Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1907-07-18
DESTRUCTIVE STORM!
Buildings Blown From Their Founda-
tions-Hundrcds of Trees Broken OH
and Rln,vn nnNn

Buildings Blown From Their Founda
tions-Hundreds of Trees Broken Of
and Blown Down.
On Thursday afternoon last Thurmont
and vicinity was visited by the most Sc
we're wind, thunder and rain storm that
has occurred in many years in this local
ity.
Shortly after one o'clock heavy peals
of thunder could be heard back of our
mountains; the clouds began to thicken
and the thunder became more distinct,
and at about 2:45 the darkness caused by
the low hanging clouds became so great
that lamps were lighted in stores and
and banks. In few minutes large drops
of water began falling and but short
time after rain was falling in torrents.
With the rain came heavy wind which
wrought havoc in many places, sweep
ing trees, fences and shocks of new cut
wheat before it.
At the west end of town the storm was
cyclonic in nature. Starting at the resi-
dence of Mr.. Joseph Stuart and contin-
uing along the creek for distance of al
most quarter of mile, hundreds Of
trees were blown down or twisted and
broken off.
An apple tree along Mr.. Stuart's
fence was blown down and taken across
a field lodging against fence at Mr..
Lewis Bollinger's barn. Several other
trees were blown down for Mr.. Stuart.
Mr.. Bollinger lost number of valua-
BILE cherry, apple and locust trees, and
just across the public road from his resi-
dence the far-famed chestnut by the mill
race and the stately sycamore standing
beside of it, were left standing, but were
broken off about midway to their top.
Next in the storms path came Mrs.
John Jones property. Here also many
trees were blown down, the henhouse de-
molished and fences blown down.
Just across the creek on Mr.. Taylor
Wilhide's property many trees were up
rooted and broken off.
Continuing down the stream the storm
struck the property until recently owned
by Mr.. VIM. Miller, but now owned by
Mr.. Chas. Weddle. His dwelling house
is said to have been moved several inches
on it's foundation, and other buildings
badly twisted, many valuable fruit trees
and fences blown down.
Across the creek at the home of Mr..
Frank Eylcr corncrib was upset, num-
Der of fruit and shade trees uprooted and
nearly all the fence on the premises lain
fiat on the ground, while just across the
street on the property. of Mr.. VIM. Sig
mund a corncrib was moved about eigh-
teen inches and also his woodshed, but
neither was upset. Mr.. Sigmund had a
number of choice variety of apple trees,
IL of which were blown down.
At Irwin Mackley's 4 large limb was
torn from a walnut tree and carried
through back window of his house and
a comfort hanging on line on the rear
porch was blown across the street and
landed on ole of Sigmund's apple trees.
At this point the course of the storm
was charged, Judging from the direction
the trees lay on the ground. and bumped
against what is known as "Sigmun!'s
Ill.," where it apparently lost its force,
little damage being done farther than the
Sigmund and Mackley properties.
In the town numerous branches were
broken off, and number of trees, here
and there, were blown down; two going
down on the "Wilman" property occupi
ed by Mr.. Harry Creeger.
Reports from nearby sections are to
the effect that the storm was very severe,
trees being blown down and wheat shocks
scattered about the fields.
After the rain was over the west end
of town was visited by many residents
and visitors who were amazed to see the
destruction caused by the storm.
The storm was especially severe in Wash
ington county; lightning being the cause
of death to horses and people, and several
barns were burned. Many persons at
tending the Presbyterian reunion at Pen
Mar received drenching.