The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-08-21
The Winds Fell Nightly Upon the
lll-Fated City Of Wilkes
barre.
The Path Of the Storm, Plowed
Through Blocks Of Brick
and Stone.
Four Hundred Buildings Destroyed
Eleven Lives Lost, Ten Fatally i'm
jured-Death and Woe.

V1LkkSBARkE, I6., aug ZOs-AB GlW0 SOoS
on the severity of the Cyclone is moro and
more demonstrated. Immense buildings
containing many people were unroofed and
in many cases almost destroyed in the
twinkling of an eye, and this at an hour
when people were about the streets, amid
flying timber and debris of every character.
The city in its most freouented parts,
around the depots. presents its worst ap-
pearance, and when it is remembered that
passenger and freight cars were lifted from
the tracks upon which they stood and laid
ON their sides, while other cars were rushed
along tracks by the force of the cyclones
whirl, small conception of its velocity
may be obtained. An unusual center of
activity was noticeable in the vicinity of
Lee Park. Lower clouds began scudding
in great circles at tremendous
speed. Their vortex seemed close in
the vicinity, but to the north Of
the cutlery worke. At South Wilkesbarre
sudden gust of wind sprang up, and in
moment had increased to roar. The Vul-.
can iron works, James Norris foundry, and
the Keystone -four mill felt the first shock.
the wind dashing the heavy materials about
like straws. The storm swept on up Main
street. raising the buildings on the west side
of that thorouRhfare; then it struck hand
some residences, stores, greenhouses, pot
terry works, etc., along Main street as far as
Academy street. The western edge of the
storm extended to the lower end of Frank
lin street and Dana place. Brick buildings
were unroofed and steps torn away, and
some were levelled. South Main and Frank.
lin streets were completely blocked with
falling trees, roofs, timbers and wires.
veering eastward the storm swept Ross and
Hazel streets, then up South Washington
street, extending as far east as the Hazard
wire rope works. 1t followed Washington
jumped to the Lehigh Valley depot. Jersey
Central depot. Staigmeyer's brewery,
and swept along the railroad to Five Points.
Here it turned east and again swept up
Pearl street out by the Baltimore shaft No.
2, then chased up the mountain and spent
itself in the woods. The scene at the Haz-
mense building was badly damaged and in
the debris lay the dead and injured, the, lat-'
ter helpless until assistance came to them.
Here one of the worst phases of the cy-
clones work could be revealed, ponderous
machinery being mixed with brick, mortar
and general debris in a confused mass. The
number of seriously injured men at these
works exceeds twelve and there were two
killed.
Near the Delaware and Hudson railway,
on Scott street, we're houses occupied by
the families of James Mckinley and James
Helegan. All members of these two FAM
lilies were at home while the fearful de-
struction was going on, powerless to do
anything for their safety, Both houses
were leveled to the ground and the inmates
held in the ruins by the debris. Mrs. Eliza
Jane Mckinley, aged abont % years. and q
babe she held to her breast were crushed to
death. John McGinley, aged 13 years. was
crushed to death. Mary Jane Mckinley, a
little daughter, was so severely hurt and
crushed that but little hope is entertained
for her recovery. The family of James
Helegan could not be found in the ruins of
their home, and fears are entertained that
they have all perished.
The Ninth regiment is on duty in answer
to the proclamation of the mayor. The
soldiers are assisting the police in main
tanning order and are everywhere, eager to
assist and do whatever is asked.
A careful estimate places the number of
buildings demolished and partially de-
stroyed at 400. The loss will probably
reach nearly, if not quite, $1,000. .OOO. The
number killed is eleven, the fatally injured
ten, and severely injured "A.