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about 92nd and Q Streets to 70th and Maple Streets. Due however to excellent
warning, only three people died. Much more serious in loss of life was the 1913
tornado, which hit our neighborhood. Over 100 people died and 600 homes were
destroyed as the storm spanned from Yutan, Nebraska into Iowa. The western edge of
Omaha was 42nd Street and the path was from 42nd and Center northeastward until
crossing the river at Carter Lake.
March 23, 1913
when storm clouds began to gather about 5 p.m. The tornado struck with great
suddenness and fury. It crossed our neighborhood, striking Joslyn Castle, wrecking the
38th and California to Chicago area, almost annihilating the hillside from 36th to 38th
and Cass, tearing off the north end of Duchesne Academy, sweeping down through
Bemis Park, while smashing all the houses on Cuming Street from 33rd to 35th. It then
passed 28th and Parker and 24th and Lake. It was at 24th and Lake that more than 30
people were killed as brick buildings were smashed and several burned with victims
inside.
Notice the pile of coal on the right.
people of the tornado’s approach. Persons living only a few blocks from the path of the
storm were in some cases unaware for hours of the destruction that had occurred.
Following its passing, temperatures dropped quickly and it began to rain and then snow,
further increasing the distress of those affected. Debris from the tornado was found as far
as 75 miles away in Iowa. The accompanying pictures were taken by Carl Balbach who
lived at 39th and Nicholas.
Source
Wilwerding, Leo, Gifford Park’s Pride, September, 1996.
P.O. Box 31462, Omaha, NE 68131-0462
dan_bodmann@giffordparkomaha.org