The Ottawa Herald from Ottawa, Kansas • Page 1

THE OTTAWA HERALD Vol. 61 No. 140 OTTAWA, KANSAS, TUESDAY, MAY 21,1957 TEN PAGES Twister Rips Path Across County Kansas City Storm Toll Is Climbing KANSAS CITY year's deadliest tornado thus far slashed across Kansas City's southern outskirts at sundown yesterday, leaving 35 dead and more' than 200 injured in its 80-mile path. Injured were still being dug out of wreckage today. Search for additional possible victims continued.

Martial law was declared in the Ruskin Heights-Hickman Mills area to expedite relief work, stop looting and keep out the curious. The death toll included 29 in the Cansas City suburbs, 4 at Spring Hill, and 2 at Ottawa, where the storm began its hop- kip scrouge. Greatest loss of life apparently Storm Notes The phone company at midmorning listed the following damage: 26 toll poles down in five locations, 450 spans of wire out, 35 cross arms lost, 24 rural lines serving 144 families out of service, 30 phone lines in town out. Full crews are at work aided by two extra crews from Kansas City. Another crew is working on toll lines near the Rantoul corner.

Local calls are handled normally. Emergency long distance calls are going through in about 10 minutes. Normal long distance calls are under two hour delay. Patrol Moves In The Highway Patrol had 14 members of the 4th District on duty in the Ottawa area shortly after the storm struck and later added several men from the Law rence area. The troopers directed the traffic at both Mulcahey's and Bob's arid helped in the canvass for injured.

They will remain on duty until the debris has been cleared which amay take a considerable time. Some of the wreckage can't be moved until insurance adjusters have checked it. Misses Storm Undersheriff Willard Lister, Deputy Sheriff Josephine Evans and Mrs. Jay Brown, wife of the sheriff, were attending a meeting of the State Line Peace Officers at Butler, when they received word of the tornado. They left the meeting immediately and returned to Ottawa.

Lister said they heard of the storm about 7 p.m. and rushec back. He was on duty the balance of the night in the area south and east of town. County Tax Help Bruce Tuesday -that his office stands ready to assist those persons suf fering real estate damage in the twister. He said if they will come in or call the office before nexl Wednesday while the board equalization is still in session, the board will review the damaged property.

Storage Offer Lyle Grier, manager of Co-Op Elevator, said that any farmers who have grain exposed when granaries or barns were unroofec can bring it to the elevator for storage, then haul it back to th farm when they have places to put it. vas in a new shopping center at he mushrooming Ruskin Heights ubdivision. Many of the commu- ers and their families were doing heir customary shopping in the center's 16 shops when the twister truck it full blast. The center serves several other immunities. After smashing its way through his area, the storm veered northeast around the eastern extremi- ies of Kansas City and dissipated (self in the vicinity of Liberty, an historic county seat about 29 miles northeast of Kansas City, skipped past Independence, lome of former President Harry Truman.

Although the loss of life made his the most deadly storm the nation has experienced since 22 were killed at Silverton, on May 15, the casualty lists were low by the advance warnings', given repeatedly by radio and that a severe blow was be expected. The first warning of storm conditions was issued by the U. Weather Bureau early in the afternoon. Kansas City was pinpointed as a possible target about 6 p.m. and broadcasts were given almost continuously as the Weather Bureau radar picked up funnel after that The Weather KANSAS Scattered showers and thunderstorms east, fair west and central this afternoon thunderstorms most numerous and intense southeast and extreme east; tonight showers and scattered thunderstorms east and south central, increasing cloudiness "elsewhere; Wednesday showers and scattered thunderstorms spreading over most state; cooler northwest this afternoon and over east tonight; low tonight 40 northwest to 60 southeast; high Wednesday 65-75.

High temperature at 2:1 p. low today 65 at 5 a. hlg year ago today 97; low year ago to record high this date 1 1902 1908; record low this In 1924 and 1942; hourly temperatures 24 hours ending 8 a. m. today.

a. 64 9 p. 72 10 a. 70 a. 71 Noon 75 '1 p.

