tragic fire in Charleston’s history…yesterday brought death to seven firemen and caused more than $1,000,000 in property damage…F. W. Woolworth Bldg. on Capitol St….7 firemen plunged to death when floor collapsed.” (Charleston Gazette, WV.  “Bodies of Seven Firemen Taken From Ruins of Woolworth Blaze.” 3-5-1949, 1.)

March 5, Charleston Gazette, WV: “The fire which took the lives of seven Charleston firemen and caused more than a $1,000,000 property damage was regarded for more than an hour as only a minor blaze. An unusual fire, it smoldered in the basement of the F. W. Woolworth store for possibly as long as an hour and a half before it broke into flame. Firemen first on the scene thought they had nothing more to deal with than some smoldering rags that would do little more than emit a lot of smoke. This reporter was on the scene at 4 a.m., just a few minutes after the fire was discovered and it is easy to understand why the blaze was not considered a serious one.

“Walking slowly along his beat on Capitol St. shortly before 4 a.m. City Patrolman Wayne Casdorph sniffed the air questioningly when he smelled something burning. Looking through the window of the Woolworth building, Casdorph noticed a funny milky color and he realized the place was on fire. Casdorph said he then rushed to a box and turned in an alarm. Two trucks, including a ladder wagon, from the Elizabeth St. fire station answered the alarm and started to work on what they considered a routine fire call. Smoke seeping through the second story windows indicated a smoldering fire in the basement.

“Donning a gas mask, Capt. Claude Saunders went into the building for a preliminary investigation. Seconds later he staggered to the sidewalk and collapsed, overcome by smoke. A Cunningham ambulance standing nearby speeded him to the hospital.

“Working in from the front, firemen found a small stairway leading to the basement and went slowly down. Only seconds elapsed until the firemen retreated from overwhelming clouds of smoke. Several gas masks then were distributed, which proved to be faulty, and a police squad car was sent for more. The squad car returned with several more, but only one was workable.

“By 5 a. m., an hour after the start of the fire, firemen located the flames in a rear corner of the basement. Unable to descend to the basement, they advanced out onto the floor through a rear door and played a stream of water back in under the stairway. Suddenly, without warning, a whole section of the floor all the way across the building gave way plunging approximately seven firemen into roaring flames below. Spurred on by anguished pleas for help, firemen on the floor above frantically attempted a rescue. One fireman, George Coates, a Negro, won the undying admiration of all who knew what occurred. Jumping into the flaming hole, he grabbed one man and flung him bodily to the alley above. Just as he reached for another man, Coates as overcome by smoke and was never seen again until his body was recovered several hours later. Firemen were able to grasp the hand of one other man, but their hold slipped as the flames became too intense and the man disappeared screaming into the flames.

“Capt. E. F. Merrifield came staggering into the alley an instant later and mumbled, ‘I just had time to grab a section of the wall as the floor fell beneath me.’

“Standing by, helpless, while their buddies screamed in the inferno below, firemen were heard moaning over and over, ‘if only we had some asbestos suits, we could save them.’….

“The bodies of five of the victims were recovered from 12-feet of water in the basement of the building early in the afternoon. Pauley’s body was recovered at 5 p.m., about two hours after the bodies of his five comrades were brought out. The last body removed was that of Sharp, buried under a huge pile of debris far back in the basement. It was uncovered and removed from the water-filled basement at 8 p.m. …

“The fire completely burned out the Woolworth building and spread to the adjacent building housing the Kresge store. The roof of the later burned and partially collapsed, and tons of water poured into the store, ruining thousands of dollars worth of merchandise. The Fleetwood hotel building next door to Kresge’s also suffered considerable water damage….” (Charleston Gazette, WV. “Smoke Concealed Deadly Trap During Early Fire-Fight Stages.” 3-5-1949, 1.)

March 5, Charleston Gazette, WV: “The death of seven firemen in Charleston’s most tragic fire yesterday left as many widows and 12 small children fatherless. The dead…are:

Fred Clarence Summers, 28…Central Station crew…

Emory C. Pauley, 51…was with Central station for 24 years…

Frank Norton Miller, 31…Central station…six years…

George Alexander Coates, 26…began…at central fire station in October 1946…

James Paul Little, 26…at Central station for little more than a year…

Richard Ellsworth McCormick, 32…at the Central station a little over a year…

Thomas Franklin Sharp, 50…with 30 years service on the Charleston fire department.”

(Charleston Gazette, WV.  “12 Children Lost Fathers in Blaze.” 3-5-1949, 14.)

Sources

Charleston Gazette, WV. “12 Children Lost Fathers in Blaze.” 3-5-1949, p. 14. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=40556724

Charleston Gazette, WV. “Bodies of Seven Firemen Taken From Ruins of Woolworth Blaze.” 3-5-1949, 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=40556711

Charleston Gazette, WV. “Smoke Concealed Deadly Trap During Early Fire-Fight Stages.” 3-5-1949, 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=40556711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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1949 — Mar 3, home coal stove explosion/fire/kerosene added, Fox Lake, Lakewood, 12M ~Muskegon MI–11

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 13, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–11  NFPA. “Recent Important Fires, Fire News, No. 380, April 1949, p. 8.

–11  United Press. “Condition of Lone Survivor of Fire is Critical.”

Narrative Information

National Fire Protection Association: “Use of kerosene to freshen a coal fire in the kitchen was the cause of an explosion and flash fire that killed 9 children and 2 adults in the 1-story wooden dwelling.”  (NFPA. Fire News, April 1949, p. 8)

Newspaper

March 3, UP: “Lakewood, Muskegon county, March 3 (UP) – Ten persons are known to have perished, two critically burned, and police feared two others may be dead as result of an explosion and fire which leveled a two-story frame home here. Discovery of an unidentified body shortly after noon today threatened to boost the death toll, but the remains were later identified as those of the family dog.

“Harold Clover, 17, and his elder brother, Ward, Jr., 21 were burned and taken to Muskegon hospitals. Attendants said they were not expected to survive.

“Police were unable to locate Mrs. Clover’s estranged husband, but he was reported to be in Chicago.

“Officers said a coal stove apparently exploded in the frame building and caused the rapidly spreading fire. The victims were trapped and their bodies were found huddled in little groups.

“Officers said that the victims would not be removed from the ashes until the arrival of Sgt. Quentin Dean, deputy fire marshal.

“They feared that there might be other victims as neighbors in this little Fox lake village of 64 residents said there frequently were as many as 20 persons spending the night in the house.

“Lack of communications prevented rapid identification of the victims. Police said Mrs. Clover had 13 children including Eileen Clover, 25, and Mrs. Betty Pickett, both of Muskegon, and Robert Clover of Parkway.

“‘The stove just seemed to go up in a flash of flame,’ Harold Clover told sheriff deputies at Muskegon hospital. That was the only clue police had available so far to cause the death-dealing explosion. Deputies were able to question Harold only briefly as he was given emergency treatment for burns.

“Both of the injured sons had burns on nearly all of their bodies and attendants said their chances of survival were slim.

“The building destroyed by fire was formerly the ‘Lakewood Sportsmen’s club’ at Fox lake. It had been converted into a residence.” (United Press. “10 Dead in Muskegon Area Blaze.” The Holland Evening Sentinel, MI. 3-3-1949, p. 1.)

March 4, UP: “Lakewood (UP) – Lakewood (UP) – The lone survivor of an explosion and fire which killed 11 persons was reported in critical condition in a Muskegon hospital today. Howard Clover, 17,[1] suffered burns over most of his body yesterday in the flash-fire that killed his mother, Mrs. Maude Clover, 46, nine of his brothers and sisters and a roomer, August Taskey, 60. They died in the destruction of rambling Fox Lake resort structure which once had housed the Lakewood Sportsmen’s Club, 12 miles north of Muskegon.

“Howard told Deputy State Fire Marshal Quentin Dean that his mother was pouring kerosene on a fire in a coal stove when the explosion spread flaming oil in the interior of the frame house.

“The dead children were [we break paragraph into separate lines]

Nancy, 5;

Ardis June, 4;

Sandra, 8;

James, 9;

Roger Lee, 10;

David, 11;

Harold, 13;

Joan, 15; and

Ward Clover, Jr., 21. Ward died in a hospital at Muskegon….”

(UP. “Lone Survivor of Fire is Critical.” South Haven Daily Tribune, MI. 3-4-1949, p. 1.)

Sources

National Fire Protection Association. “Recent Important Fires, Fire News, No. 380, April 1949.

United Press. “10 Dead in Muskegon Area Blaze.” The Holland Evening Sentinel, MI. 3-3-1949, p. 1. Accessed 9-14-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/holland-evening-sentinel-mar-03-1949-p-1/

United Press. “Lone Survivor of Fire is Critical.” South Haven Daily Tribune, MI. 3-4-1949, p. 1. Accessed 9-14-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/south-haven-daily-tribune-mar-04-1949-p-1/

WikiTree. “Howard Lafe Clover (1932-2005.” Accessed 9-14-2023 at: https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Clover-210

[1] Howard Lafe Clover died in 2005 at about the age of 73. (WikiTree. “Howard Lafe Clover (1932-2005.”)

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1949 — Jan 26, USAF B-29, Dakar, Senegal to Norfolk, UK, lost ~Canary Islands, Spain –all 15

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 16, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–15  Aviation Safety Network. USAF B29A down about 35M S of Canary Islands, 1-26-1949.

–15  AP. “Fog Hampering Plane Search…B-29…” Daily Mail, Hagerstown, MD. 1-28-1949, p1.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1949:

“Date:                          Wednesday 26 January 1939

“Time:                         c. 12:15 LT [local time]

“Type:                         Boeing B-29A Superfortress

“Owner/operator:        341st BSqn /97th BGp USAF

“Registration:              44-61775

“MSN:                         11250

“Fatalities:                   Fatalities: 15 / Occupants: 15

…

“Location:                   Sea 35 miles S of Canary Islands – Spain

“Phase:                        En route

“Nature:                       Military

“Departure Airport:     Dakar airfield, Senegal

“Destination airport:    RAF Marham, Norfolk

“Narrative:                   ….

