The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1895-07-18
BIG ELECTRICAL STORM.
Cleared and Cooled Atmosphere. But ut
the Price of Much CONSERVATION.


the Price Of Much CONSERVATION.
The sweltering heat of yesterday cul-
minated in a terrific electrical storm
which, although 1t lasted only twenty
minutes, was OF unusual severity while
1t did continue.
About 6 o'clock the heavens began to
darken ard soon from the direction OF
the West mountain storm clouds began
to sail over the city. Whnid, carrying
before 1t a large cloud of dust. first
struck the city. Then came large drops
and finally a fierce discharge of light
ming accompanied by deafening thun-
der claps.
The electrical flashes continued al
most Increasingly during the twenty
minutes that the storm continued. and
while 1t did not do amy serious damage,
caused much CONSERVATION. When the
storm passed away 1t left the atmo-
sphere delightfully pure and refresh
ing. repaying In full measure for the
terror which 1t caused during It's brief
continuance. The rain fall was very
heavy, but did not continue long
enough to cause much, II any. damage.
Work OF the Lightning.
The bolt of lightning which accom-
panied one of the fiercest thunder claps
must have struck the earth somewhere
near the central city, for . great many
reports are heard of the fluid entering
stores and offices along the electric
wires.
AT the Scranton house the current fol-
lowed an incandescent wire into the
madn hallway and set fire to the mos
quito netting with which the chandelier
was covered.
1t burned up before communicating
10 any Of the surrounding woodwork.
The wind blew down the show case in
front of photographer Starrer's studio
on the corner of Main avenue and Jack
son street, demolishing it and scatter
ing the portraits in all directions.
A bolt of lightning struck the rear Of
the Kennedy & Carter building on
Washington avenue, occupied by HulPs
furniture store, and tore out portion
of the chimney.
Jefferson Avenue Power House Struck.
Just at the be ginning Of the electrical
display toit struck the power house
Of the Economy Heat and Power COM
pany on Jefferson avenue, but all the
damage caused will not exceed SIS or
500. Advices from Moscow state that
three houses along the line of the Del
aware, Lackawanna and Western rail-
road were struck, but not seriously
damaged.
Mates street was submerged near
the railroad bridge and street cars were
temporarily delayed on the South Side
line. In many places on Cedar and
Pittston avenues the heavy rain caused
the cutters to block up, the water
spreading over the street. Shade and
fruit trees We're blown down by the
strong gale that preceded the rain.
The Storm at Taylor.
In the region of Taylor the storm was
very fierce. Trees were blown down
and crops at the few farms were dam
aged to a great extent. Two baseball
games were interrupted, the players
and spectators seeking shelter in the
woods. Holden and Archibald mine
teams were in a game at the Archibald
mine but in the fifth inning play was
stopped. The Modocs and Batsmashers
also discontinued a game on the Holden
grounds. Narrow escapes are reported,
a gang of men in the Archibald woods
escaping from a lightning bolt which
struck tree nearby.
A bolt Of lightning struck the house
of a man named Courtright. living at
Taylor. A fire ensued and the Taylor
breaker whistle sounded an alarm,
bringing out the local fire company.
After twenty minutes fighting the blaze
was quenched. Little damage was