Evening journal., 1913-08-30
FIERY BOLTS
BURN BARN
NEAR CITY
Terrific Electrical, Rain and
Wind Storm Leaves Much
Damage in Its Wake
STOCK IS SAVED;
OIL TANKS DESTROYED

A terrific storm swept over Will
mington and large part Of the
northern section of the state, shortly
before o'clock last night leaving in
its wake much damage. The path
taken by the storm covered an ex-
tensive area. Coming from the west
the storm blew a gale and rain fell
IN torrents. II followed a day of ex-
cessive heat and was preceded for
some minutes by a thunder and cleo
trical display.
During the storm lightning struck
several places in the country sur
rounding Wilmington but did little
damage within the city limits Two
oil tanks in the Marcus Hook dis
trict we're struck entailing a lose of
$4,000, and barn on the farm of
Mrs. Delaware Clark, widow OF
Former Recorder of Deeds Clark at
Glasgow, was destroyed causing a
loss Of $4,000. partly covered by in
surance.
James Blackburn, aged 10 years,
son OF Mrs Eta Blackburn. of near
Minquadale Home, was stunned BY
lightning and lie under the care OF
a physician.
Mrs. James H. Kitchen. wife OF
Factory Inspector Kitchen. was
shocked by lightning at the beginning
Of the storm at her home. No. 51T
Walnut street Mrs. Kitchen was
about TO put down a window along
side OF which is a telephone wire
when there was a sharp flash Of
lightning. She ielt a singing senaa-
ton in her arm and back Of the neck
which afterward turned to mum mbness.
She was badly frightened by the SEN
Ssfion and fastened down stairs. She
afterward fully recovered from the
effects Of her experience.
A barn belonging to William Hickey,
near Clifton Mills. between this city
and Kennett Square. was struck by
lightning and was burned to the
ground. Lightning also struck the big
barn on the farm owned by Elmer K.
Mcdaniel. on the Concord turnpike.
near Sharpley's school house, and
destroyed II.
Church Hit by Bolt.
AT Hockessin lightning struck the
St. Johns Catholic Church, knock
ing of the cupola Fortunately the
edifce VAS not set on FIRE by the
fash and aside from the damage to
the roof no further loss was sus-
tained.
The storm was severe but this was
the only damage reported from that
section.
The storm was heavy at Penns-
grove and Fenton Beach. where light
ming and thunder crashed with terri |
flying peals A large poplar tree in
front Of Frank R. Jones' cottage, the
Honey Boy" was struck and split in
two.
In Wilmington the wind blew hard |
but not as severe as in the surround (
ing country. but rain fell here in tor
rents, while, the elements fought
thundrous battle in the skies The /
cracks we're so severe that buildings
we're shaken. Sewer inlets could not /
carry off the water and the streets pre- /
sented miniature rivers. One police /
reporting circuit and a fire alarm 4
circuit were put out of commission /
At the barn fires on the Clark and /
Mcdaniel farms. the live stock was
saved. Asbury Williams is the tenant /
on the former place. About 20 tons |
OF hay, farming implements. e,c.,
we're destroyed. The storm was
unusually severe in that section. but /
no other serious damage was re- (
ported.
The Mcdaniel .irm is tenantel 5y
Michael Maloney. Mr. Mcdaniel liv-
lag at No. 1909 Washington st-ees. A
ball OF fire entered the biz barn and
within few minutes the structure
MAS enveloped in flames Neighbor-
ing farmers wen to Maloney's as
sistance and a call for assistance was
stnt to Wilmington. the Fame com
rany responding with its automobile |,
chemical apparatus. The firemon 4
we're powerless to do anything now
ever.
James Blackburn. of near Minqua-
Gale. who was stunned by lightning
mad waited until the storm was near
~ over when 10 went to the barn to
see how the I've stock Jared As he
was returning to the house bolt OF
lightning struck close by and the
man was stunned. He was able to
reach the house and was compelled
to go to bed.
One of the oil tanks struck by
lightning In the Marcus Hook district
was on the property of the Pure Oil
Company IL was a small tank and
contained not much more than seven
or eight inches of gasoline, probably
a total Of three or four hundred
barrels II had practically burned it.
self out with in a few hours, with |
loss of almost $4,000 on the oil and {
$4,000 on the tank. !
Most of the damage was caused at
ne other tank; a large receiver on {
the property Of the Standard Oil Com Ii
pany' operated by the Crescent Pipe ,
Line, and known as the Bear Creek :
Continued On Second Page ll