“Written off (destroyed) 26 January 1949: The aircraft was performing a flight from Dakar to UK. While approaching the Canary Islands, it crashed in unknown circumstances some 35 miles south of the Spanish archipelago. No trace of the aircraft nor the 15 crew members was found.”

Newspaper

Jan 28, AP: “London, Jan. 28 (AP). – A heavy fog hampered today’s efforts to search for a U.S. Airforce B-29 missing over the Atlantic with 15 men aboard. Six B-29’s were to have taken off last midnight from Marham, England – the missing plane’s home base – to join the hunt. But an Airforce spokesman here said only two got away before the fog closed in. The heavy fog presumably also hampered R.A.F. planes aiding in the search. An Admiralty spokesman said two planes had been reported ready to leave Gibraltar early today but no later message confirmed the takeoff.

“The missing plane was on a 3,000 mile flight from Dakar, French West Africa, to England. Its fuel should lang since have been exhausted and authorities said it ‘definitely is down somewhere.’

“The staff duty officer at Third Air Division headquarters here said the plane made its last radio contact shortly after midnight yesterday. He said Airforce Control at Frankfurt at that time picked up a signal showing the plane near the Canary Islands. Previous reports had placed its last definite location 200 miles south of Casablanca.

“The two B-29s that got off from Marham were heading for the area near Port Lyautey in the Azores.” (Associated Press. “Fog Hampering Plane Search. U.S. Air Force B-29 With 15 Aboard Missing Over Atlantic.” Daily Mail, Hagerstown, MD. 1-28-1949, p1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Fog Hampering Plane Search. U.S. Air Force B-29 With 15 Aboard Missing Over Atlantic.” Daily Mail, Hagerstown, MD. 1-28-1949, p1. Accessed 9-16-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hagerstown-daily-mail-jan-28-1949-p-1/

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1949. USAF B-29A down about 35M S of Canary Islands, 1-26-1949.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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1949 — Jan 19, USCG Eastwind and SS Gulfstream collide in fog ~60M SE of Barnegat Light Vessel NJ–13

–13  Haley, Alex. “Tragedy Stalks the Sea: An Account of the Eastwind Disaster.”[1]

–13  USCG Commandant’s Action relating to Marine Board of Investigation, Eastwind and Gulfstream.

            –13  USCG Eastwind crew

Narrative Information

Haley, Alex. “Tragedy Stalks the Sea: An Account of the Eastwind Disaster.” –

“It was half-past four the morning of January 19th. Off Cape May, New Jersey, long, shapeless tendrils of fog converged to shroud in a vast milkiness the Gulf Oil tanker SS Gulfstream, travelling light from Philadelphia to the Persian Gulf, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s super-icebreaker Eastwind, Boston to Baltimore. At 4:35 they came together with a rasping snarl of steel on steel. Men catapulted from their bunks fought back terror. There came a second jolt when the Gulfstream bucked clear, her bow a huge, snaggled tooth that had left a gaping wound in the Eastwind’s starboard midsection. Almost immediately a fire broke out, filling compartments with stifling, acrid smoke. Through it more than a hundred bewildered Coast Guardsmen groped their way topside. Among them were ambulatory cases, men in varying stages of undress, men suffering from shock, guided more by instinct than reason….

“The United Fruit Company’s new, sleek SS Junior arrived as the Eastwind fire began to get the upper hand. Faced squarely with the possibility of even more appalling disaster should the magazines be set off, Captain John A. Glynn of the Eastwind ordered 83 of his men to board the Junior which would carry them to New York….

“As this is written the death toll has risen to 13. They were:

  • William E. Barnett, CSC
  • Ewell Busby, ENC
  • Harry F. Brown, HMC
  • Donald W. Bryson, BMC
  • Stanislaus Coindreau, SA       [Died in Marine Hospital, Staten Island, from injuries.]
  • Robert E. Connors, EN3
  • Louis Cywinski, DCC
  • Peter A. Everett, QMC
  • Kenneth S. King, SKC
  • Anthony G. Machansky, RMC
  • Rupert D. Midgette, ENC
  • John V. Kerr; FA
  • Albert P. Williams, SA…       [Died in Marine Hospital, Staten Island, from injuries.]

“A navigational plot worked back from the time of the collision using the radar ranges and bearings, and estimated speed of the vessels indicates that the vessels closed at a speed of about 44 feet per second.

“The Gulfstream stood by near the scene of the collision until it was established her services were not required. She then proceeded to New York under her own power.

USCG Commandant:

“Charge I  Violation of a Lawful Regulation

“In that John A. Glynn, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, while so serving in command of the U, S. Coast Guard Cutter Eastwind, making passage from Boston, Massachusetts, to Chesapeake Light Vessel, through active shipping lanes, did neglect and fail to exercise proper care and attention to the safety of said ves­sel in that, on January 19, 1949, he permitted an officer with insufficient experience and competence to assume the 4:00 to 8:00 a. m. watch as officer of the deck of said vessel on said date, namely, Lieutenant…U. S. Coast Guard, and he the said Glynn, through said negligence, did suffer the said U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Eastwind to collide with the SS Gulfstream at or about 4:35 a. m., on the said date, with resultant loss of life, and damage to both vessels; this in violation of a lawful regulation issued by the Secre­tary of the Treasury, to wit, Article 226, Coast Guard Courts and Boards, 1935.

Charge II  Neglect of Duty  Specification 1

“In that John A. Glynn, Captain, U. 8. Coast Guard, while so serving in command  of the U. S. Coast Guard Cutter Eastwind, making passage from Boston, Massachusetts, to Chesapeake Light Vessel, through active shipping lanes, did, on January 19, 1949, neglect and fail to assign an experienced and competent officer to stand the 4:00 to 8:00 a. m. watch as officer of the deck on board the said vessel on the said date, as it was the duty of  the said Glynn to do…..

Findings of Facts

“The Gulfstream, Official No.  243852, is a T-2 tanker of 10,195 gross tons, 6,107 net tons, twin screws turbo-electric drive, owned y the Gulf Oil Corporation. The vessel was not fitted with a radar.

….

“The Gulfstream sailed from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at 6:00 p.m. on January 18, 1949, on a voyage to the Persian Gulf.  After taking in ballast in the lower Delaware River the drafts were estimated to be 18 feet forward, 21 feet aft.

….

“About 4:30 a.m. the Gulfstream entered fog which quickly became dense. Immediately thereafter “Standby” was rung up on the engine room telegraph; the fog signal was started and sounded at intervals of one minute; and the master of the Gulfstream…holding license No… who was asleep in the chartroom abaft of the wheelhouse, was called, by the mate on watch, holding

“The master of the Gulfstream, although aware that the vessel was running in a fog at a speed of about 15 knots, failed to order a reduction in speed.

“The mate on watch…although knowing that the vessel had entered fog at a speed of about 15 knots, made no reduction in the speed of the Gulfstream.

“…[name blacked out] ordinary seaman, who was lookout on the port wing of the bridge of the Gulfstream, was absent from his station as lookout during the time that vessel was running in fog….

“The Eastwind entered fog a few minutes before the collision while making a speed of about 14 knots. After entry into fog, Lieutenant [blacked out] failed to sound fog signals, to reduce to a moderate speed, and to notify the Commanding Officer.

“No whistle signals were sounded by the Eastwind at any time…..

“A few seconds after sighting of the Gulfstream the bow of that vessel struck the Eastwind on the starboard side just abaft the bridge penetrating to such a depth that the upper portion of her stem brought up against the stack of the Eastwind. At time of collision both vessels were in a dense fog.

“Immediately after the collision fire broke out on both vessels….

“The fire on the Eastwind spread rapidly with devastating effect in the chief petty officers’ berthing compartment, which had been opened up by the stem of the Gulfstream. From this area fire spread rapidly to the bridge, radio room, and pilot house, forcing all personnel from their stations….

“The standing orders and the night orders issued by the Commanding Officer of the Eastwind required, among other things, that the officer of the deck inform the Commanding Officer if any radar target or vessel would approach within 3 miles of the Eastwind; that the speed of the vessel be reduced to 50 r.p.m. and fog signals be sounded if fog were encountered and that the Commanding Officer be notified; and that in case of any doubt in the mind of the officer of the deck that the Commanding Officer be called.

“Lieutenant [blacked out] officer of the deck, failed to notify the Commanding Officer that a radar targe would approach within 3 miles of the Eastwind.

“Lieutenant [blacked out] failed to notify the Commanding Officer that the Eastwind and a radar targe were approaching each other on collision courses.

“Lieutenant [blacked out] failed to take proper evasive action to prevent collision with a radar targe which proved to be the Gulfstream.

“Captain John A. Glynn, Commanding Officer of the Eastwind who was awakened by the collision while asleep in his cabin, had no previous knowledge of approaching danger.

“There is no emergency cabin in the Eastwind.

“No personnel of the Gulfstream suffered any personal injuries as a result of the collision.

“Of the 8 officers and 152 enlisted men on board the Eastwind all are accounted for; 13 enlisted men died as a result of the collision and 8 officers and 139 enlisted men survived as of January 31, 1949.

“A navigational plot worked back from the time of the collision using the radar ranges and bearings, and estimated speed of the vessels indicates that the vessels closed at a speed of about 44 feet per second.

“The Gulfstream stood by near the scene of the collision until it was established her services were not required. She then proceeded to New York under her own power.

Opinions

  1. That the Gulfstream was not proceeding at a moderate speed while in a fog between 4:30 a.m. and 4:49 a.m. on January 19, 1949.
  2. That the Eastwind was not proceeding at a moderate speed while in a fog between 4:30 a.m. and 4:49 a.m. on January 19, 1949.

….

