Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1899-02-17
The Great stOrm-Frigid Weather.

For the past ten days this section of the
country has experienced the coolest weather
and the greatest fall Of snow in the memory
of the oldest inhabitant. For several days
during the latter part Of last week and the
first days OF this week the mercury in the
Thermometer during some hours reached the
lowest point ever known here, being as low
in some localities as 30 degrees below zero
This state Of affairs led TO much inconveni.
ence among householders on account of the
usual supply of water being short, many
pumps and water-pipe being frozen. Much
suffering was also experienced among those
who had TO face the frosty atmosphere in the
pursuit of business.
The fine sleighing snow, so much enjoyed
by our people during last week, was fol.
lowed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday
by the heaviest fall Of snow and the worst
blizzard ever experienced here. On Monday
the storm was terrific. On Tuesday morn.
ing after the storm had subsidized il was
found that all the streets of the town and
roads leading in every direction into the
country were blockaded with three feet of
snow on level and drifts of such huge pro.
portions as TO render travel impossible.
In this state of affairs the railroad had It's
full share, almost every deep cut on the line
being filled with snow, thus rendering the
passage OF trains impossible. A number of
trains on the road we're showed in at various
points In the county, much to the inconveni.
ence of passengers, who were not relieved
of their unpleasant situation until Wednes-
day, when one track OF the road was opened.
Freight, express and mail matter was de-
layed, and except by telegram and telephone
service we were cut of from the balance OF
the world.
As soon as possible after the storm the
town authorities made arrangements to have
roadway cut through the streets, which
was finally accomplished by the aid Of a
heavy snow pillow drawn by four horses
1t also became known that number of per
sons 10 the town and vicinity were in want
of provisions and fuel, and an emergency
committee, composed of a large number OF
the best citizens of the town, was at once
organized and the wants of the sufferers
were relieved. The country roads being
blocked in every direction, large bodies of
men turned out and with shovels removed
the drifts 80 as to make them passable for
teams.
From the papers received up to this date
it is learned that the great storm was violent
in all the Atlantic States, and as far South
City and sll the adjacent towns were for
several days entirely isolated, and much
suffering ensued on account of the scarcity
and high prices for fuel and provisions.
A dispatch from Sandy Spring, d ated Feb.
ruary IA, says: Mail has not reached here
since Saturday and probably will not before
late Thursday and Friday. The roads are
being opened, but it will be several days
before the turnpike will be pssssble, every
foot having TO be cut out. Those who are
compelled to come 10 this village for pro-
visions appear with shovels, being obliged
to dig their way through drifts. James
Kosh, colored, aged about fifty, after most
exhaustive struggles, reached the mill, about
mile from his home. Securing small
sack of meal he started to return, but when
about half way home became exhausted and
sank in 9 drift. Miss Mary <. Gilpin saw
him struggling from her residence and called
to several young co.ored men passing, who
went 70 his rescue.