The Portland daily press., 1872-08-24

SEVERE STORM IN BosToN-The present sea-
son can be put on record as remarkable for the
number and severity of its thunder storms.
Portland has been comparatively free from any
disastrous results, but in almost every direction
the elements have played singular and alarm
ing freaks, destroying property and often hui
man life. On Thursday afternoon the severest
one passed over Boston, flooding the business
part of the city and doing much damage to
merchandise. 1t came up suddenly soon after
o'clock, and for two hours the rain fell in tor
rents, deluging the streets, so that they were
almost impossible, and for time it seemed as
if second flood was upon them, and within the
same space of time larger volume of water
has rarely ever fallen. The wind suddenly
sprang up as the storm increased in violence,
and signs and awnings commenced to futter,
giving Indication of wild blow. The Journal
says:
Large hailstones began to patter upon the
sidewalk, and for nearly an hour the elements
appeared furious indeed, when the sky bright
ened somewhat though the rain still continued
as powerful az ever Unfortunately it was high
tide at the hour when the storm reached its
height, and the sewers being filled, the i'm
mense volume of water which rushed into them
could find no outlet, and as a consequence was
forced back, only flto God the streets and SUBJ
merge the cellars. Dock square, Merchants
row, Hanover, North and South Market, State.
India, Broad, Milk Water Pearl, Congress
and Federal streets, Liberty square, Chatham
row and other thorOughfares in the business
portion OF the city soon began to feel the disas-
trous effect of the powerful current, which
overcame all barriers and made freedom with
merchandise in subterranean retreats.
Luckily for merchants, in many instances
they had an inkling of what might be expected
as the water gradually invaded their premises,
and gave them an opportunity to remove a
large portion of their goods while in other
places parties were taken entirely unawares,
and the first premonition of trouble was the
bursting in of the water upon them In Dock
square the most trouble was experienced, owing
to the low condition of the territory, and in
some of the cellars the water was between three
and four feet in depth. About o'clock, rs
there was no prospect of a cessation in the
quantity OF water, it became necessary to send
tor the Fire Department to prevent further
damage, and an alarm from Box Is summoned
nu nber of steamers, which were at once set
to work to pump the cellars.
News having been received that in other Dor
tions of the city other business houses were
sharing similar late, additional assistance was
procured, and up to late hour the fremen
found plenty of work in the streets above mem
toned. None of the wharves seem to have
suffered nor the stores near tide water, the
damage being mostly confined to an area cover
ing from Hanover street to the Custom House
on the north, and as far as Devonshire street on
the south.
The flood, however was on so extensive a
scale that the damage can hardly fail to be
heavy, and probably one of such magnitude
was never before witnessed by jewellers in that
section. The scene in Dock square, surrounded
as 1t was by water, attracted large number of
people, who watched with interest the labors of
the firemen. Several lager beer dealers were
among the sufferers, and considerable amuse-
ment was furnished in watching parties pad
ding about on planks in search Of their favorite
beverage. Other ridiculous incidents occurred,
and taken altogether the gale of Aug. %, 1872,
will long be remembered
AT the Highlands the storm was felt in all its
severity and hallstones measuring half an inch
were picked up in some localities. The storm
was succeeded by most magnificent sunset.
The western horizon shone Respondent with
golden, crimson and blue tints, which, in con-
trast with the dark clouds at zenith, presented
view brilliant beyond description. The spec
tacle remained for long time, and was seen
and admired by thousands
A house at North Salem, occupied by Will
liam Mckeon, was struck by lightning. Three
OF the occupants were stunned by the shock and
the house was slightly damaged, the plas ering
being torn off in several places.
AT Lowell a house occupied by d. w. Brown
and James Norburne was struck by lightning
and damaged to the amount of $500. The bolt
struck the chimney and descended into the low
er rooms, tearing off plastering, damaging the
floors and demolishing all the hampers ON the
stoves. The zinc lining which one of the
stoves rested was partially melted, and a large
hole made through the flooring. The stove pipes
were thrown promiscuously around. Two of
MI. Norburnes children, at play in the upper
tenment and three year old son of Mr..
Brown were all prostrated but fortunately none
were injured Several other inmates of the
house experienced a severe shock