MID-LIFE MUSINGS

Whilst Patrick and I have been doing our investigation into the “Shaw Ghost,” I ran across photos taken after the cyclone of 1896 that seriously damaged parts of Lafayette, Soulard and East St. Louis. The death toll was in excess of 400 in an event that lasted only thirteen minutes.

The following photos came from a scrapbook published in St. Louis, that are now part of the archives of NOAA.

The caption is a bit small, but it reads as follows: “AT SEVENTH AND RUTGER.—Perhaps the most terrible effects of the storm were felt here. So complete was the wreck that the actual loss of life may not be known for days. It is believed that at least seventeen were killed at this corner, including three men who were enjoying a friendly game of cards, and the wife of one of the players who ran to warn them to flee.” In point of fact, 27 people were killed in this one location.

Another one, not far from here.

The caption reads “LAFAYETTE AND MISSOURI AVENUES–The houses in the foreground east sustained damage to the extent of over $5,000. The neighborhood is an exclusive one, and the shade trees and well kept sidewalks and lawns were a source of pride to the owners. After the storm had passed, desolation had succeeded elegance.”