1915 HURRICANE Submitted BY: Gladys Stovall Armstrong Extracted From microfilm Of "Times Picayune". ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************** WIRES DOWN - CITY CUT OFF FROM OUTSIDE 30 September, 1915 New Orleans, Louisiana The city emerges from worst hurricane expereince - Barometer lowest on record - wind volocity greatest ever reported. (LATTER PART ABOUT PLAQUEMINES PARISH) The storm passed 20 miles west of New Orleans at 5:50 p.m. The berometer read 28:11 at 5:50, 1/200 lower than ever recorded, Sustained wind volocity was 86 miles per hour. in New Orleans, Scarcely a house in New orleans escaped without some damage. The lives of two score people were endangered when the First Presbyterain Church on South Street facing Lafayette Square collaspted at 5:02 p.m.; As the high tower of the churb fell it crushed two three story rooming houses on the ST. Charles Street side. The occupants were recued, team members were: Assistant Chief MONAGHAM; Leiut. HOUNTHA; R. FRIEDENBERG; SHARP; J. GORMAN; H. TOIFEL; R. BERNARD; J. SMITH; C. WALSH; J. BRODERICK; BENSEN. From the rooming house at 636 South Street, conducted by J.G. SMITH, the following persons were rescued: Mr. & Mrs. SMITH; James M. SMITH; Bryan & Denson SMITH; Cameron McLean; H.S. NAYLOR; Charles HALES; G.W. FORTNER; Percy LUCAS; Mr. & Mrs. C. NEAL; Mr. & Mrs. MILLER And 2 children; Mr. ARNALL; A. LIBOSSART; Mr. WOALF; Mrs. John GOSSETT; Mr. Jones; Joseph NETTLES; Mrs. MURPHY. From 631, South Street, the following : Miss Cora WILLIS; Mrs. Jay COX; Mrs. T.E. BALES; Miss Wessie SMITH; George FIELD of Mobile; W.V. KELLY of Mobile; Mrs. C-- MILLER and four men and one woman whose names are not known. It is believed that there would have been serious injury except the occupants of both houses were eating dinner when it happened, the bedrooms of both houses were badly damaged. The Times Picayune building was heavily damaged and this edition of the paper is printed under difficulties. OCTOBER 1, 1915 Death toll grows as news of storm comes into the city. Sections South of New Orleans is hard hit. Davastation along Lower Coast result of broken leves. A radiogram was received from William McG. (sic) KEIF, staff correspondent sent down the Mississippi River, read: "Whole country between Poydras abd Buras inundated. Levees gone, property loss appalling. Life toll prabally heavy. Conditions estimated worse than ever before. Relief needed. No Communications. There are known to be 23 dead in Venice, Ostrica and other lower river towns. At FREMIER there are 23 and at LaBRANCHE, 25. TIs is a message received from a United Steamship near the mouth of the river...A large portion of the lower Delta is a great sea. Losses of crop is vast. Tital wave was12 feet high. HISTORY OF STORM The storm first reported forming in the carribbean sea off the Leeward Islands about midway between Porto Rica and the mainland of South America. Saturday the 25th it was S.W. of Jamaica moving toward the Yucatan Channel. On the 26th storm warnings was issued for Florida. On the evening od Setember 27th it was moving North over the West end of Cuba. Tuesday Morning warnings went up for all points from Pensacola to Morgan City La. At 3 p.m. huricane warnings said it would strike East of the mouth of the Mississippi River. DR. E.L. McGhee of Hammond, La. , Road Surgeon for the Iooinois Central, who led a party of rescuers to Frenier, reached New Orleans at 2:o'clock Friday morning coming to the west end on the steamer "Jessie", they found the following dead: Roadmaster HAZILGROVE; Adam SCHLOSSER, and George SCHLOSSER and wife. El Rito, the SPICUZZA BRO's lower coast Packet arrived in New Orleans Thursday night with William A. MEVERS and John DYMOND, JR. aboard, they said that not as many lives were lost as in the 1893 storm but the destruction was worse than any storm before. They reported the levee system damaged on both sides of the river worse than ever