79 2 p. SO ....78 Two Killed, Many Farm Homes Left In Shambles THE TORNADO was photographed like this by Chuck LcMaslcr. He took the picture from Ottawa Municipal Two Pilots Tell What It's Like To Watch A Tornado A boiling tornado battered its way across Franklin bunty Monday evening. It killed two persons, injured even. Left in its wake were scores of devastated farm iomes.

The twister formed in Coffey County above the ilkville ranch and left Franklin County four and a half miles south of Wellsville. It cut a swath like a giant awnmower in the hands of a madman, ripping up trees, Dower lines and bowling over farm installations. Many Ottawa residents stood in fascination as it appeared! on the horizon at the southwesc edge of the ity. It skirted Ottawa, missing the city less than a mile. Killed were Mr.

and Mrs. J. A. i Vlarsh. Mrs.

Marsh, 78, died in he wreckage of their farm home, two miles east of Ottawa's Main street and a half mile south of the 15th street road. Marsh, 84, died four hours later in Ransom Memorial Hospital. He had suffered a fractured skull. 'unnel, including the one struck Ruskin Heights. Scores of those rescued from the jasements and other demolished told rescuers they had shelter and followed the safety precautions heard on the broadcasts and telecasts.

At least 156 persons were in hospitals today and scores of others were nursing wounds and hurts which did not require such attention. Rescue work was launched immediately by peace oificers, the National Guard, the Army and the Air Force, along with Civil Defense agencies and the Red- Cross. An aerial inspection of the suburban area today showed the storm cut a path some 300 yards wide straight through Ruskin Heights, a collection of homes in the moderate price bracket. Everything in the primary area appeared leveled, with damage extending on a diminishing scale on each side of the area. An estimated 100 homes over a six to eight block path were demolished and hundreds of others suffered varying degrees of damage.

What does a twister look like? How does it feel to watch it rip up the countryside? Two pilots, Chuck LeMaster and Thomas Snouffer can answer these questions. LeMaster was at airport when he saw the storm. Here is what Jje had to say. "I looked over the damage from the air. It followed a definite path, southwest to north east.

I flew as far west as Bob's Truck Stop, but it got too rough so I turned back. Tom Snouffer was flying the east end of it and he counted 22 farm houses hit from Ottawa to Spring Hill." LeMaster said he stood on the apron at the airport and saw the twister form up to the west. "The storm was north and trailing the storm were real dark clouds. Then they aid seemed to go together, forming a teardrop cloud at first. That's when I realized a tomato was being formed.

Then it started sucking up stuff from the ground. Then I called the police." At about p.m. I time it was getting quite dark clouds forming to the southwest of Ottawa that would indicate the presence of a tornado. I kept constant watch and in about 15 minutes, it was fairly definite that a tornado would either hit the south edge of Ottawa, or in the near vicinity. "At this time I made a phone call to the police station and before.

I had hung up the receiver, I heard the warning siren. I shouted to all my neighbors to take! cover because at this time the tornado was very near to the city limits. I took my family to the basement and also had two of my neighbors who had no basement, come to my house until the storm had passed. As soon as the danger was over, C. H.

Larson and drove to the airport to take my plane and follow the path of the tornado. "I started at a point about one mile south of Ottawa and continued to follow its path to the northwest edge of Spring Hill. In Snouffer followed the storm in this distance I counted 22 houses so I climbed to an altitude a which I could radio Kansas City "I reported the path of the tor nado to the radio station and was informed by them that a tornado was sighted at that time in the vicinity of Hickman Mills. I hav no way of knowing that it was th same storm but by the direction of its previous movement, it couk very well have been. I then re turned to the Ottawa airport am reported the homes damaged tc the Anderson County sheriff wh relayed the message to the Ot tawa Police.

"Of all the houses that I saw demolished by the tornado, there was only one where help had no already arrived. As most of th houses were on farms, the onlv his plane. Here are his observations. completely destroyed and a number of others badly damaged. At of was from their neighbors and th curious who were driving behinc the tornado path due to their cur iosity.