Recommendations

  1. That…Master of the SS Gulfstream, be charged with negligence under authority of R.S. 4450
  2. That…Chief Mate of the SS Gulfstream, be charged with negligence under authority of R.S. 4450…
  3. That…Ordinary Seaman of the SS Gulfstream, be charged with inattention to duty under authority of R.S. 4450…
  4. That Lieutenant…U.S. Coast Guard, be brought to trial before a general court on the charge of violation of lawful regulation…
  5. That Lieutenant…U.S. Coast Guard, be brought to trial before a general court on the charge of neglect of duty…

(United States Coast Guard Commandant’s Action by Convening and Final Reviewing Authority (relating to Marine Board of Investigation, collision of USCG Eastwind and SS Gulfstream, 1-19-1949. Washington, DC: USCG, 3-30-1949.)

Sources

Haley, Alex. “Tragedy Stalks the Sea: An Account of the Eastwind Disaster.” Accessed 9-7-2023 at: https://alexhaley.com/2018/08/14/tragedy-stalks-the-sea-an-account-of-the-eastwind-disaster/

United States Coast Guard Commandant’s Action by Convening and Final Reviewing Authority (relating to Marine Board of Investigation, collision of USCG Eastwind and SS Gulfstream, 1-19-1949. Washington, DC: USCG, 3-30-1949, 14 pages. Accessed 9-6-2023 at: https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/CG-5PC/INV/docs/boards/eastwind.pdf

[1] Originally published in the U.S. Coast Guard Magazine, March 1949.

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1949 — Jan 17, USAF B-29 crash into Argyllshire mts. (icing?) ~Lochgoilhead, Scotland–20

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 14, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

— 20  Baugher. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-40049 to 44-70254). Oct 28, 2011 revision.

— 20  Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. 1999, p. 45

— 20  Huntingdon News, PA. “Bodies of 20 U.S. Servicemen Taken From B-29 Crash.” 1-18-‘49

— 20  Indiana Evening Gazette, PA. “Penna. Men in B-29 Crash.” 1-19-1949, p. 13.

— 20  Logansport Pharos-Tribune, IN. “Fear 20 Dead in B-29 Bomber Crash.” 1-17-1949, p. 1.

Narrative Information

Baugher: “Boeing B-29A-70-BN Superfortress….62276 (301st BG) crashed below Beinn Tharsuinn about 2.5 mi W of Lochgoilhead near Glasgow, Scotland Jan 17, 1949.  20 on board killed.” (Baugher. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-40049 to 44-70254). Oct 28, 2011 revision.)

Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. 1999, p. 45: 

“Date:                          17 January 1949 (c.09:50)

“Location:                   Near Lochgoilhead, Argyllshire

“ Operator:                  US Air Force

“Aircraft Type:            Boeing B-29 (44-62276)

“All 20 American servicemen aboard perished in the crash of the four-engine bomber, which occurred 30 miles (50km) north-west of Glasgow. One of two B-29s to have taken off earlier from Scampton, Lincolnshire, England, on a transatlantic flight to the US, 44-62276 had about half-an-hour before the accident requested, and been granted, clearance to ascent from 8,500 to 14,500ft (2,600-4,400m). At the time of the request, the aircraft was believed to have been encountering heavy icing conditions. Subsequently, the heavily-iced bomber slammed into a mountain at an approximate elevation of 700ft (200m), or about a third of the way to its summit, in a steep diving attitude and an air speed indicator reading of nearly 300mph (500kph). The surface weather, which was otherwise not a factor in the crash, consisted of rain, with an overcast of around 1,000ft (300m) and a visibility of about 1½ miles (2.5m). The wind was from a west-south-westerly direction at approximately 35 knots.”

Newspapers

Jan 17, United Press: “Glasgow, Jan 17 – (UP) – A  U.S. Air Force B-29 Super-Fortress reportedly carrying 20 American servicemen bound for home crashed and burned in the Argyllshire Mountains of West Scotland in thick fog today. All aboard were believed killed. Six bodies were found some distance from the scattered and burned wreckage of the plane on a 3,000-foot mountainside at Succoth Glen, near Lochgoilhead. Rescue teams said they could not determine yet whether other bodies still were in the smoking wreckage, but they found no signs of survivors.

“The plane was identified definitely as a U.S. Air Force B-29, and there appeared no doubt that it was one which the U.S. Air Force headquarters in London reported was missing on a flight to the United States by way of Iceland with 20 crewmen aboard. The plane was en route to Iceland on the first leg of a trip to the United States. At least some of the men aboard apparently were en route to furloughs at home.

“Flying with a sister ship, the plane encountered heavy mist and fog over Scotland. A plane was heard circling before the crash, which occurred at about 10 a.m. (5 a. m. EST), some two hours after the Super-Fortress had left Scampton. The sister ship turned back to Scampton and landed safely. The other plane had not been reported since the takeoff from Scampton at 8 a. in. (3 a. m. EST) and there seemed little doubt that if had crashed.

“A B-29 carries a normal crew of 11, but can accommodate as many as 22. Air Force personnel going on home leave to the United States frequently fly aboard such planes….” (Logansport Pharos-Tribune, IN. “Fear 20 Dead in B-29 Bomber Crash.” 1-17-1949, p. 1.)

Jan 18: “Glasgow, Jan. 18. – The bodies of 20 American servicemen killed in the crash of a U. S. superfortress on a barren mountainside in western Scotland were carried to the nearby village of Lochgoilhead today. An Army spokesman in London said the plane carried a “maintenance crew” and a regular crew. Air Force officials said some of the men were en route home for furloughs and that all aboard had been killed.

“The big bomber smashed through a clammy fog into the Argyllshire mountains yesterday. Bodies and flame-scarred wreckage were scattered over a broad section of the crash scene at Succoth Glen, a desolate region between 3,000-foot mountains inhabited only by deer and foxes.

“David McLaughlin, a forestry worker, reported that the plane buried itself 15 feet in the ground before it exploded and burned. It was still smoking when he reached the wreckage, McLaughlin said….” (Huntingdon Daily News, PA. “Bodies of 20 U.S. Servicemen Taken From B-29 Crash.” 1-18-1949, p. 1.)

Jan 19: “Salinas, Kas. Jan. 19 – (AP) — The Smoky Hill Air Force Base today announced the names of 20 men aboard an American B-29 Superfortress which crashed in Scotland, two of whom are Pennsylvanians. The plane crashed yesterday near Lochgoilhead, Scotland….

“The bomber, which was attached to the 301st Bomb Group stationed at Scampton Field, Lincolnshire, was on the way home to Salina after three months temporary duty in England. Col. Joe Kelly, 301st wing commander at Smoky Hill, said he had no definite word on the number of

fatalities. Colonel Kelly listed among those aboard the plane when it took off at Scampton as:

Master Sgt. Wayne W. Baker, whose parents live at (313 Liberty St.) Franklin, Pa.

Master Sgt. Henry P. Prestosh, whose parents live in Gouldsboro, Pa.” 

(Indiana Evening Gazette, PA.  “Penna. Men in B-29 Crash.” 1-19-1949, p. 13.)

Sources

Baugher, Joseph F. 1944 USAAF Serial Numbers (44-40049 to 44-70254). Oct 28, 2011 revision. Accessed 12-25-2011 at: http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1944_4.html

Gero, David. Military Aviation Disasters: Significant Losses Since 1908. UK and Newbury Park, CA: Patrick Stephens Limited, an imprint of Hayes Publishing, 1999. 

 

Huntingdon Daily News, PA. “Bodies of 20 U.S. Servicemen Taken From B-29 Crash.” 1-18-1949, p. 1. At:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=102304265

Indiana Evening Gazette, Indiana, PA. “Penna. Men in B-29 Crash [Scotland].” 1-19-1949, p. 13. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=114089881

Logansport Pharos-Tribune, IN. “Fear 20 Dead in B-29 Bomber Crash.” 1-17-1949, p. 1. Accessed at:  http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=85755269

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text content

1949 — Jan 3, AR Tornadoes, especially Warren (55 deaths), Bradley County, AR     –57-58

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 15, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–57-58  Blanchard estimated death toll range:

For the low-end of our range we use 57 in that this is the number of identified fatalities from the tornado outbreak in Arkansas. We note that Salinerriverchronicle.com notes 59, but this includes 56 fatalities for Warren when the listing of Warren fatalities included on the webpage notes only 54 names. For the high-end we choose to rely on Grazulis. We note that there were also two tornado deaths in Louisiana on January 3rd which we do not include in our attempt to understand the Arkansas death toll.

–59  Salineriverchronicle.com. “2014 is the 65th Anniversary of the 1949 Warren Tornado.” 1-4-2014.

—  1  Grapevine

—  2  El Dorado

–56  Warren [Blanchard: It is stated that 56 died in Warren, but only 54 names are listed.]

–58  Grazulis. Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993, pp. 505, 941.

            —  1  Grapevine, Grant County

            —  2  Union County 16:00 F3 tornado

–55  Warren, Bradley County.

–57  Blanchard tally from “Listing of Named Fatalities from Sources,” found below.

—  2  El Dorado area

—  1  Grapevine

–54  Warren

–57  National Weather Service, Little Rock AR Weather Forecast Office, 2006

–56  AP. “Death Toll at Warren 52.” Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville. 1-6-1949, p. 1.

            —  2  North Louisiana

            —  2  El Dorado, AR

            –52  Warren, AR

–56  Associated Press. “Tornado Victim Dies.” The Camden News, AR. 1-10-1949, p. 1.[1]

            Blanchard note: If there were 56 deaths in Warren as AP states, then total deaths would

be 59 – 1 in Grapevine and 2 in El Dorado.

–55  Brooks / Doswell. “Normalized Damage from Major Tornadoes in the United States: 1890-1999.” 2000.

–55  NWS Aberdeen, SD Weather Forecast Office. “This Day in Weather History: January 3rd.”

–55  Warren tornado. History of Tornadoes Wiki. “1949 Warren Arkansas tornado outbreak.”

–55  Warren tornado. Tornado Talk. “Warren, AR F4 Tornado – March 28, 1975.” 3-28-2019.

