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Newspaper
Norfolk Virginian
Location
Norfolk, Virginia, United States of America
Date
Oct 26, 1897
Page
2
A brutal Sunday night storm tore through the city causing extensive damage and fear. Widespread power outages, downed wires, shattered windows, and flooded streets disrupted life as emergency services battled a fast-spreading blaze and a bucket brigade fought to control the flames. Many businesses faced water damage, with reports of disrupted traffic, collapsed awnings, and stranded residents seeking shelter.
A man identified as Tom J Pindley died after a phone line electrified by a fallen wire shocked him on a street near Queen Street Sunday afternoon. Initial reports say bystanders and workers witnessed the accident as responders removed the body and secured the area while investigators probed the cause.
Two alarms sounded Sunday night as Sun day Fire Department tackled a blaze at a lime house and a warehouse district. Fireboats fought flames with chemical engines aiding water lines, while a second fire in Brambleton’s Bralde’s warehouses drew crews as officials worked to contain the spread.
In the city a deficit looms as rain fails to refill reservoirs. Water departments report two inches of current rainfall with storage at fourteen inches yesterday and projected to ninety five inches in the jakes, sparking worry over future supply despite a seeming water surplus.
A weather observer and staff faced a disrupted night as storms delayed salaries and hindered operations yet vigilance prevented larger losses. Telephones failed, signals were deployed, and ships in harbor were warned to haul anchors to prevent added danger.
Notes report a severe storm causing about a hundred vessels at sea or detained. Passengers remained overnight as ferries halted due to blocked access. Wind toppled a high beam fence on West Main Street. A bridge on Highland Avenue near Maple was washed away with a pedestrian walker narrowly missing the collapse. Rain fell heavy into the night.
Weather Bureau Norfolk reports twenty four hour revocation observations with maximum and minimum temperatures, normal value departures, rainfall amounts, and mean humidity. Observer J J Gray notes last night brought the hardest rainfall since the storm began.
A Norfolk crowd braved a violent Sunday storm at Virginia Beach to witness an infernal water scene. Waves battered the shore, tossing boats and tearing the boardwalk while life guards struggled against the gale. The coast suffered extensive damage as tides rose high and beach stairs were ripped away.
A Washington dispatch reports the Atlantic storm has moved southeast and now lies east of Hatteras. Pressure at the disturbance centre has risen while northeasterly gales continue along the Middle Atlantic and Southern New England coasts, though less threatening than in the morning report.
The funeral of Mrs. Charlotte Ar Morse wife of James J Morse of Huntersville was held Sunday afternoon from St. Vincent's Hospital. Interment was in St. Mary's cemetery. Also, Mr Edward Ramsey died at St. Vincent's Magorial and was buried Sunday at Christ Episcopal church with interment in Elmwood cemetery. Miss Larcle J Smith died at Mr L A Brock's residence in Princess Anne county and was buried Sunday at Elmwend cemetery. she had been a teacher in Brambleton public school.
The State Convention of the King's Daughters and Sons starts today in the Young Men's Christian Association auditorium. Delegates from across the state are expected, with Mrs. Margaret Mott oma, president of the international group, in attendance. Today features talks on Tenement House Work and a song by Elisabeth A Taylor. Miss Virginia Culberson performs Wednesday evening under a charity program.
At Cape Henry the wind blow 14 miles an hour as repairs held against the sea. The tug Walter A. Luekenbach arrived with a tow after the vessel left Key West on Sunday. The ship Matthia sustained bow damage, and a crew of four was rescued and brought to Newport News.
Three small robberies occurred Sunday night. A thief entered Bassett Nash & Co. on Phame Street and stole five items of clothing. The quick restaurant at McCullergh's Bridge was robbed of lard and crockeryware, offered for sale to a tug boat captain. A window at I W Vail's grocery store on 424 Bute Street was broken Saturday night and a large lot of cigars taken.
The Lower District Triton of Papilsts will convene next Friday at St. Johns church. Delegates should write to Mr Griffin Tlewent, Mapleton post office, Princess Anne Courthouse, and will be met at Lynnhaven Station. Train leaves Norfolk at 7 am. Counterfeit half dollar reported. Treasury Secret Service notified.
A bold local ad from Rudolph & Wallace on Main Street urges customers to inspect new brown check suit designs.
Merchandise description notes leather shoes made in same stock as OUR & 00 PATROL with varied toe widths sold at NELLELS LION STORE BANK ST OPPO COURT 1LIOUSI D1. Week returns to city for eye arrangements with Gale Jewelry Co 310 Malns ert Merfoll Va.
Amuse Primrose and West entertain a large audience despite a storm, delivering lively acts including Primrose and his pickaninnies, George Wilson, Milt Parlow, and the Seymour Brothers acrobatics, with notable imitations by the Quaker Quartet and a new Waterbury Mothers and Tenny In, ending with Waterbury Mothers. Walker Witterside promotes sows for his engagement with a dramatic adaptation of The Man in Black at the Academy of Music, featuring Stanley Weskanan’s romance and Edward Kise’s staging, plus The Tale of Sando. Wilton Locketaye performs The Ten Tem Toilet Comedy The Togal Secret at the Academy on Monday, November 1. Tunes Concert Band plans a February concert tour.
An ad claims ABOVES TASTELESS OWILE TONIC cures chilies and malaria. It is described as Tron and Quinine in a tasteless form. The product targets adults who prefer it to bitter tonics. Price is listed as 50 cents.
Adiake merchants Creenwood and Bre offer Eastman Kodaks with full plates at low prices. They promote durable and simple cameras, promising a wide selection including Clover teat and rabbit’s foot mascot charms among hundreds of goods at She Casket.
A washout at Willoughby Spit flooded the farther end of the area and washed out the waiting room. Willoughby Beach buildings remained unharmed while the rail line suffered severe damage with track lifted and twisted. Eleven washouts were reported, with repairs expected by noon and train schedules resuming thereafter. no damage noted at Oren View.
W M Repine editor praises Dr King's New Discovery for consumption coughs and colds. Claims it is the true remedy after trying many others and guarantees satisfaction. Free trial bottles at Burrow Martin Co.'s drug store. London overhnatings at Les Malin street.
Notice to taxpayers from Norfolk Virginia dated October 1 1897. The Commissioner of the Revenue posts tax rolls for 1897 and collectors will receive taxes October 1 through 31. Delinquency penalties start at 3 percent first month and 1 percent per month thereafter up to 5 percent, plus six percent interest on unpaid amounts after the penalty cap. William L. Baker, City Collector.
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