The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1865-06-23
A HEAVY RAIN STORM.
Grand Meteorological Displays.
THE SUM m Il " ZEPHYKS GENTLY
BLOWlNG.

THE SUM WEH XEPH IL Il ENTkH
BLOWING:
Friday we were visited with another
grand elemental exhibition, scarcely equalled
in the memory of the Oldest settler. In
many respects it was grander than the
memorable storm of May 20. Early in the
morning the thunder clouds began to roll up
from the South, and heavy rain fell at inter-
walls during the forenoon, flooding the streets
and sidewalks. Towards noon the rain ceased
and several hours of unexpectedly close
weather gave assurance of another gust, which
was realized about five o'clock. Immense
masses of inky clouds rose from the South,
and spread like pail over the city and
country adjacent. Their murky, sombre
sides were made only more threaten.
ing by the forked lightning that darted
hither and thither. Although two hours be-
fore sunset, it grew so dark that lights were
necessary within doors. Soon the rain began
to fall in torrents, and accompanied by wind
so fierce, that it almost amounted to a tor
nado. The strongest buildings trembled,
while chimneys, signs, fences, trees, &C., sue
cumbed to the blast, and were Frustrated. The
rain lasted about On hour, when the clouds lift
ed and the sun shone once more.
We fear that the heavy wind has done con-
siderable damage in the city and country along
the track of this thunder cloud. We heard of
several items of damage along on the bluff be-
tween Sd street and the river.
The sidewalk at the foot of st. Peter street,
between it and Rogers Block, was torn up by
air. One piece of timber about ten inches
square, and eight feet long, used as perpen-
dicular support to the sidewalk, ,cas blown clear
across the street! If that does not show quite
a pressure to the square inch, we know not
what will illustrate the power of this gentle
summer zephyr.
The sidewalk near the old Napoleon Saloon,
was also blown up and overturned, and por-
ton of the Old Napoleon building unroofed.
We did not hear of any other incidents of
damage, but it is highly probable that consid-
cradle was done, though we hope none very Sc
rious.
From two to three inches of rain must have
fallen yesterday altogether-and as the ground
was already pretty well saturated, much of it
will run off, and help to swell the river. The
rain, we learn from persons in from the country,
has extended over quite an area. refreshing the
crops, and soaking the ground thoroughly.
The caterpillars and cut worms are probably
brought to an untimely end. If the grasshop-
pers could also have been drowned out, the
rain would have worked an absolute miracle.
AS it was, in all that constitutes the grandeur
of an elemental display it was unsurpassed.
THE SOLDIERS HOME.-This institution
opened Thursday, and is now in complete run
ming order AS our readers know, it is stu
ated in Mackubias Block, on the ground floor
Three large and airy rooms are used for its
purposes. In the large room formerly used
as portion of the Site Arsenal, opening on
Fourth street, is kept the pantry and kitchen.
In q room on the Washington street side, con-
nected with the former, are the dining tables.
A room alongside of this is used as sleeping
ROOM 1t is nicely furnished with comfortable
mattresses and bedding. The pantry and table
furniture is all new and of o genteel quality.
There are accommodations for about fifty per.
sons.
While there yesterday, We tried the quality
of the rations, by invitation of Superintendent
L. c. Dunn. The soldiers who stop at the
Home will surely not complain of their quality,
as they are first rate. Coffee, bread, soup, po-
tatoes, fresh meat, &C., and all of the best
kind are furnished plentitully.
One thing is needed, not provided by gov
eminent, that is, fresh vegetables. VIII our
farmer readers who may be living near the
city bring in some occasionally, as a donation
to the Homer They will be a valuable and
welcome gift.
Any of our citizens who wish to make dona-
tons of provisions, can leave them with the
superintendent, who keeps q book on which
such donations are entered. Do not fail to
have your name on this book at least once
DISTRESSING OAsUALTY.-A little son of
DR.. Thaddeus Williams, who resides on the St.
Anthony Road about half mile beyond the
head of the hill, was accidentally drowned
Tuesday He had been playing in the yard, but
not having been seen for an hour or 80, search
was made for him around the house, and at
some OF the neighbors'. without success. BIZ
nally some one looked into the cistern, and the
body OF the little fellow was found floating on
the water, face down. He was drawn out as
soon as possible, but life was found to be ex
tinct, and it was impossible to recussitate him.
This distressing accident is severe blow to his
parents, coming, as it does, in such sudden
and peculiar manner.
AT meeting of the Englishmen of st.
Paul, held June 19. 1865, for the formation Of
a st. Georges Society of st. Paul. the follow
ing gentlemen were elected officers for the en-
suing year:
President-John NJ. Brack.
Vice-President-John E. Nilsson
Secretary-Thomas Hall.
Treasurer-H w. Robinson.
Trustees-JOhp Austin n Alayar5o- Co.