before. Miles upon miles of levees were completely washed away. The land on both sides of the river is completely under water, hundreds of houses blown down. Some flooded from one side of the river to the other side. In lower Plaquemines, very few houses are standing and in the upper end of the parish the houses were either blown down or the roof blew off. Thousends of people are homeless, hungery and destitute, with nothing but the wet clothes on their back and some are as necked as when they were born, having lost their clothes in their effort to save their lives. The stores are trying to supply their needs but what is left is not adequate. Mrs. John DYMOND, JR. who with her mother, was rescued from her summer home on DYMOND Island in Bay Adams was so fortunate to save her trunk and devided its contents among the destitute at Doullets Canal (Empire). They stated that food was badly needed as most all the stores were blown down and destroyed and that with the exception of some can goods, Nothing was fit for human consumption. At Venice the destruction was complete, with hardly a building left. The stores of R,M, MURPHY and Gustave SMITH of which the people were dependent on for food had five feet of water. Boothville was in the same situation. At Olga on the East bank, many houses were destroyed and the water deapth was eight feet. The store of Steve JURGENS and John MIALJEVICK flooded and all foodstuf destroyed. At FT. ST. Philip some buildings were lost and was flooded by water. At Buras, great damage was done to the many houses in that thickly populated section, almost all oyster boats destroyed...... SUNDAY - 3 OCTOBER SUFFERS ALONG LOWER RIVER IN DIRE DISTRESS - PITEOUSLY PLEAD FOR BREAD CRUST WHEN BOATS PASS. FROM MYRTLE GROVE TO BURAS - 100 DEAD - 31 KILLED IN POINTE A - la HACHE - 50 DEAD IN BARATARIA COUNTRY - FRENIER WHICH WAS SWEPT BY THE WATERS OF LAKE PONTCHARTRAIN , 25 DEAD. Clothing is also needed, but food is wanted most. Passing craft hailed by men and women on rafts or in skiffs, who say they are starving----Gulf and river appear to have joined where the levees have brokened. Every hour brings New Orleans fresh report of the disaster caused along the lower Mississippi by the storm, Davastation throughout that section lying between Myrtle Grove and Buras is complete and the conditions are worst than ever before in the history of the Fathers of the waters, and the latest reports always depicts more heart rendering scenes, unless quick releif is sent, there will be a list of famished to add to the numbers which perished in the storm. Cries from the small raftsheard by passing vessels were "Throw us a crust of bread - a bisquit - anything!" Cries of joy and shouts of appreciation followed as food was thrown ti them. Captain N. GARRITTY, river pilot of the steamship "Morgan", who arrived from pilot Town Saturday afternoon reported that the suffering of those who lived in the hardest hit section cannot be overstated. He said, "I have been plying the Mississippi for more than 20 years and I can say without hesitation that all the storms and crevasses could be bunched together and their total disaster could not compare to the devastation which the storm left. Especially along Wilkenson's Flats, which lies across from Nestors, the people are in dire straits. Going down river, ST. Sophie, a few miles above Myrtle Grove and on the East Bank is the first scene of awlful davastation. Just a mile or to further down on the West bank, Myrtle Grove Plantation is under water and there is no hope for any of the crops. The condition of Myrtle Grove to Pointe a- la-Hache is heart rendering. Wood Park, Deer Range, Pointe Celeste, Earl and Diamond, all are under water and marrooned families are everywhere. At Magnolia, inundation is complete, but the huses did not suffer much from the wind, and there are many who have taken refuge in them. Across from Magnolia on the East bank is Bohemia which