New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1879-07-17
A TUNYEL-SHAPaD TORNADO.

A THREE MINUTES BLOW Ar FITCHBURG WHICH
pIsCoNCERrED THE TowN-oTHER STORMS IN
MASSACHUSETTS.
FIrCHRuRG, Mass, July 16.-One Of the worst
tornados that visited this vicinity passed over
the city to-day, beginning about 1888 p. IN. Its APP
pearance resembed that OF tunnel 1t came down
Rver-st, and first struck near the Ftchburg Hotel.
There had been indications of thunderstorm for
several minutes. and everybody had sought shelter
The tornado lasted only three minutes, and all the
damage was done in that time
The spire OF the Uniyersast Church was hurled
into Maln-st. opposite the Rolstone House. The
tin-roof of the City Hall was launched into the
street part of it crossing over the house of Walter
Hevwood. The easterIy wall Of the extension 10
the City Hail. which was in process OF construction
was blown down and several workmen narrowly es-
caDed being buried in he RUNS.
Nearly all of the trees along the street from the
FItchburg Hotel To the Episcopal Church were
blown down or broken oil, as were several on hart
well. Prechard aud other streets Many houses osS
all OF their chimneys. seven falling IRON the fltch-
burg Hotel alone. The damage to the City Hall is
estimated at $1,000. Shingles were torn from
many buildings, and much glass was broken
fhrone hout the city. Fortunately 10 one was in-
jured.
LOWELL, Mass, July 16.-A severe storm prevailed
here this afternoon. Lightning struck the barn OF
Rufus Whitney at Pawtucketville. Considerable
damage was DONE hut there was no loss OF lie.
LAWRENCE, Mass, July 16-At Toronto this af-
ternoon rain poured in torrents for a short time.
Telegraph wires were Frustrated and other damage
was done but no loss of life has been reported.
PRoyINcEIowS, Mass, July LEONE of the heav-
lest SQUALLS experienced here IN many years struck
this town at p. m, blowing the dust III clouds,
breaking branches from trees and doing other dam
age. The wind blew terribly from the northwest;
and was accompanied by drenching ram, WIN han
and lightning The yacht Undine was struck by
the sauall and lost her main-boom and gan.
A NARROW ESCAPE FOR PITTSFlELD.
A TORNADO SIXTY RODS IL WIDTH PASSES WITHIN
HALF A VILE OF THE CENTRE OF THE TOWN,
LEygLLING NEARLY EVERY OBJECT IN ITS PATH.
PlTTsFfELD, Mass, July 16.-At $50 O'Clock THIS
afternoon tornado from the west struck the south
arm suburbs of this place. Two persons were killed
and three or four wounded, some OF 'hem Iataily'
Buildings were unroofcd aud blown down, hun
dreds of trees were levclled, and fully 49,
900 or 1000 worth of property was destroyed.
Tho sudden appearance of black cloud III the
west while the thermometer registered o60 was
the first warning of the approach OF the storm.
Within fifteen minutes the sky was so black that
gas had 70 be lighted in the stores The rain, MIN
gled with hail the rushing wind and the almost III
cessant lightning and thunder. would have MADE
this storm n memorable one here, even had IL not
been disastrous. ,
LITTLE ar no damage was done in the viaget the tor
nado taking course from west to southeast ABOUT
half mile from the business portion OF the town.
Toward the west it first struck Kellogg Place, occu-
pied by Thomas Payne. The wall OF the Kitchen
and mart of the house was blown down, and the
harm WAS completely demolished. Wagons were
smashed and hay was blown away. FOL
lowing along the valley TO the soutn-
east. il levelled hundreds of trees. bridget
Tate's house. next in its course was
unroofed and the barn demolished, but the IN
mates ESCAPED unframed. Pomeroy's factory was
uproofed. surrounding buildings were damaged
and the building known as the tannery was Dio"h
IN pieces. In the building were Matthew Collins
ten years of age, who was crushed beneath the
dAris. John Collins brother of Matthew, VINO
had both arms and his jaw broken; and an old man
named Matthew. who was very severely injured
From Factory Village the wind tore across the
folds dwelling fences, orchards and crops, and
neyt strnck South-st. The Rediied House was
nor,lv unroofed George Wentworths house was
fteG from its foundation, turned around ana car.
| ried two rods. Other houses IN the ylcnhty iost
| nird by Samuel Payne, a fine brick house,
smr1ounded by stately trees, was entirely
| unToofed the trees all broken or torn
nm Inv the roots aud the place left scene OF rum.
| The residence Of tho Hon. j. n. Durham opposite
| was unroofed the conservatory Was ruined ana the
| harms were Frustrated. No one was hurt. Inc res
| idence of Mr. Dunham's son-in-law adjoining was
| also badly damaged. s,, p.,....;.,,
A falling tree struck the horse OF Mrs. beckwiti'