15 May 1902
Page 1
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!
This newspaper page contains 8 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.
Newspaper
The Indianapolis Journal
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
Date
May 15, 1902
Page
1
Reports from Castries and Kingstown detail a dire scene after the Soufriere eruption on St Vincent. Officials cite 1,600 potential deaths, widespread death of humans and livestock, and massive destruction from lava, gas, and earthquakes.
A dispatch from New York datelined May 24 notes disturbing rumblings and earthquakes near Souffriere on St Vincent Island in the British West Indies. On May 5 the crater lake intensified, and on May 6 at 2 PM a notable event followed, signaling increased volcanic unrest.
A volcanic sequence on Mont Pelee begins with immense steam plumes and blasts, followed by lava and ash as several craters open. Dozens of plantations buried, hospitals overwhelmed, and hundreds dead reported. St Pierre evacuated, with Wear delivering aid and a scientific commission witnessing the onset.
London dispatch reports from Barbadoes that Governor Mouttet and Insular officials claimed Mont Pelee danger ended while a guard cordoned St. Pierre. Dr Artier narrowly escaped disaster, fleeing back across the area as authorities moved to prevent residents from leaving town.
St Pierre Martinique suffers massive devastation with streets two feet deep in ashes and thousands of dead bodies. Survivors describe scorched towns, calcined fortifications, and a church tower turned to metal as soldiers guard property from looters amid a pervasive stench and ash clouds.
A kerosene lamp explosion on Miley Avenue killed Mrs. Frederick D. Beck and badly burned her mother, Mrs. Emmet, who may die. Mrs. Beck burned while rising to extinguish flames, dragging herself to the kitchen as the house burned, while Mrs. Emmet tried to smother the blaze. The fire destroyed the Beck half of a double house. the Bertels’ side remained intact. Mrs. Beck’s body was moved to 218 Miley Avenue awaiting an undertaker. Dr. Curtis said Mrs. Emmet has slim chances of recovery at age seventy-two and was taken to City Hospital. The husband, a traveling oil-company man from Indianapolis, is sought.
Crowds gather as ceremonies mark turning over the monument to the people. Prominent national figures and local citizens attend amid organized entertainment and tribute to Indiana's once mighty army.
A lengthy schedule charts a day of events including a 9 a.m. flag parade from the Statehouse to the monument and a 10 a.m. dedication ceremony. A 2 p.m. parade will be reviewed near the monument, with a 4 p.m. vesper service and 7:30 p.m. torchlight parade by German societies. Evening gatherings at Tomlinson Hall and English’s Opera House will honor Indiana’s veterans.
We want people to find what they are looking for at NewspaperArchive. We are confident that we have the newspapers that will increase the value of your family history or other historical research. With our 7-day free trial, you can view the documents you find for free.
People find the most success using advanced search. Try plugging in keywords, names, dates, and locations, and get matched with results from the entire collection of newspapers at NewspaperArchive!
You can also successfully find newspapers by these browse options. Explore our archives on your own!
Browse by location and discover newspapers from all across the world.
Browse by date and find publications for a specific day or era.
Browse old newspaper publications to find specific newspapers.