I saw houses that were a least a mile from the ncarcs neighbors, but even so, there wen: from two to three automobiles a the demolished house within a ven few minutes after the storm hac passed." Red Cross Sets Up Relief Plan Red Cross Disaster Relief Headquarters for Franklin County has been set up in the First Baptist Church office at 4th and Hickory. The telephone number is 95, Mrs. Lois Snider, Red Cross Field Representative, is there to discuss with individuals and fani- lies their losses and needs. George Lister of Ottawa is Red Cross Disaster Chairman for Franklin County. Mrs.

Snider reports that people in" need of immediate assistance should report to headquarters at once. Those wanting to apply for Red Cross assistance, may pick up application forms at the headquarters. Assistance will include food, clothing, medical care, household furnishings, repair and rebuilding Communications were hampered of homes, all based upon the fam- by disruption of telephone service. Southwestern Bell Telephone reported 7,000 phones out of service. Most of the homes had no basements and householders who had such refuges, opened them to neighbors.

One such was Bill Bea ver. To his home, Arthur Buchanan rushed with his wife and four children. At least 50 of us were in basement, lying on top of one another three or four deep," Buchanan reported. The roof of the house blew away. All in the basement were unhurt.

A slight calm preceded the real blow and lured some people to disaster. ilies' needs and resources. All assistance will be made in the form of grants. The Red Cross makes no loans. Injured Treated At Hospital Here Persons treated and released last evening at Ransom Memorial Hospital were R.

L. Kirkpatrick, 416 S. Cherry, abrasions and lacerations; Mrs. Ruth Hoopes, RFD 1, shock; Tania Merrtli: 3, RFD 3, lacerations of right side, abrasions and shock; Sandra Masheter, 10 Princeton, leg injury and shock; and Richard Fogle, leg injury and nail puncture of foot. Two other unidentified persons News Wire Out 'The twister hit home at The Ottawa Herald.

When the phone lines went, so did the Associated Press circuit which feeds state, national and international news to the Herald. Late today, special crews working north of Ranloul were endeavoring to put The Herald on its regular service. At mid morning the welcomed (hump of the AP printer was heard when service was routed through Topeka and into the Kansas City clearing house. Advance Warning Sent Many Fleeing Before Storm Hit The Marsh home was leveled by the storm that hit the home with full force, uprooting huge trees and spraying them and parts of the house over a section of land. Marsh was found outside the house by neighbors.

Reports indicate the storm formed in a heavy rain squall over the Silkville ranch. It followed a path to the northeast over Franklin County. It hit first in the Williamsburg area, missing the town but inflicting heavy damage to surrounding farms. At the L. E.

Wilson home miles west of Williamsburg, a hollow tile chicken house was completely demolished after the roof was lifted and set on top of the brooder house. The twister then raised and went over town. It dropped next at Mrs. John Defenbaugh's farm occupied by the Claude Warbrit- tons, where it completely demolished the barn. Moving on to It Pays For Her To Change Mind Mr.

and Mrs. Sherman A Smith, whose home was demolish ed, feel they were fortunate. Smit was about to leave the home go into town. At the last minute Mrs. Smith decided to take the children and go with him, though she had not previously planned to go.

Fifteen minutes after they drove away from home the storm hit, completely demolishing their house. Their three ducks were at the home, in the duck house. When Smiths returned, the duck house was gone, but the ducks were still there, alive and well, and one of them was in what was left of the house. The Smith children are Connie May, 11, and Sherman 3. It w-as a big day for were released by physicians with- Connie May.

The tornado struck out need of treatment. i on her first birthday. 30 p. m. ........72 11 p.

m. ........69 Midnight 68 1 a. m. 6b 2 a. m.

67 3 m. 4 p. 6 P- 6 p. p. 8 m.

3 65 .78 .78 .68 ..64 4 it. m. 5 a. m. 6 a.

