Reply #15: Here's an excerpt from our family history {1888} [View All]

[Ptah]

The Blizzard

On Thursday morning, January 12th, word came that our teacher
could not be at her desk until noon. Director Father went
with us that day to school on that eventful day and was
substitute teacher for three hours in District #33.
About 2:30 PM, with but a few minutes warning, came
one of the most violent mass of whirling, fast freezing,
powdery snow. Sixteen scholars and teacher, assisted by
neighbor Littell and the older pupils, managed to reach
a fence line and battle our blinded way to the Littell
farm residence. Here we unbundled to nurse our frosted
spots and were sheltered for the night.

Father's first thought at home was of we three and
of the other scholars that might try to reach home and
at once set out for the school house, one mile distant.
He reached the Littell home before we had arrived
and again set foot for the school building which he
never found. The Littells fired shots in the air at intervals,
hoping that Father might hear and so be guided to
safety should he be nearby. That night had the longest hours
we ever experienced - knowing that Father snowbound could not
possibly ride such storm and we in utter helplessness.
Early the next morning, the storm past, we struggled our
way homeward to a reunion that was worth the angels recording.

After many hours struggle - missing his way to the school - hoping,
fighting to reach some shelter before his waning strength failed him,
Father found a building - rested a bit - stumbled his way to a door
AND MOTHER HELPED HIM IN !!!! Their night too was a long one with silent,
earnest prayer for the guidance of the Almighty upon their children
and for scholars and teachers everywhere.