did not suffer much, at Socola, a few miles South of bohemia on the West bank there is one of the worst crevasse I ever saw, water is pouring through by volumns. Below Scola is City Price, Esposition. Englade, Happy Jack, Pot Ash and Butler, all of which isunder water and people are crying for food and clothes Daisy is in a bad fix. It is under water and most of the houses have been wrecked. Food is scarce and families are marooned on a little strip of land. The Church at Home Place is wrecked and is under several feet of water, At Bremond a litter further South, the wind left many houses standing. Orange farm, Empire, Zibilich, Illyrica, Louisa, And Narian are all under water and conditions are very bad. Nichols post office is in serious conditions. There is in serious condition. There is very little standing and there is no food. Doullut's Canal, Metcalf and Bowers, all are under water and it is a wonder that the inhabitants of these settlements weathered the storm. Sunrise, Bay Adams, & Bayou Cook present sickening sights - thereis nothing but the expance of water. The Gulf and the river having joined as one. Buras suffered heavily. Neptune across the river came through in good shape, although the canning factory there which gave many work is a total wreck. Ostrica emerged fairly well. Below Buras it was agreed was protected by the groves of willows which protected the levee from the force of the storm, for between Buras and Myrtle Grove where they had been cut, there is nothing left of the levee except an occasional mound of earth. Quarantine and Pilot Town came through alright----CAptain GARRITTY said he saw many carcasses of horses and cows floating down the river. Letters are received hourly telling of the destruction to property down the river. From Empire Louisiana comes a note written by W.A. RODRIGUEZ, which say that 90 percent of the people of that section washomeless and in great need for food and clothing, Captain RODRIGUEZ, he writes that Joseph HINGLE ; John ARNALLE; F.M. STOCKFLETH and he, all of whom are well known on the lower coast have been ding all in their power to lessen the sufferingby despensing what food and clothing they had on hand, but he stated most of their stock has been destroyed and what they have will not last long. J. B. Fasterling, president of the Police Jury wrote that the whole parish pratically had been laid waste and the people were in great need, he estimated that 50 miles of levee would have to be built and that the concrete revetments has proven comlete failures, they maght as well not been there said MR FASTERLING. Many destitute persons are marooned on levees or in the few buildings left standing, He said that 70 people live in his oyster factory and in another day they will be without food..... He said his personal lost was $50,000. He said he turned his store "The Pelican" over to sufferers, but the supply want last long and it is impossible for people to go from place to place looking for food as most boats are lying in the bottom of marshes and some were down river..... Govenor HALL said the state would arange for neccessary supplies. The dock board reserved one of its wharves for assembling the goods for shipment and mant volenteered their boats to carry the releif down the river,. The Louisiana Southern Railroad carried all supplies free of charge as far down as they could go and would go further as sonas the tracks could be repaired. 