7 a. m. 8 a. m. River'stage this feet.

Lamb Insured Payment Plan. Program Postponed Hood school closing day program and basket supper scheduled for Friday evening has been cancelled because of tornado damage to the building. The roof was damaged, plaster cracked and peeling, windows broken and Venetian blindsJwisted. The building has been pronounced unsafe for use in its present condition, i I want to thank all the thoughtful persons who have assisted us at the time of this disaster. Bob Granger 140-c-lt DEATH STRUCK and Mrs.

J. A. Marsh were killed by the tornado as it leveled their home. Here, their daughter, Mrs. Adam Wicke and her husband, and their daughter, Mrs.

Eugene Hatch, Merriam, look through the wreckage of the farm home. the Ervin Chambers home miles northeast it flattened the chicken house. Across the road at the C. E. Chambers home, the barn and chicken house were demolished and the windmill blown down.

The most unusual occurrence was the removal of the garage without harming the car and pick-up truck inside. Only a dent in a car fender marked the passing of the garage into complete oblivion. Not a trace of it was found. The path of the tornado then extended a little east and one- half mile north to the farm home of Mrs. Mamie Hamilton and her son, Charlie Hamilton and fam- ly.

The house suffered considerable damage, as did the yard. The roof was taken from barn and the windmill torn down. Moving further east, the tornado took metal siding from the quonset hut at the Phillips Pipe- Line pumping station. The next iome which came in the storm's was the Martin Dickinson iome, where there was considerable house damage. The Duane Dickinsons, who occupy a house trailer on the premises, just missed probable injuries by a small margin.

Almost immediately after they emerged from their trailer, it was overturned. The storm skirted south of Ransomville where some persons said it split, the smaller funnel taking off to the north. The main branch hit north of Homewood about miles. It mauled the .7. R.

Anderson, Herb Cochran, Earl Carpenter and Merle McLain farms. McLain lost nearly everything, including livestock, Then it hit the Don Higdon place, skipped through timbered areas and headed up the north side, of Highway US50. Next in line was the Bert Blankenbeker place and the home of Art Harris. Coming up the hill the twister bowled over the Kansas City Power Light Co. radio tower, smashed the U-Rest Motel and nearby home before it leveled Bob's Truck Stop.

The Hillcrest Drive-In theater was next in line. Only a lone wood spar was left of the screen. The twister jumped the hill, clipped used cars and power lines at the Mike Mulcahey Buick then plowed full force into the F. J. Frakes home east of US59.

From there the winds hit the P. M. Porter place and the G. F. Eversmyer farm home.

Both were badly damaged. Then it struck the Marsh home. The path of the tornado swung up to 15th street road where il leveled the home of Mrs. Rut! Advance warning of the twister that swept across Franklin County no doubt saved many lives. At the U-Rest Motel, two miles south of Ottawa on US50, operated by Mr.

and Mrs. Glenn Geiss, Lhere were 10 guests registered. "We took them into our home and into the basement," s. Geiss said. The home was wrecked.

There was nothing left of the motel. From there the twister hit Bob's Truck Stop. Bob Granger, operator of the big station said: "Ray Sullinger who lives in my house just up the hill from the station called and said the sky looked bad. He got in his car and took off. So did t.

I carried as many men as I could get into my station wagon. They were hanging out the doors." Mrs. Granger added: "We were serving dinner. There were maybe 20 people in my place. My son, Kent, 20, came running in and said there was a tornado coming.

We just got into cars and took off sou Kent knows what a twister is. He saw Hie one that struck Dallas six weeks ago. In the truck' stop at the time were five trucks of the Navajo Truck Lines of Albuquerque. Load ed with general freight, they were headed for Chicago. One Navajo driver.

Ray Cook, 36, said: "I was thirsty. That might have saved my life. I was drinking tea. Otherwise, I'd have been in my truck, asleep. Now look at It.

It's a wreck." Another driver, Ben Stovall, 41, said, "I ran across the highway into a ditch. Then I ran back. Everybody else left. I got into that ditch over there. There was a dog and dog house beside me.