Narrative Information

Grazulis: “AR Jan 3, 1949 16:00 1k 7inj 150y …F2 Dallas/Cleveland/Grant [counties] – Moved NE, destroying small homes and barns near Bunn, Farindale, and Grapevine. One woman died from severe injuries in one of four homes that were destroyed at Grapevine. One persons was injured at Bunn, and four more were injured at Farindale. $16,000.

Grazulis: “AR  JAN 3, 1949 1600 2k 18inj…10m F3.  UNION—Moved NE from 7m W of El Dorado to 6m N of that town. At least two homes were destroyed at the start of the path near Hopewell. Many acres of forest were leveled….

Grazulis: “AR  JAN 3, 1949 1615 55k 435inj 500y 40m F4.  UNION /CALHOUN /BRADLEY — This may have been a family of two or three tornadoes. Details along the entire track were unavailable. Moving NE from 10m E of El Dorado, the tornado “wreaked havoc” on the town of Warren. At least 55 people died at there, especially in the NE part of town. About 120 homes were destroyed, and over 500 were damaged. $1,300,000….” (Grazulis.  Significant Tornadoes 1680-1991. 1993.)

NWS, Aberdeen, SD Weather Forecast Office. “This Day in Weather History: January 3rd.”

“1949: During the late afternoon hours, an estimated F4 tornado destroyed Warren, Arkansas. The tornado killed 55 people and injured more than 250 others. The destruction of the Bradley mill displaced 1,000 employees.” [Blanchard note: Since Warren, AR is the only locality noted, is the statement of “55 killed” only in reference to Warren?]

National Weather Service, Little Rock Weather Forecast Office: “The deadliest single tornado in Arkansas during the [20th] Century…There were several other tornadoes in the state that day.”  (NWS, The Top 25 Weather Events of the 20th Century in Arkansas. Little Rock Weather Forecast Office, NWS, NOAA. April 4, 2006.)

Salineriverchronicle.com. “2014 is the 65th Anniversary of the 1949 Warren Tornado.” 1-4-2014:

….Then State Representative C.C. Hollensworth filed a bill in the Arkansas House of Representatives allocating $50,000.00 of state funding to help Warren clean up and deal with the devastation. The Mayor of Warren at the time was James Hurley, Sr.  On January 27th, Governor Sid McMath announced he would visit Warren. He later did and then vetoed the bill that had passed both houses of the legislature. He did not want to set a precedent for the state helping local communities according to statements he made…. Without help from the state, the town rebuilt.  Citizens pulled together to rebuild homes. The Bradley Lumber Company rebuilt, and gradually Warren returned to full strength. It was a taxing time for the city which took many years to overcome.”

Newspaper

 Jan 4, AP: “Warren, Jan. 4 – (AP) – Mayor Jim Hurley expressed belied that the fatality toll in last evening’s tornado would exceed 50. Between 250 and 300 were injured. He said the death toll stood at 46 and that he expected more bodies would be found in debris that littered a 20-square block residential and industrial area. At least 27 dead had been tentatively identified. Identification of several others was made difficult because of the condition of the bodies.

“The mayor said 150 national guardsmen and state policemen began combing wreckage at daybreak and should complete the task by 10 a.m. (CST)….Hurley announced that convicts from Tucker prison farm are being brought here to start the cleanup job. Bulldozers are being mobilized to help speed the task….

“Hurley said one of the injured had died in a Little Rock hospital, two in Pine Bluff hospitals and one at Monticello. Some of the other injured were not expected to recover.

“He expressed belief the losses would total $1,000,000. Some other estimates were higher….

The devastating storm struck this lumber mill community at 5:45 p.m. yesterday. The business district escaped…The storm climaxed a series of twisters that hop-skipped and dipped through Northwest Louisiana and Arkansas late yesterday and last night. None of the others was as violent as the big, black cloud with a red funnel that bore down on Warren, with a population of 7,500, ninety miles south of Little Rock.

“Two persons perished near Haynesville, La., northeast of Shreveport, and a score of more was injured. Two dead and nearly a score injured was the toll of two storms near El Dorado, Ark., southwest of here and north of Haynesville. The storm hit once more after leaving here, striking Dark Corner, northeast of Warren about an hour later. Two persons were hurt.

“The tornado caused more casualties than the one which swept the Louisiana-Arkansas area between El Dorado and Shreveport a year ago.

“The one which battered Warren apparently was a union of smaller twisters that struck the two-state area southwest of here earlier yesterday. It moved in a roar that sounded to E. D. Roddey lake a ‘thousand railroad locomotives.’ Several war veterans compared the scene afterward to battle-scarred cities that had seen. ‘Milltown.’ An area comprising the big Bradley Lumber Co., mill, one of the largest flooring plants in the south, and residences of many of the employes in the southern section, was battered severely. Lumber was splintered and showered over the community. Dwellings were flattened.

“Electric, gas and water lines were knocked out. Despite torrents of rain and hail, fires broke out and Mayor Hurley said several homes were destroyed by flames. Fire cast an eerie glow over the scene….rescue workers searched debris for casualties. Their only lights were electric torches,  lanterns or oil flares…The search continued through the night….” (Associated Press. “Warren Casualty List Being Checked As Storm Lays Wast Big Part Of City.” The Camden News, AR, 1-4-1949, p. 1.)

Listing of Named Fatalities from Sources

El Dorado area:         (  2)

  1. Luther E. Owens Camden News, AR. “Casualty List.” 1-4-1949, p. 1.
  2. Luther E. Owens Camden News, AR. “Casualty List.” 1-4-1949, p. 1.

Grapevine                  (  1)

  1. Duff Taylor Camden News, AR. “Casualty List.” 1-4-1949, p. 1.

Warren:                     (54)

Baker, G. W.[2]                                           AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1

  1. Baker, Mr. Sam, 29 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  2. Baker, Mrs. Sam (Lula Belle) AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  3. Bartrum, Mrs. Mary, 68 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  4. Beard, Mrs. Frank AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  5. Bliss, Mrs. H. S. AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  6. Braswell, Ben, 65                         AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  7. Bryant, Ethel AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1

Carlton, James (child)[3]                             AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1

  1. Creed, Joe AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  2. Mrs. R. Cyril, 32             AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1.
  3. Derryberry, Carolyn, 8                         AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1.
  4. Derryberry, Richard, 10 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  5. Eason, Mr. Clint, 52 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  6. Eason, Mrs. Clint. [53rd Warren death][4] com. “2014…65th Anniversary
  7. Enos, Mrs. Blanch , 63 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  8. Godfrey, Clifford, 55 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  9. Greene, Mr. H. E., 50 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  10. Greene, Mrs. H. E., 50             AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  11. Hamilton, Mrs. Jessie, 55 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1.
  12. Harding, Mrs. Josephine, 80 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  13. Haynes, Ben AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  14. Henderson, Mr. Leonard, 48 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1.
  15. Henderson, Mrs. Leonard, 43 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1.
  16. Henderson, Hubert                         AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  17. Johns, Mrs. Leonard, 37 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  18. Johns, Betty Jo, 11 (daughter of Mrs.) AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  19. Johnston, Shirley Anne, of Camden[5] AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  20. Jones, Kenneth, 16, in Pine Bluff hosp. AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  21. King, Mr. Jimmy, of Pangburn AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1.
  22. Lovell, Mr. Theodore AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  23. Lovell, Mrs. Theodore AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  24. Lovell, Diane (daughter of Mr. and Mrs.) AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  25. Lowe, Mrs. Ervin. AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  26. Maginnie, Mary Jane, 3.                         AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  27. McKinney, Carolyn[6] (child) AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  28. McKinney, James Carlton com. “2014…65th Anniversary
  29. Moore, Bobby, child of Horace Moore AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  30. Moore, Linda Carroll, 2 (child of Horace Moore) AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1.
  31. Moore, Charles AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1.
  32. Moore, Mrs. Wayburn com. “2014…65th Anniversary
  33. Nelson, Mrs. Clarence (White daughter) AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  34. Repa (or Reep),[7] Alvin, 25             AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  35. Repa (or Reep), Mrs. Alvin, 17 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  36. Robbins, Mrs. N. B., 24. AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  37. Sanders, Mrs. Jim com. “2014…65th Anniversary
  38. Simon, Jim AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  39. Sinks, Douglas AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1.
  40. Sinks, Mrs. S. A. D. AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  41. Sipes, Mrs. Everett, 31 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  42. Stewart, Mrs. J. E., 54 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  43. Sullivan, V. O., 40 (died in hospital) AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1
  44. West, William F., 81 (54th death)[8] com. “2014…65th Anniversary
  45. White, Mr. Melvin, 57 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1.
  46. White, Mrs. Melvin, 58 AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1.
  47. Whitman, Mrs. John. AP. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, 1

Also listed by the Camden News of Jan 4 were four unnamed children or grandchildren of Mr. Melvin White. However their names do not appear in the AP listing of Jan 5, or in Jan 4, 2014 listing of the Salineriverchronicle.com. Thus we do not include.

