Long Branch, NY "Syracuse" Tornado, Sept 1912 - Crowds View Wreckage

Thousands visited the tornado belt yesterday. It was estimated that at least 15,000 went to either Long Branch or Pitcher Hill. They rod on running boards of cars. Trailers ere run on electric roads and people scrambled for seats. Some of the farmers made money out of the crowds selling soft drinks, sausages, melons, fruits, etc. Other farmers had to guard their property against a few thieves, though for the most part the crowds were orderly and sympathetic. Stands were erected from pieces of the wreckage. A son of Willard L. Davis had a stand made from a bedstead and he sold melons. Gates Thalheimer gave the boy a bill for the melons and refused change.

At Pitcher Hill Frank Olin established a sausage stand and sold 200 pounds. Postcard vendors coined money. There were scores of automobiles. Those who did not come by car, auto, motorcycle or horse walked. They came not only from Syracuse but other towns.

At Long Branch the crowd was even larger. Every car was overcrowded. The ball grounds were jammed full of automobiles. There was one persevering man who tried to get away with vegetables owned by T. A. Barker. He tried twice and Mr. Barker gave him a lesson.

Early yesterday morning thirteen union carpenters started work rebuilding William Walter's wrecked building at Stiles station. The had 5,000 square feet of roof. A chicken dinner was prepared from them by Mrs. Walters an Mrs. Ernest Armstrong. The carpenters captained by President F. D. Alford of Union No. 26 were on the job at 7 a.m. and finished at 4 with everything done. With tears in his eyes Mr. Walters shook hands with the men and thanked them. The carpenters included W. C. Spoares [?], William Bent, G. B. Rand, Joseph Lalone, Fr??? Diedring, Oscar Clock, G. P. Hulbert, N. W. and A. C. Adams, L. M. Hurlbutt, J. J. Langenegger and William Muzzy. Several neighbors helped the carpenters.

A benefit performance for Thomas Bennett, one of the sufferers, was given at the Richardson theater in Oswago.

Syracuse Herald, Syracuse, NY 23 Sept 1912

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It's an ill wind that blows nobody good. A photographer who lives in a nearby village sold $75 worth of postcards with tornado pictures on them in two days. "Gee" he confided to a friend, "I've got my grocery bill paid up for the first time in ten years."

Syracuse Herald, Syracuse, NY 24 Sept 1912