When it was all over, the dog and dog house were gone." He suffered minor cuts and bruises and was treated at Ransom Hospital. Dirt was imbedded in one side of his face. Another Navajo driver, William Thornton, 30, said, "I stopped for coffee at Strong City. Then I followed the twister in. I saw it going away from me." His truck was the only one of the Navajo trucks to come through undamaged.

Down the hill from the truck stop, Mrs. Robert Hooton said, "We just ran and hid under the viaduct. It was awful." The twister swept around the Mulcahey Buick damaging six new Buick cars and moving, nearly every car and piece of farm machinery in his parking lot. Gas pumps were dumped but the main building was not damaged severely. Working at the auto agency at the time was George Medlock who said, "I saw it coming.

So I locked up, got in my car and took off south, but quick." Mulcahey said, "Boy what a mess. I don't know where to start. Several cars were flipped. One was tossed across the highway into a field." on IStJi street, Mrs. Ernest Lowrance said, "My husband and I got f.he four children into the car and left in a hurry.

Mrs. Ruth Hoops saw the twister coming and ran down to our house. She left with us. It battered our barn and turned our house around." Mrs. Hoops' house is gone.

Mrs. Otto Hrenclilr, who lives nine miles east on K68, said, "It M-as awful to sit there four miles from home and wonder if anything was happening and then to see everything gone. It's an awful feeling. We just bought this place and it's onJy partly Insured. All we hiivc left is the car and the clothes on our back.

I guess, though, we're lucky." Further east Roy Miller said, "I'm thankful it missed the house. We were in the basement and all we heard was the breaking glass as the windows blew out. I guess we can thank God none of us got hurt." Hoopes. Down the road, the farm of Ernest Lowrance was in the way. The house was turned around and the barn damaged.

The path contigued northeast, jumped across the Marais des Cygnes River two miles southeast of the Fort Scott crossing bridge. Two homes just south of Mean; Park were damaged. In this area, the twister seemed to be rising and falling from the erratic manner in which it blocked roads with trees and left debris scattered. Next home to bejiit was the Otto Hrenchir place which was nearly a total loss. Four miles south of Wellsville the Roy Miller home was lit along with the Percy Van Horn place before the twister left the county and smashed into Spring Hill.

With the twister came heavy rains. Pomona got 1.35 inches of rain, Ottawa got .61 in a few minutes and Emporia was hit by .82. The Marais des Cygnes River was up to 10 feet this morning at Pomona and still rising. There was some damage in Ottawa due to falling limbs and minor flooding from the downpour. Within 10 minutes after the storm ended, highways and roads in the storm-hit areas were filled with cars, both those rushing to aid the stricken and with sightseers.

Tuesday morning as the cleanup began, it was obvious the timing of the storm was the reason for the minimum loss of life. Many residents saw it coming, ducked into basements or got into cars and fled. When the twister was reported in Ottawa, the siren sounded and residents rushed outside, then to basements. Spring Hill SPRING HILL, Kas. Iffi Four members of one family were killed last night as a tornado cut through the northwest edge of this Johnson County town, missing the closely settled area.

Rescue workers estimated a score of other persons were injured as the twister flattened homes and outbuildings. Dead were Mr. and Mrs. Isham Davis, 35, and two daughters, Pamela, 7, and Tamera, 5. The bodies of Mrs.

Davis and the daughters were found in a field about one-fourth mile northwest of their wrecked home. Summing up tho feelings of residents who survived the storm's wrath were the words of Everett Stuteville, who fled into a storm cellar with his wife and their five children before the funnel swepjt their house from its foundation. "All we've got is the clothes we're wearing and our we're lucky." Adolph Sootaert, a farmer east of Gardner, said the tornado passed about five miles south of his place. "It looked like there actually were two funnels," he said. "One was up in the air, the other on the ground." I want to thank all the thoughtful persons who have assisted ur at the time of this disaster.

Bob Granger 140-c-lt.