Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-05-20
AS LARGE AS MARBLES
HAILsToNEs FELL DURING
THUNDER STORM YESTERDAY.

and roofs Of Washington yesterday even
ing, while rain descended in torrents and
Jupiter Pluvius hurled his thundetbolts
through the sky, some Of them flashing
downward and striking buildings and other
objects. There were two distinct down
pours before darkness had settled down
upon the city, and the display Of lightning
was vivid, while the deep-toned thunder
caused windows to rattle as though an
earthquake was in progress
The storm began in the afternoon when
there were large crowds at the Zoo and
other nearby places, and while many per-
sons were taking outings in the contiguous
fields and forests, and a number of I'M
fortunates~ unable to reach shelter re-
ceived drenchings. For while the gut
tiers overflowed from the heavy. fall OF
rain. TIE weather bureau gauges show
that one inoh and ten hundfedths of water
fell during the rains.
Prof. Edward B. Garriott, one of the ofn-
cial forecasters, informed Star reporter
this afternoon shat the rainfall was more
severe in Washington and vicinity than 1t
was west and south of here. He added that
the indications point to couple of days
of nice weather following the storm of yes
terday. The temperature was 90 de-
grees this morning. 1t is predicted that
tonight and tomorrow it will fall ABOUT 10
degrees. After tomorrow PROF. Garriott
says the temperature will begin to modec-
ate. There is no more rain in sight.
Barn Struck by Lightning.
During the severe electric storm yester-
day afternoon lightning struck the big barn
on the farm of Mr.. William s. Knox, on
the Silver Hill road, short distance be-
yond the District line, setting fire to the
structure and destroying it. The barn was
large frame structure, and it contained
valuable farming implements and other
NJ nf md rrnIp10
were in the building at the time the fire
started, but they were rescued before the
blaze reached them.
The superintendent and farm hands hur-
ried to the barn soon as they discovered
the blaze, and the members of No. chemi-
cal company also fastened to see If they
could be of assistance. The hremen could
see the immense volume of smoke from
their quarters in Anacostia, but they
reached the farm too late to be of much
service. 1t is believed that about $1,000
damage was caused by the fire, the loss be-
ing partly covered by insurance. The SUI
perintendent of the farm lost about 500
worth of farming implements and harness.
Several bricks fell from the wall on the
18th street side of the Richmond Hotel, 18th
and H streets, yesterday during the storm.
1t was believed that the building had been
struck by lightning. but nobody in the
structure felt shock. and none of the
guests of the hotel knew of the incident
until long after it happened. .
LII DI1SOAOo III NCW ou1AoAAS.
During the heavy downpour of rain yes
terday evening about 6 o'clock Oscar An
derson, a printer, who resides at 1861
Pennsylvania avenue southeast, and two
young woman companions. who refused to
give their names, are said to have spent
four unhappy hours as involuntary prison
ers in the yestibule of the uncompleted Ma
tional Metropolitan Bank building on 18th
street opposite the treasury. Anderson and
the two women were walking along 18th
street when rain began to pour in torrents.
1t was a case of any port in storm, and
the three pedestrians stepped into the UNI
finished building and closed the heavy
bronze door which the Waterman had left
ajar A few minutes later when the rain
ceased they tried to get out, but found the
door locked.
Anderson tugged and pulled with all his
strength and the women sought to aid him,
but to no avail; the door would not open.
Finding his efforts fruitless, Anderson
shouted for help. He voice echoed
through the empty building, but the only
sound that came back was the roar of the
distant thunder. The street outside was
deserted. Finally the mans cries were
heard by the Waterman In the old bank
building adjoining the new structure, but
he was as powerless to open the door from
the outside as Anderson was to open 1t
from within.
After two hours had elapsed and the pris-
oners were no nearer escape than they
were at the outset, crowd mad gathered
on the outside and volunteered much ad-
vice, none of which proved effective In
opening the door. Another hour passed
and it was decided to send a messenger to
the president of the bank to obtain key.
second messenger was dispatched to the
home of the contractor who is erecting the
building asking for relief. Then the police
were called but they could do nothing.
About the time the trio Of prisoners had
become disheartened a wise man came
along and sang out to Anderson:
why don't you push the bar on the in
side of the door,"
Anderson followed the mans advice and
the portal swung open and the prisoners.
none the worse for the experience, walked
out. The young women thought the affair
was a good joke. Anderson could not see
1t in that light.