Sources

Associated Press. “Death Toll at Warren 52.” Northwest Arkansas Times, Fayetteville. 1-6-1949, p. 1. Accessed 9-15-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/northwest-arkansas-times-jan-06-1949-p-1/

Associated Press. “Storm Dead.” The Camden News, AR. 1-5-1949, p. 1. Accessed 9-15-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/camden-news-jan-05-1949-p-1/

Associated Press. “Tornado Victim Dies.” The Camden News, AR. 1-10-1949, p. 1. Accessed 9-15-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/camden-news-jan-10-1949-p-2/

Associated Press. “Violence Claims Lives of 72 in Arkansas.” Hope Star, AR. 1-7-1949, p. 1. Accessed 9-15-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/hope-star-jan-07-1949-p-1/

Associated Press. “Warren Casualty List Being Checked As Storm Lays Wast Big Part Of City.” The Camden News, AR, 1-4-1949, p. 1. Accessed 9-15-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/camden-news-jan-04-1949-p-1/

 Brooks, Harold E. and Charles A Doswell III (NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory).  “Normalized Damage from Major Tornadoes in the United States: 1890-1999.” Revised manuscript submitted as Note to Weather and Forecasting, Vol. 16, 9 p., Sep 2000.  Accessed 11-25-2017 at: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/users/brooks/public_html/damage/tdam1.html

 

Camden News, AR. “Casualty List.” 1-4-1949, p. 1. Accessed 9-15-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/camden-news-jan-04-1949-p-1/

 

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

 

History of Tornadoes Wiki. “1949 Warren Arkansas tornado outbreak.” Accessed 9-15-2023 at: https://tornadohistory.fandom.com/wiki/1949_Warren,_Arkansas_tornado_outbreak

 

National Weather Service, Aberdeen, SD Weather Forecast Office. “This Day in Weather History: January 3rd.” Accessed 9-15-2023 at: https://www.weather.gov/abr/This_Day_in_Weather_History_Jan_03

 National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Little Rock, AR. The Top 25 Weather Events of the 20th Century in Arkansas:  Little Rock, AR:  NWS, NOAA. April 4, 2006 last modified.  Accessed at:  http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lzk/html/top25-nf.htm

 Salineriverchronicle.com. “2014 is the 65th Anniversary of the 1949 Warren Tornado.” 1-4-2014. Accessed 9-15-2023 at: 

http://salineriverfeatures.blogspot.com/2014/01/2014-is-65th-anniversary-of-1949-warren.html

 Tornado Talk (Jen Narramore-Nelson Tucker and Nick Wilkes) “Warren, AR F4 Tornado – March 28, 1975.” 3-28-2019. Accessed 9-15-2023 at:

Warren, AR F4 Tornado – March 28, 1975

 

Woodard, Jann. “A Tragic Record: January 3, 1949.” Rootsweb.com. Accessed 9-15-2023 at: https://sites.rootsweb.com/~arbradle/tornado/tornado_record.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[1] “Warren, Jan. 10. – (AP) – The fatality toll in the tornado here a week ago has risen to 56. William F. West, 81, of Warren, died in a Pine Bluff hospital.”

[2] This name is not on the list in Salineriverchronicle.com. “2014…65th Anniversary…Warren Tornado.” 1-4-2014.

[3] We believe this refers to the “James Carlton McKinney” death noted in Salineriverchronicle.com.

[4] “Mrs. Clint Eason died in a Monticello hospital Thursday [6th] to become the 53rd victim of the Warren tornado of last Monday.” (Associated Press. “Violence Claims Lives of 72 in Arkansas.” Hope Star, AR. 1-7-1949, p. 1.)

[5] Or Shirley Ann Johns. (Salineriverchronicle.com. “2014…65th Anniversary…1949 Warren Tornado.” 1-4-2014.)

[6] Salineriverchronicle.com. “2014…65th Anniversary…1949 Warren Tornado.” 1-4-2014.

[7] Salineriverchronicle.com. “2014…65th Anniversary…1949 Warren Tornado.” 1-4-2014.

[8] “The death toll reached 54, when William F. West, 81, died, January 9th. The list of the dead are now accounted for.” (Woodard, Jann. “A Tragic Record: January 3, 1949.” Rootsweb.com. Accessed 9-15-2023.)

Text content

1949 — Jan 2, Seattle Air Charter (Yale students) takeoff crash, Seattle-Boeing Field, WA-14

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 15, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

 —  14  Aviation Safety Network.  Accident Description. Seattle Air Charter, 2 Jan 1949.

—  14  CAB. Accident Investigation Report. Seattle Air—Seattle, Washington, January 2, 1949.

—  14  NFPA. “Recent Important Fires,” Fire News, No. 378, Feb 1949, p. 6.

 Narrative Information

 Civil Aeronautics Board Accident Investigation Report:

“The Accident

“At approximately 2205, January 2, 1949, a Douglas DC-3…owned and operated by Seattle Air Charter, an irregular air carrier, crashed and burned following an attempted takeoff from Boeing Field, Seattle, Washington. Eleven of the 27 passengers and 3 crew members received fatal injuries. The aircraft was destroyed. The aircraft was destroyed.

“History of the Flight

“A group of Yale University students returning to school following their Christmas vacation arranged with William F. Leland, sole owner and operator of Seattle Air Charter, to transport them from Seattle to New Haven, Connecticut, January 2, 1949. Departure was delayed because a full crew was not available at 1800 as had been originally planned. At approximately 2100 a crew was organized consisting of G. W. Chavers, pilot; K. A. Love, copilot; and W. F. Leland, third crew member.

“The flight taxied to Runway 13 for takeoff at 2138 and held because ground fog conditions restricted the visibility below the one mile minimum required for takeoff. The flight maintained radio contact with the control tower which advised the pilots of the existing weather conditions on the field. When the flight had taxied from the parking ramp, the tower reported, Boeing Field weather is clear, visibility, 1/2 variable to 1/4 mile in all quadrants. The flight asked if they could take off. The tower replied: Roger. We will let you out as far as traffic is concerned. You are cleared into position to hold. A few minutes later, at 2145, the flight requested their weather minimums for takeoff and were told that they were ceiling 300 feet, and visibility one mile. To this, the flight responded, ‘If we take off we will be in violation, won’t we?’ The tower answered, ‘Yes.’ Shortly after this conversation, the tower again reported the visibility which was at that time restricted to 1/8 mile.

“After a period of 10 minutes during which time the flight continued to hold at the end of the runway, the tower remarked: It appears we are getting a little break. Cleared into position and hold. We will have a clearance for you shortly. Immediately following, the flights air route traffic control clearance was transmitted. Then, at 2201, the crew stated that they could see the four green range lights at the end of the runway, and that they were going to take off. These lights are located 5,700 feet from the approach end of runway 13, which is 7,500 feet in length. At 2204 the tower stated, ‘Cleared for take-off report on top.’ At this time the weather as reported by the Weather Bureau was ceiling unlimited, thin obscurement, visibility one fourth of a mile, restricted by fog. The airplane began its take off to the south, and for approximately 1,000 feet it appeared normal to observers who could see the navigation lights of the airplane. It then began to swerve to the left, becoming airborne approximately 1,800 feet down the runway on a heading 35 degrees to the left of the runway. Shortly after leaving the runway, the left wing dropped and the tip dragged on the ground for a distance of 117 feet. The aircraft remained airborne for approximately 750 feet after leaving the runway, and then made contact with the ground in a landing attitude, tail wheel first. Upon contact with the ground, power to the engines was ‘cut’. The aircraft rolled or skidded the remaining distance, approximately 700 feet, into a revetment hangar, immediately after which it was enveloped in flames.

“As the tower watched the airplane’s navigation lights, they realized that a crash was imminent and called the Boeing Field Fire Department which was located 1,300 feet south of the control tower, and 200 feet south of the revetment hangar into which the airplane crashed. The fire captain on duty heard the crash. He and 2 firemen, which comprised the duty crew that night, responded immediately, departing for the scene of the crash with all available equipment. This comprised a crash wagon and 2 pump trucks. The equipment arrived within a minute after the crash.

“Investigation

“It was found that the force of impact had completely crushed the nose of the aircraft and had telescoped it into the fuselage structure to approximately the position of the leading edge of the wing. Fire, which immediately followed, destroyed that portion of the fuselage forward of the main cabin door. During the fire-fighting operation the wings and the aft portion of the fuselage were pulled from the rest of the wreckage, and this resulted in breaking all of the control cables. The landing gear was found in the down and locked position, and the flaps in the up position. Trim tab control settings in the cockpit indicated that all trim tab control surfaces had been in the neutral position at the time of takeoff. Engine switches were found in the on position. Eighty percent of the passenger seats were found broken from their floor attachments. All components of the aircraft were accounted for and no evidence of any structural or mechanical failure prior to impact was found.

“Both engines were disassembled and inspected. This inspection revealed no indication that any of the internal working parts of the engines were not operating properly prior to the time of impact….

“During the day of January 2, while NC-79025 had been parked on the field without wing covers, snow fell from 1600 to 1700, leaving a deposit of 2 to 3 inches on the ground. The surface temperature at the beginning of the period was 39 degrees, but it fell below freezing by 1700. The first snow melted on contact with the aircraft and left a film of water on all its surfaces. With the lowering of temperature the water froze and the snow began to accumulate on the aircraft leaving a rough covering of frozen snow and slush….

“….Between 2100 and the time of takeoff Mr. Chavers made three calls by telephone to the control tower for reports of visibility. At no time did he receive information that visibility on the field was in excess of one-half mile….

“At approximately 1800 an attempt was made to remove the snow and ice from the airplane, by dragging a rope over the wings and the horizontal tail surface. This removed some of the snow but none of the ice. Then a high pressure water hose was used. Loose snow and slush were washed free by the process, but a coating of clear ice formed where the water was applied, and it was at this time that ice accumulated on the under surfaces of the wing. Both temperature and dew point were 29 degrees, and frost began to form on the iced surfaces of the airplane.

“Emmett G. Flood, who had been obtained as one of the pilots to make the flight, arrived at the airport at approximately 1930 and examined the airplane. Because of the ice condition on the airplane he refused to fly. According to Mr. Flood’s statement, he returned home and, at approximately 2150, after which he immediately his superior who resided nearby. During the time that he and his superior were conferring, they received notice that the accident had occurred.

“Shortly after Mr. Flood left the field a third attempt was made to remove the ice from the aircraft by Leland, Chavers and Mr. Minor, a mechanic. This time an alcohol solution was applied to the wings and the tail surfaces of the aircraft. The mechanic testified that all ice was removed by this process; however, no attempt was made to remove ice on the under surfaces of the wings, and the mechanic did not examine this portion of the aircraft.

“At 2115 Mr. Chavers requested the advice of another pilot, a Mr. John Vineyard, concerning the effect of the ice on the aircraft. Mr. Vineyard examined the aircraft and then told Mr. Chavers that if he intended to fly the airplane that night to obtain plenty of air sped before taking off. Mr. Vineyard later stated that when he examined the airplane, which was just before takeoff, he found a layer of clear ice covering the underside of both winds and patches of rime and clear ice on the top surfaces of the left wing. He also stated that he noticed heavy frost was forming rapidly on the top surfaces of the wings.

