The independent-reporter., 1922-08-24
RESULTS OF STORM
IN SOMERSET
Buildings Burned in j..
Pittsfield and Ripley
Beliry OF congregational Church at
North AnSOn Struck. Showers
OF Long Duration

Somerset County generally was
hprd hit by fearful electrical showers
during the day and evening, on Fri
day last, although no great damage
was reported in many of the towns,
considering the extent and severity
of the shower. In Skowhegan trees
were struck, one in front of the Cath
Ollie Church and another, II was re-
ported, near the home of Charles
Cleveland on upper Madison Avenue.
The severity Of the storm ihindered
somewhat the car service on tide
Somerset Traction line, but about so
were able to attend the dance at Lake
wood Theatre in the evening. The
lhost serious damage reported was at
Rittsticld, where the buildings of An
son Smith, including house, ell, stable
and large baln were entirely con-
sumod Few of tho household fur
nishings were saved owing to the
rapdity with which the fire spread.
1t WIS reported that horse and COW
persisted in the flames The buildings
were valued at around $4,000 and were
partially insured. Two years hay
Was in the barn. Nearby houses we're
kent wet down by the iiremen which
prevented the spread of the flames to
other property. ss
Al Solon hail stones as big as nl4r
blos fell during the evening and the
electric current which provides tie
lighting system OF the village Was off.
In Athens there was severe wind and
hailstOneS but no serious damage re
ported. over in West Ripley a barn
belonging to the Wakefield Brothers
and located across the road from the
main buildings, was struck and burn
ed by lightning. At Embden the hail
did considerable damage, not only to
crops but broke several panes of glass
in the houses, some of the stones
measuring three and three-quarters
inches in circumference The storm
at Jackman lasted from 730 a. IN. by
intervals until 1I.30 p. IN. Several
trees were struck at different points
III Pleasant Ridge but fortunately no
other serious damage resulted. Mrs.
Iiearon Tilton OF Vest Pittsheld,
while pumping water, received quite
a shock and durirg the evening three
fires could be seen in different direc-
tons by residents of that section.
From midnight to midnight last
Friday was day to be remembered
in the way of electrical disturbance
at North Anson. A succession of
thunder showers of marked intensity
passed near or over the town. Shortly
after noon bolt struck The spire of
The Congregational Church, ripping
off shingles and clapboards and
throwing out "A window and its cas-
ing5 from the bclfry, The bolt prob
ably passed out and over the electric
wires as no damage was discovered
in auditorium or yestry. John H.
Getchell was passing the shank fac
tony at the time and sustained a Sc
Yere shock and many in nearby
houses felt the tingle of electricity.
At {. W. Shaw's a telephone wire
grounded on the water pipe furnished
a carrier for the entrance of large
ball Of fire which greatly startled but
fortunately did not iniure any of the
people in the Kitchen. About $50
violent hail storm was added to the
picturesque features Of the day, after
which the succession of showers with
brilliant Lighting continued we'll into
The night. At New Portland lightning
struck the chimney of Charles Hoyts
store but no one was injured The
buildings Of Ernest Warren in Smith
ield were struck by the lightning,
off clapboards and knock
ng bricks from the chimney.