Grand Rapids Tornado
July
13, 1912
Grand Rapids, Mich, July 13. -- Grand
Rapids was hit early today by a cyclone that
injured forty or more persons and did thousands
of dollars worth
of damage. The storm entered the city from
the southwest about four o'clock. The
first place struck was the city market and the
Grand Rapids Central league base ball park
adjoining.
The market was crowded with farmers and their
teams as trading had just begun. As the
storm struck, the roof of the ball park grand
stand was lifted and hurled to pieced, being
scattered all over the market.
A panic followed. Horses were
killed and a great many persons hurt, some so
badly they had to be sent to the hospital.
The police reserves and fire department were
called.
Sweeps Across City. The storm
then swept across town striking the best
residence district.
The base ball park and the city market
received the brunt of the storm and at the
market large injuries occurred.
It as just before the 4 o'clock opening bell
rang that the tornado struck. Suddenly a
whirling balloon like cloud appeared racing from
the southwest and headed directly toward the
clustered produce wagons.
The deafening roar of the roof of the ball
park grand stand was lifted high in the air and
fell in a veritable rain of great planks and
beams upon the frightened men and wagons in the
market place.
Wild Panic Ensues. Immediately there
was a panic. Men and women, thrown down by
the wind were run over and redered
[rendered]
unconscious by dashing teams.
Nellie Wiersma,
a seller was the most unfortunate.
As the storm broke she attempted to quite here
frightened horses. Down she went and in a
moment two heavy fruit wagons had passed over
her body. She may die. Many other
persons suffered broken limbs but it is thought
all will recover.
It is estimated that the storm did close to
$10,000 damage on the market in destruction to
produce, wrecked wagons, etc., and several
thousands of dollars damage to residence
property.
The tornado was indirectly the cause of the
death of Charles Gibbs, 57 years of age, who was
suffering from a nervous disease. The
shock of the storm was too much for his weakened
condition.
The Fort Wayne Sentinel, Fort Wayne, IN, 13 Jul 1912
Grand Rapids, Mich., July 13. -- A cyclone which visited Grand Rapids
at 3 o'clock this morning, swept through the city. The terrific wind and
rain tore the roof from the base ball park grand stand and carried it 2000 feet
and deposited it in the midst of the early morning city market traders.
Nine persons were hurt by runaway teams. Every part of the city
suffered.
Daily Commonwealth, Fond Du Lac, WI, 13 Jul 1912
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