“The maximum gross allowable takeoff weight for NC-79025 was 25,346 pounds. The average weight of the passengers as determined from the Yale University health records was approximately 160 pounds. Assuming the crew members to be the same weight, total weight of the passengers and crew would be 4,800 pounds. The weight of the fuel would be 3,814 pounds, and the weight of the baggage as shown by the passenger manifest was 533 pounds. The baggage was never weighed by any employee of Seattle Air Charter. Adding this weight to the empty weight of the aircraft, a total weight of 26,847 pounds is arrived at, which is 1,501 pounds greater than permissible takeoff weight. This overload reduced the margin of safety….

“Analysis

“As stated above, a witness who examined the airplane shortly before the attempted takeoff found a coating of ice on the bottom surfaces of the wings. This witness also stated that he found patches of ice and frost on the top surfaces of the left wing. Formation of ice and frost on the wing would account for the failure of the flight to accomplish a normal takeoff, for ice and frost in addition to increasing the weight of the airplane, which was already 1,500 pounds over permissible takeoff weight, would tend to decrease the lifting qualities of the wings. It is also possible that the pilot did not have sufficient visibility to hold the airplane on a straight course; however, his pilot experience included a reasonable amount of instrument training, and in view of this it can be reasonably expected that he would be able to continue the takeoff successfully by reference to instruments if all outside visible references were lost. Accordingly, the most logical explanation of this accident is that the airplane did not become normally airborne because of the ice and frost which is known to have existed on the wings….

“Probable Cause

“The Board determines that the probable cause of this accident was the attempt to take off inn an airplane which had formations of ice and frost on the surfaces of the wings.” (CAB. Accident Investigation Report. Seattle Air—Seattle, Washington, January 2, 1949.)

Sources

Aviation Safety Network. Accident Description. Seattle Air Charter, 2 Jan 1949. Accessed at:  http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19490102-0

Civil Aeronautics Board.  Accident Investigation Report. Seattle Air—Seattle, Washington, January 2, 1949.  Washington, DC:  CAB, May 4, 1949.  Accessed 9-15-2023 at: dot_33357_DS1.pdf

 National Fire Protection Association. “Recent Important Fires, Fire News, No. 378, Feb 1949.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Text content

1949 — Jan 2-5, Blizzard and Extreme Cold, CO/7, NE/20, SD/1, WY/12 — 40

 

–>100  Ahlbrandt and Sundberg. “Blizzard of ’49 stranded hundreds of travelers.” August 2005.

—  >80  Armstrong. “A Terrifying, Deadly Storm Struck Wyoming in 1949…” WY. 12-21-2016.

—    76  Alleman, Roy V. Blizzard 1949.

—    76  Hein. (Appears to include deaths for two months following this blizzard.)

—    76  PBS. Wyoming History. Blizzard of ’49. 57 minute video airing 12-8-2015.[1]

—    40  Blanchard figure.[2]

—    40  NWSWFO, Rapid City, SD. January, 1949 Blizzard. NOAA. Accessed 7-14-2017.

—    27  AP. “Flood’s Death Toll Increases. Total Now 22.” Beatrice Daily Sun, 5-11-1950, p. 1.

—    11  Army Corps of Engineers and Union Pacific relief and recovery worker deaths.[3]

 

Colorado        (  7)

–7  Dunn. “The Blizzard of 1949…Earliest Peoples in NoCo.” Forgotten Fort Collins. 1-6-2017.

–7  NWS WFO, Rapid City, SD. January, 1949 Blizzard. NOAA, NWS. Accessed 7-14-2017.

–6  Peters. “Blizzard stranded hundreds, killed 18…served as reminder.” Weld Co. Past Times.

–4  Rockport area, Weld Co. Phillip  and Ione Roman, both 35; children Tony, 11, Peggy, 9.[4]

 

Nebraska        (20)

–20  NWS WFO, Rapid City, SD. January, 1949 Blizzard. NOAA, NWS. Accessed 7-14-2017.

—  1  Box Butte County, Alliance area. Claude Hannibal, 35; froze after truck stuck in snow.[5]

—  2           “       Alliance area, Feb 2. Civil Air Patrol plane delivering mail to isolated families.[6]

—  1  Scotts Bluff County. Frank C. Hargreves, 58; fatal heart attack shoveling snow at home.[7]

—  1  Sheridan County, Gordon. Mrs. Harriet Brown, 90-100, found frozen to death at home.[8]

—  1  Sioux County, Harrison (9M east of). Harmon Holleman, 44, of Gordon; froze in haystack.[9]

 

South Dakota (  1)

—  1  NWS WFO, Rapid City, SD. January, 1949 Blizzard. NOAA, NWS. Accessed 7-14-2017.

 

Wyoming        (12)

–17  Hagerott, Judy. “The 1949 Blizzard of the Century. SheridanMedia.com, WY, 2-6-2016.[10]

–17  PBS. Wyoming History. Blizzard of ’49. 57 minute video airing 12-8-2015.[11]

–12  Hein, Rebecca. The Notorious Blizzard of 1949. WyoHistory.org. WY State Hist. Society.[12]

–12  NWS WFO, Rapid City, SD. January, 1949 Blizzard. NOAA, NWS. Accessed 7-14-2017.

–12  Roddam. “The Five Worst Winter Storms…[WY] History.” Kingfm.com, 12-29-2015.[13]

—  9  Wyoming State Tribune, Cheyenne. “New Storm…State Counts Nine Dead.” 1-7-1949, 1.

—  3  Laramie County, Hillsdale (3.5 miles from). Mr. and Mrs. Archuleta, daughter, 5-years.[14]

—  1  Southeast WY. Man left wife/baby in car to search for help; died after falling off drift.[15]

—  1  Location not noted. Storm-related heart-attack; male.[16]

 

Narrative Information — General

 

Gaarder: “….It was the winter of 1948-49. From Kansas to the Canadian border, an area nearly the size of France lay buried in snow and ice from blizzards that had begun in November. The region’s economy was teetering on the edge of collapse. Cattle and sheep by the tens of thousands were dying of starvation and exposure. The problem: ceaseless winds and rounds of fresh snow defied efforts to keep roads and rail lines clear.

 

“Among these storms was one of the worst blizzards on record: on Jan. 2 and 3, 1949. All of Nebraska was suffering, except for the southeast corner of the state. Then-Gov. Val Peterson declared it the worst disaster in the state’s history.

 

“And after a late January blizzard made it clear that livestock by the millions were at risk, President Harry Truman declared the region a disaster. On Jan. 29 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers launched Operation Snowbound, a massive disaster response. Crews opened roads, cleared farmyards and carved paths to haystacks. Twelve states were affected by the storms, but four — Nebraska, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota — were the focus of Operation Snowbound. Sixty-five years ago this week, the effort was declared a success. Corps records indicate about 240,000 trapped people were rescued, 115,000 miles of roads were reopened and more than 4 million head of livestock were fed. But despite the effort, dozens of people and more than 158,000 cattle and sheep died….

 

“In 1949 the corps and Union Pacific Railroad dispatched a total of more than 20,000 people to clear roads and lines. At their disposal were about 2,000 pieces of heavy equipment.

 

“Military and private planes also undertook aerial reconnaissance, rescue and relief. Food and feed were dropped by air to remote ranches or brought in on a vehicle known as a weasel, a hybrid of a Jeep and snowmobile….

 

“Combined, the corps and Union Pacific recorded 11 deaths among workers. Others suffered from snow blindness and such severe frostbite that amputations became necessary….

 

Hein: “….All across southeast Wyoming, northern Colorado, western South Dakota and western Nebraska, hundreds of people risked their lives in the storm to search for stranded motorists, missing neighbors or family members….The blizzard started on Sunday Jan. 2, 1949 and proved the worst of the century. The first storm would be followed by two more months of snow and bitter cold. The National Weather Service eventually reported 12 people dead in Wyoming after the first storm. Twenty-eight more died in western South Dakota, Colorado and Nebraska. On March 1, after the federal government had completed rescue operations, the official death toll for the whole region was 76. Unofficial estimates are somewhat higher….

 

“That first Sunday, a dark gray cloud advancing from the northwest “was like hitting a wall,”… Temperatures dropped from the mid-30s in the forenoon to 10 below zero or colder by evening. Winds gusted to 66 miles per hour, and snow blew everywhere.

 

“Within hours, roads were impassable. Cars stuck in ditches or were buried under 10-foot drifts. People began to worry about loved ones traveling home after the holidays, while many ranchers were setting out on the usually routine but suddenly dangerous trek to feed and water their cattle and sheep, sometimes pastured miles away. Given that some people got lost in the storm just trying to get from their house to a nearby corral or barn, these longer journeys could turn deadly….

 

“By Wednesday afternoon, January 5, the sky was clear and sunny but hardships continued because the wind did not let up. More storms piled on more and more snow through the middle of February….

 

“President Truman declared the snowbound western states disaster areas, with the worst sectors of Nebraska, South Dakota and Wyoming designated as special “distress areas.” Truman authorized a total of $700,000, of which Wyoming received $125,000….

 

Colorado

 

Ahlbrandt and Sundberg (CO): “There are still many people who vividly remember the blizzard of January 1949. Fifty-six years ago this month, Wellington made national newsreels and newspaper headlines. It was the worst blizzard in northern Colorado history. New Year’s Day 1949 dawned sunny and bright. Before the day ended, the temperature reached 70 degrees. The next day, a raging blizzard with winds up to 80 miles per hour swept across northern Colorado and the other Great Plains states. Temperatures dropped as low as 50 degrees below zero.

 

“For three days in a row, the area was isolated by huge snowdrifts, and traffic was paralyzed. There were 65 motorists stranded on U.S. Highway 87 between Wellington and Cheyenne. Many were returning home from the New Year holiday. If it weren’t for the efforts of the community of Wellington, many people would have certainly frozen to death….

 

“Across the Great Plains, over 100,000 travelers were marooned, and more than 100 perished….”

