compiled by Betty Jane Wilson, historical society president
History, a compilation of events graced with repetitions, similarities and parallels plays few favorites; However, weather maintains high priority throughout the annals. The March 22, 1907, Farmer’s Vindicator chose to feature that same March week in 1876 when “a great snow storm visited this country” (our vicinity. The drifting, blinding, furious kind. The whole state was snow bound. The railroads were blocked for a week. With snow plows and hand shovels, the tracks were opened for trains for one day when another big snow fall suspended traffic for several days more.” (sound familiar?)
"People traveled from house to house over stake and rider fences and tree tops hidden in deep drifts. It was a trying time." In contrast, the temperature for that specific time, 1907, had risen to 80 degrees. Apparently, the spring-like degrees did not last, the May 10, 1907, newspaper reported “It snowed in May! It came for breakfast last Friday morning, May 3. The oldest, local inhabitant never saw the like in May with so much snow and temperatures 23 degrees above zero at Blue Mound weather station.
“The May freeze continued through May 17 with ice an eighth of an inch thick. Considering weather’s repetitive history, the poetics may dream with trepidations “When winter comes, spring can not be far behind.”
The Valley Falls Historical Society Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 6. Admission is free.
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