January’s Steilacoom Library Speaker Series presenter, Feliks Banel opened by asking audience members to share stories about significant weather events that they remember. “Storms stick with us and have a certain mythology,” said Banel. Many recounted tales from the past regarding some of the notorious storms of the Pacific Northwest which Banel would go on to discuss further.
Guests were taken back to the winter of 1861-1862, where few images exist, but many writings regarding severe climatic conditions. With snow, rain, and chilling temperatures, it is on record as one of the worst winters of the region.
Along with photographs, radio recordings, and video clips, Banel described the Big Snow of 1880, where 10 days of snowfall resulted in over 7 feet of snow in some locations. Many remember it as a winter carnival; a winter playground full of sled riding, snowball fights, and ice skating.
Another notable storm, the blizzard of 1916, would drop 38 inches of snow on the city of Seattle, and cause the dome of St. James Cathedral to collapse.
Although not entirely weather related, but definitely worth mentioning, 1940 would see the infamous collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, otherwise known as Galloping Gertie.
Banel followed with highlights of the Columbus Day Storm of 1962, the Tornado of 1972, the Turkey Day storm of 1983, and the 1990 I-90 bridge sinking. How many of these significant weather events do you remember?
Banel would leave us with the idea of how storms of the past bring people together, reveal stories of strength, perseverance and survival.
Join us for the next Steilacoom Library Speaker Series event on Friday, February 8th at 3 PM: in the Steilacoom High school library: From the Streets of Shakespeare to the Court of Elizabeth- In this 2-costume living history program, Tames Alan presents a look into the lives of the working class and the nobility during the Elizabethan era.
Emily.MolinaWrites 