 

Nebraska

 

Dalstrom: “The winter of 1948-49 was particularly memorable because a series of storms between November and February paralyzed a large area of the northern Plains, including the northern third of Nebraska….in the wake of a massive blizzard on January 2-5, it became evident that Nebraska and other states would need large-scale federal assistance. Timely, well-coordinated aid, coordinated by the Fifth Army and the Army Corps of Engineers, would prove essential in averting disaster…. [p. 110]

 

May 11, 1950: “Omaha, May 11 (AP) — This week’s flash floods gave Nebraska its fourth worst weather catastrophe of record, on the basis of lives lost….the blizzard winter of 1948-49 ran up a death total of 27.” (AP. “Flood’s Death Toll Increases. Total Now 22.” Beatrice Daily Sun, 5-11-1950, p. 1.)

 

June 15, 2017: “Blizzard of 1949, 20+ deaths….The Blizzard of 1949…was actually a series of severe winter storms that began in November. Some areas of Nebraska had more than 100 inches of snow that winter, and Antelope County was reported to have had 30-foot snowdrifts that didn’t melt until June. There were at least 20 deaths in the Jan. 2-3 blizzard alone in Nebraska; millions of cattle were at risk as well….” (Lincoln Journal Star. “12 of the deadliest disasters in Nebraska history.” 6-15-2017.)

 

South Dakota

 

NWS WFO, Rapid City, SD: “Sixty-five years have passed since the Blizzard of 1949, considered one of the worst on record for the northern Plains. The first storm began January 2 and continued through January 5, with heavy snow, strong winds and cold temperatures. Subsequent storms through mid-February produced enormous snow drifts that paralyzed much of the region. Roads and railroads were blocked, so airplanes were used to bring food and medical supplies to isolated towns and hay to livestock.

 

“While only one person died in western South Dakota, twelve deaths were reported in Wyoming, seven in Colorado and 20 in Nebraska. (“Some Outstanding Blizzards”, U.S. Department of Commerce, Environmental Science Services Administration, Environmental Data Service, Revised December 1966).

 

“Rapid City Weather Bureau Office Meteorologist-in-Charge Fred H. McNally wrote “This is rated as the most severe blizzard in Rapid City history, considering wind, snow and temperature factors.” The average wind recorded by the Weather Bureau Airport Station (WBAS) at the Rapid City Municipal Airport [now Ellsworth Air Force Base, 10 miles northeast of Rapid City] on January 3 was 51.8 mph and on January 4 was 55.7 mph with the highest single mile of wind 73 mph [Note: The anemometer was located 19 feet above the roof of the office or 63 feet above the ground, compared to the current wind equipment at a height of 33 feet above the ground]. The Air Force Base Weather Office, across the field from the WBAS, reported gusts in excess of 90 mph. Snowfall from January 2-5 ranged from several inches to several feet. Temperatures dropped below well zero across northwestern South Dakota.

 

“January 1949 is the snowiest January on record for many of the observing stations in the Black Hills region. Snowfall during the month ranged from 12 to over 40 inches—three to eight times the normal of four to eight inches. It was also one of the coldest Januarys recorded, even with several days between blizzards reaching highs in the 50s and even 60s….” (NWS WFO Rapid City, SD. January, 1949 Blizzard.)

 

Wyoming

 

Roddam: “The Storm of the Century in 1949 — On January 2, 1949, Wyoming residents were rocked by a winter storm that many remember as the “storm of the century”. 65 mile per hour wind gusts swept across the state burying cars and homes under 10 feet tall snowdrifts while temperatures reached below -10. More storms would follow in the next two months, forcing the federal government to begin rescue and relief missions across the region. By March, 12 deaths had been attributed to the weather, with the death toll reaching into the 70’s across Colorado, Nebraska and the Dakotas.” (Roddam, Rick. “The Five Worst Winter Storms in Wyoming History.” Kingfm.com, 12-29-2015.)

 

Newspapers

 

Jan 7, 1949: “A total of 17 persons were known dead Thursday night [Jan 6] as a result of the plans states blizzard, according to reports compiled by the Associated Press. Wyoming suffered most with nine fatalities, Colorado had six and Nebraska two. The number was expected to mount as rescue parties broke thru drifts to storm-isolated areas. Meanwhile the task of opening Nebraska’s rail lines and highways was progressing more slowly than earlier estimates by officials had indicated….” (Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Three State Toll of Dead in Blizzard Climbs to 17.” 1-7-1949, p. 1.)

 

 

Sources

 

Ahlbrandt, Arlene and Wayne C. Sundberg (wellington Centennial Committee). “Blizzard of ’49 stranded hundreds of travelers.” North Forty News, Larimer County, CO. August 2005. Accessed 7-14-2017 at: http://www.northfortynews.com/WellingtonCentennial/200501photoBlizzard.htm

 

Armstrong, Catherine. “A Terrifying, Deadly Storm Struck Wyoming in 1949 and No One Saw it Coming.” Onlyinyourstate.com. Wyoming. 12-21-2016. Accessed 7-15-2017 at: http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/wyoming/blizzard-1949-wy/

 

Associated Press. “Flood’s Death Toll Increases. Total Now 22.” Beatrice Daily Sun, 5-11-1950, p. 1. Accessed 7-14-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/beatrice-daily-sun-may-11-1950-p-1/?tag

 

Dalstrom, Harl A. “I’m Never Going to Be Snowbound Again: The Winter of 1948-1949 in Nebraska.” Nebraska History, Vol. 82, 2002, pp. 110-166. Accessed 7-15-2017 at: http://www.nebraskahistory.org/publish/publicat/history/full-text/2002-Snowbound.pdf

 

Dunn, Meg. “The Blizzard of 1949, the Earliest Peoples in NoCo.” Forgotten Fort Collins. 1-6-2017. Accessed 7-15-2017 at: http://forgottenfortcollins.com/blizzard-1949-earliest-peoples-noco-shoutout-sponsors/

 

Gaarder, Nancy. “Freezing, hungry and trapped: 1949 blizzard left thousands stranded.” Omaha World-Herald, 2-23-2014. Accessed 7-15-2017 at: http://www.omaha.com/news/freezing-hungry-and-trapped-blizzard-left-thousands-stranded/article_536b9b1d-5543-516c-bb33-aa4d6bb46ad7.html

 

Hagerott, Judy. “The 1949 Blizzard of the Century.” SheridanMedia.com, WY. 2-6-2016. Accessed 7-15-2017 at: https://www.sheridanmedia.com/news/1949-blizzard-century84472

 

Hein, Rebecca. The Notorious Blizzard of 1949. WyoHistory.org (Wyoming State Historical Society). Accessed 7-15-2017 at: http://www.wyohistory.org/encyclopedia/notorious-blizzard-1949

 

Lincoln Journal Star. “12 of the deadliest disasters in Nebraska history.” 6-15-2017. Accessed 7-3-2017 at: http://journalstar.com/blogs/photofiles/of-the-deadliest-disasters-in-nebraska-history/collection_6ae50d55-7d8a-5b6f-b1c3-b0b54cfe84f0.html#8

 

National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office, Rapid City, SD. January, 1949 Blizzard. NOAA, NWS. Accessed 7-14-2017 at: https://www.weather.gov/unr/1949-01

 

Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Deaths of Gordon, Mitchell Men Bring State Total to 4.” 1-8-1949, p. 1. Accessed 7-14-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal-jan-08-1949/

 

Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Drifts Still Hide Grim Storm Toll.” 1-6-1949, p. 1. Accessed 7-14-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal-jan-06-1949-p-1/?tag

 

Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Three State Toll of Dead in Blizzard Climbs to 17.” 1-7-1949, p. 1. Accessed 7-14-2017 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/lincoln-nebraska-state-journal-jan-07-1949-p-1/?tag

 

PBS. Wyoming History. Blizzard of ’49. 57 minute video airing 12-8-2015. Accessed 7-15-2017 at: http://www.pbs.org/video/2365629270/

 

Peters, Mike. “Blizzard stranded hundreds, killed 18 and served as reminder.” Weld County Past Times, 1-16-1999. Accessed 7-14-2017 at: http://www.weldcounty150.org/YourStories/Blizzardof%2749.html

 

Roddam, Rick. “The Five Worst Winter Storms in Wyoming History.” Kingfm.com, Cheyenne. 12-29-2015. Accessed 7-15-2017 at: http://kingfm.com/the-five-worst-winter-storms-in-wyoming-history/

 

Wyoming State Tribune, Cheyenne. “New Storm Warning Issued as State Counts Nine Dead.” 1-7-1949, p. 1. Reproduction of top half of front page in Armstrong.

 

Also Consulted

 

Dumbrill, Lucille and Earl Christensen. “The Blizzard of 1949 in Weston County.” Wyoming History Journal, Vol. 68, No. 1, Winter 1996, pp. 2-3. Accessed 7-15-2017 at: https://archive.org/stream/annalsofwyom68141996wyom#page/n1/mode/2up

 

Grannie Anne. “Pioneer Potluck: Blizzard of 1949 in Northern Colorado.” Peninsula Clarion, Kenai, AK. 1-5-2016. Accessed 7-15-2017 at: http://peninsulaclarion.com/arts-entertainment/food/2016-01-05/blizzard-of-1949-in-northern-colardo

 

Lawrence, Amy, James L. Ehernberger, Lucille Dumbrill. “Wyoming Memories: Blizzard of 1949.” Annals of Wyoming (The Wyoming History Journal), Vol. 76, No. 1, Winter 2004, pp. 2-14. Accessed 7-15-2017 at: https://archive.org/stream/annalsofwyom76142004wyom#page/n1/mode/2up

 

Quillen, Ed. “Remembering the blizzards of ’49.” The Denver Post, 1-15-2007. Accessed 7-15-2017 at: http://www.denverpost.com/2007/01/15/remembering-the-blizzards-of-49/

 

[1] Fatality figure represents deaths not only during and after this storm, but follow-on storms and relief effort deaths.

