Athens, TX Storm, May 1909

Storm Damage at Athens.

Special To The News.

Athens, Tex., May 21. – This section was visited last night by a storm of wind, rain, and hail, coming from the northwest. The electrical display was at once brilliant and exciting. The storm began about 11 o’clock and continued till after midnight, with intervals of greater or less duration. The large brick and tile factory was considerably damaged, some small residences and out houses blown down or moved out of position, roof partially removed from one business house, in which rain did some damage; some phones put out of commission, many awnings destroyed or greatly damaged, fences, trees, etc., blown down or greatly wrenched. Up to this hour we have heard of no one in town or vicinity being seriously hurt. Mayor COLEMAN, while trying to close a window, got his lip so badly cut by a piece of glass that he had to have a doctor sew it up. There is now a good season in the ground and the fields and crops were never in better condition to receive it. From what farmers tell us, we don’t suppose there is a grassy patch in the county, and the crop prospect was never better at this time of year. Much corn will be laid by next week.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, TX 22 May 1909

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Transcribed by Lori Hedges. Thank you, Lori!