4th October 1915 A reporter on board the "DAISY" a relief boat that went to Venice....... reported piteous appeal for something to eat. The "Daisy" was the first relief boat to reach the hungery people, but there were hundereds of people the "Daisy" could not reach who are in the direst of need; At times the pressure of those on the "Daisy" was so great that they were compelled to go below to get away from the screams of suffering and the stories of destress.for a short while. MR. ALEXANDER, who made the trip on the "Daisy" gave away all his clothing except what he had on and asked the Times Picayune man to appeal to the citizens of New Orleans as soon as possible. The "Daisy", which is not a large boat could carry only a limited supply of provision for the storm suffers. All who were reached were given supplies to last two days, but there are hundreds we did not and could not reach, who are still without food.... THOUSENDS IN PLAQUEMINES LEFT HOMELESS Captain Wm. A. MEVERS had a narrow escape on his boat, "EL RITO" which was moored at Burwood, he gives credit of his life being saved to the skill and clear grit of Thomas CUZZA, the Captain of the boat, RELEIF COMMITTEE John DYMOND, JR. Captain Ben NICHEL; Felix S. HINGLE; Siamon LEOPOLD; And Floyd POSEY. 1st WARD: - Caernarvan Plantation Committee I.S. LOTHROP; John MEYER 2nd WARD: - River Aux Chene SECTION Simon LEOPOLD 3rd WARD - First Station - Joe SAVOIE'S Store Joseph SAVOIE; Celestin ANSARDI; Anson GRAVOLET Second Sation - Court House Ben FAVOT; Paul HINGLE; I.W. GRAVOLET Third Station: - TABONY'S Store William TABONY; Charles FOX; Edward SEMS. 4th WARD: - Daisy Post Office Charles VOGT, SR.; William KADDERBOUGH; Henry W. FOX Nichols Post Office F.I. WILLIAMS; Judge SIMMONS Ostrica Post Office Adam NUNEZ; Peter CUSILICH; Thomas BROPHY Olga Post Office Mato PARAN; Steve JURGEVICH; John MIHAIJEVICH Pilot Town B.J. WILLIAMS; F.J. LABRANO; C. BURAS; Frank Blaise Middle Venice Augustin BURAS; Fred LARRT; Joe Clark Triumph Post Office M. CHILDRESS; sigmund SCHOENBEGER; DR. R.H. WELSH 8th WARD - First Station J. FINCK"S Plantation John FINCK; Joe COSSE; Tom NOLAN Second Station SRORT"S Plantation DR/ B/S. STORY; Emile MARTIN; Joseph L. REDMOND 9th WARD - First Station George TREADAWAY"S Plantation George TREDAWAY; Leo RIGAUD, Joe POTASH Second Station - Home Place Frank GIORDANA; Martin LYONS; C.S. SMITH 10 TH WARD - Narin Plantation Marc COGNEVICH; Jo POLES( Palas?); Teen O"BRIEN Doullut Canal F.M. STOCKFLETH; Joseph HINGLE; John ARNOLIE Burns Post Office Louis CAZEZU; George MUNSTERMAN; DR. H.L. BALLOWE. ADVISERY COMMITTEE JB. FASTERLING, Chairman, President of policeJury; Messrs. F.C. MEVERS, Sheriff; Judge R.E. HINGLE; John DYMOND, SR.; I.S. LOTHROP; Johnny MEYER; Emile A. SCHAYOT; Judge Henry MEYER; Warren BUCKLY; F.M. ZEIGLER; Anthony COMANDER: DR. G.A. B. HAYS; George ABADIE and Paul J. RIHNER Wind at Burwood 29 September wa 122 MPH for five minutes, for another five minutes 120 MPH. All records in America was smashed by the following tracings of the anemometer needle at Burwood. Fur eighteen hours and 15 minutes, the wind blew at the rate of 60 MPH or more. For exactly 15 hours of that period the velocity was in excess of 70 MPH. From 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, 12 hours, the velocity of the wind was to exceed 80 MPH. For two hours and forty-five minutes, between 2:45 pm and 5:30 pm the velocity was in excess of 100 MPH. From 3 to 4 pm , a velocity of 108 MPH was recorded, from 4 to 5 pm, 106 MPH, from 5 to 6 pm 96 MPH. The maximun velocity was recorded between 3:45 to 3:50 pm. When the wind was at the rate of 122 MPH. 4 OCTOBER 1915 PITIABLE PLIGHT OF FIVE FAMILIES Twenty women and children battle for lives are in dire need (In ST. BERNARD) ---- There are five famlies of them - 6 adults and 14 children taking refuge in the home of Peter ASEVEDO 1918 Mandeville ST. They are : Mrs. Mary MELLARINE & 4 children; Mrs. Jane GONZALES & 1 child; Mrs. Christina MORALES and six children; Mrs. Marie PEREZ & 3 children; Mr. & Mrs. Louis PEREZ; Mrs MORALES is ill from exposure and has no sustenance for her 9 day old baby. More Than 5,000 were left homeless in ST. Bernard. 5 OCTOBER - 1915 21 DEAD IN GRAND ISLE - CHENIER CAMINDA, 9 DEAD (More Dead at Other Places) (this is the storm that damaged many records at the courthouse, they got wet and were dried out, but some of them are so faded it is almost impossible to read - G.A.)