[2] It is clear that more than 40 people died in the aftermath of a series of storms and extreme cold in January and February in the Plains states. However, the best figure we have been able to locate for this specific three-day blizzard the deaths in its aftermath appear to be that of the NWS Weather Forecast Office in Rapid City, SD. [None of the sources consulted mention any Native American deaths, yet we know from the PBS video that many were living in little more than canvas tents. We also know that living conditions were meager before the blizzard on the Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations and amongst Oglala Sioux population (see Dalstrom, p. 135). It seems conceivable that there were one or mare Native American deaths and that these were not chronicled by the surrounding white communities.

[3] Gaarder, Nancy. “Freezing, hungry and trapped: 1949 blizzard left thousands stranded.” Omaha World-Herald, 2-23-2014. Locations and time-frame not noted. There were a series of storms Jan-Feb, and necessity of relief.

[4] Find a Grave.com. “Phillip Roman.” Notes date of Death as Jan 3. Includes obituary article noting the family had visited in Wellington on New Year’s day. Left on 2nd, stopped in Carr to visit friends. “When the blizzard started that evening they left for the ranch near Rockport. Snow was heavy and the wind and cold grew worse…The truck [pickup according to PBS video] got caught in a snowdrift and the family remained all night in the cab. Out of gas and no food, the family decided to try to reach their ranch, but the elements were against them and later their bodies were found frozen…” The Weld County, CO website notes the deaths in its page “Blizzard stranded hundreds, killed 18 and served as reminder.”

[5] Mr. Hannibal was with the Hydro-Gas Company in Alliance. His truck became stuck, he went to look for fence posts to give the truck traction (according to surviving companion), and did not make it back. Was found frozen. (NWS WFO, Rapid City, SD).

[6] Dalstrom, p. 124. Notes the plane hit a power line and crashed into a house killing both men aboard. We consider this part of disaster relief and recovery operations.

[7] Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Deaths of Gordon, Mitchell Men Bring State Total to 4.” 1-8-1949, p. 1.

[8] Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Drifts Still Hide Grim Storm Toll.” 1-6-1949, p. 1.

[9] Nebraska State Journal, Lincoln. “Deaths of Gordon, Mitchell Men Bring State Total to 4.” 1-8-1949, p. 1. Writes that Mr. “Holleman, a gasoline transport driver, apparently had left his vehicle to seek shelter in the haystack.” According to Dalstrom (p. 120), who spells the last name of the victim as Holloman, “His body was found short of his objective [a haystack].”

[10] Highlighted in yellow to denote not used in our tally — time-frame is beyond the Jan 2-5 blizzard: “For nearly two months the blizzard raged on stranding travelers, isolating ranches, and stopping all forms of transportation… Dubbed the ‘Great White Death,’ people were left stranded in their cars for three and four days…miraculously only 17 people died in Wyoming.”

[11] Includes deaths from follow-on storms, thus not used as tally for this particular storm.

[12] Cites The National Weather Service for fatality figure.

[13] “By March, 12 deaths had been attributed to the weather…”

[14] Armstrong. “A Terrifying, Deadly Storm Struck Wyoming in 1949…” Onlyinyourstate.com. Wyoming. 12-21-2016. Notes they “were found about 3.5 miles from their home in Hillsdale, frozen to death in their car.”

[15] Hein, Rebecca. The Notorious Blizzard of 1949. WyoHistory.org (Wyoming State Historical Society).

[16] Armstrong. “A Terrifying, Deadly Storm Struck Wyoming in 1949…” Onlyinyourstate.com. WY. 12-21-2016.

1949 – Typhoid Fever, code 040 (161), and Paratyphoid fever, code 041 (15)                —    176

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 18, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

 –176  Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1949, Part II…Mortality Data…, p. 458.

 Narrative Information

 McCarthy on Typhoid: “Typhoid is a virulent micro-organism that attacks the intestinal tract. It can be contracted by hand to hand contact or contaminated food, but in most cases the disease spreads when the excreta of an ill person get into the water supply. The disease is hard-hitting: patients usually experience vomiting and diarrhea that can cause serious dehydration, which in turn can lead to seizures and comas. Fevers as high as 106 degrees also contribute to the complications that in severe cases are fatal. Children were considered more susceptible, but it was by no means only a childhood disease….”  (McCarthy, M. P. Typhoid and the Politics of Public Health in Nineteenth-Century Philadelphia. Philadelphia: American Philosophical Society, 1987.)

Typhoid and Paratyphoid Fever: “Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are life-threatening illnesses caused by Salmonella serotype Typhi and Salmonella serotype Paratyphi, respectively. Most people in the United States with typhoid fever or paratyphoid fever become infected while traveling abroad, most often to countries where these diseases are common….” (Centers for Disease Control. Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever. Page last reviewed 8-22-2018.)

Typhoid Fever: “Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract (bowels/gut) and occasionally the bloodstream caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. This strain of bacteria lives only in humans….People with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract (bowels/gut). In addition, a small number of people, called carriers, recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria. Both ill persons and carriers shed Salmonella Typhi in their feces (poop). You can get typhoid fever if you eat food or drink beverages that have been handled by a person who is shedding Salmonella Typhi or if sewage contaminated with Salmonella Typhi bacteria gets into the water you use for drinking or washing food. Therefore, typhoid fever is more common in areas of the world where hand-washing is less frequent and water is more likely to be contaminated with sewage….

“Symptoms may be mild or severe and may include fever, headache, constipation or diarrhea (loose stool/poop), rose-colored spots on the trunk of the body, and an enlarged spleen and liver. It is common for symptoms to go away and then appear again. Death occurs in less than 1 percent of those who get antibiotic treatment. Symptoms generally appear one to two weeks after exposure to the bacteria….

“Typhoid fever is treated with antibiotics. Resistance to multiple antibiotics is increasing among the Salmonella bacteria that cause typhoid fever, complicating treatment of infections. People who do not get treatment may continue to have fever for weeks or months, and as many as 20% may die from complications of the infection.

“Most infected people may return to work or school when they have recovered, if they carefully wash hands after using the toilet. Children in daycare and health care workers must obtain the approval of the local or state health department before returning to their routine activities. Food handlers may not return to work until three consecutive negative stool cultures are confirmed….

“People can be reinfected if they come into contact with the bacteria again….

“A vaccine is available for people traveling to developing countries where significant exposure may occur. For more information about vaccination, speak to your health care provider. It is equally important to pay strict attention to food and water precautions while traveling to countries where typhoid is common. When drinking water in a developing country, you should buy it in a sealed bottle, boil it, or chemically treat it. When eating foods, avoid raw fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled and washed, undercooked foods, and foods from street vendors. Additionally, food handlers may not work while sick with typhoid.” (New York State Department of Health. “Typhoid Fever,” Sep 2017 last review.)

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Typhoid Fever and Paratyphoid Fever. Page last reviewed 8-22-2018. Accessed 8-7-2019 at: https://www.cdc.gov/typhoid-fever/index.html )

McCarthy, Michael P. Typhoid and the Politics of Public Health in Nineteenth-Century Philadelphia. Philadelphia: American Philosophical Society, 1987. Partially Google digitized at:

http://books.google.com/books?id=GAuEpdBXH3QC&printsec=frontcover#v=onepage&q&f=false

New York State Department of Health. “Typhoid Fever,” Sep 2017 last review. Accessed 6-26-2018 at: https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/typhoid_fever/fact_sheet.htm

Public Health Service, Federal Security Agency. Vital Statistics of the United States 1949. Part II, Natality and Mortality Data for the United States Tabulated by Place of Residence. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office, 1951. Accessed 9-18-2023 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsus/VSUS_1949_2.pdf

Text content

1949 – Tuberculosis, respiratory (all forms including respiratory were 39,100)  –35,988

Compiled by Wayne Blanchard Sep 17, 2023 for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

—35,988  Public Health Service. Vital Statistics…[US] 1949, Part II…Mortality Data…, p. 458.                                                                     

Narrative Information

Centers for Disease Control on Tuberculosis: “Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but TB bacteria can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. As a result, two TB-related conditions exist: latent TB infection (LTBI) and TB disease. If not treated properly, TB disease can be fatal.

“TB bacteria are spread through the air from one person to another. The TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected.

“TB is NOT spread by:

Shaking someone’s hand.

Sharing food or drink.

Touching bed linens or toilet seats.

Sharing toothbrushes

Kissing.

“When a person breathes in TB bacteria, the bacteria can settle in the lungs and begin to grow. From there, they can move through the blood to other parts of the body, such as the kidney, spine, and brain.

“TB disease in the lungs or throat can be infectious. This means that the bacteria can be spread to other people. TB in other parts of the body, such as the kidney or spine, is usually not infectious.

“People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day. This includes family members, friends, and coworkers or schoolmates.” (CDC. Tuberculosis (TB). 3-20-2016 update.)

Tennessee State Library and Archives. Disasters in Tennessee: “Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease and was greatly feared well into the 20th century. Frequently called “consumption,” TB was often fatal. By 1943 it was the No. 3 cause of death in Tennessee. The “White Plague,” so named because of its strikingly pale victims, carried a social stigma similar to that of AIDS in recent years. …residents fought the location of a TB hospital in their neighborhood, claiming that property values would plummet.

“Tuberculosis is a contagious lung disease (though it can attack other parts of the body) spread through the air. It is highly controlled today with early detection and antibiotics. Around 1900, the average hospital stay for a TB patient was three years.

“…former President Andrew Jackson died of tuberculosis.” (Tennessee State Library and Archives. Disasters in Tennessee. “Epidemic Scourges in Tennessee.” Nashville. Accessed 10-18-2013 at: http://www.tennessee.gov/tsla/exhibits/disasters/epidemics.htm )                                                       

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tuberculosis (TB). 3-20-2016 update. Accessed 10-16-2018 at: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/topic/basics/default.htm

Public Health Service, Federal Security Agency. Vital Statistics of the United States 1949. Part II, Natality and Mortality Data for the United States Tabulated by Place of Residence. Washington, DC: US Government Printing Office, 1951. Accessed 9-17-2023 at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsus/VSUS_1949_2.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

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