Beecher Tornado of 1953: June 16-19 Articles

Image

June 16, 1953

Repair Work May Take Year

Lynn Henderson. Head Of Department. Injured In Tornado

Almost overlooked in the rush of outside rescue and rehabilitation agencies, officials and employees of the Beecher Metropolitan district are grimly and quietly going about the gigantic task of getting public utilities back in operation.

Working around the clock since last Monday night, they have left the radio talks about “our people” and tours for visiting VIPs to Flint Mayor Donald L. Riegle. None of them even bothered to point out to Riegle that his authority ends at Carpenter Road, a mile to the south.

They aren’t much impressed with visiting “brass” from Washington either. After living through a tornado, titles don’t seem important any more.

“We were practically counted out before we started.” said Walter H, Brandt, vice-president of the Beecher board, yesterday.

“Our Water department superintendent, Lynn Henderson, was hurt when the tornado struck, and still isn’t able to be on the job full time,” he explained.

“But crews have been working day and night for almost a week now, and we’ve got things pretty well back in shape.”

The Beecher district government must assume responsibility for the functioning of sanitation facilities, water services and fire protection, as well as normal traffic patrols. Damage to water mains and services is expected to reach $100,000. Also damaged was the district’s newly completed sewage system.

Under the temporary direction of John Seltzer, Mt. Morris water superintendent, water service was restored in the district by last Wednesday.

“Most of the damage was to service lines from the street mains to the houses,” Seltzer said. “When the houses blew down, the lines went with them.”

He said full restoration of water and sewage facilities probably would take more than a year.

“We’ll complete the job as people begin to build up their houses again,” he said. “As soon as a house goes up, we’ll make sure that it gets service.

Seltzer directs a crew of eight maintenance men from the Beecher department, and volunteers from the Beecher Fire department and Mt. Morris and Flushing Water departments.

“They’ve done everything humanly possible,” Brandt said. “The cooperation we’ve received from everyone has been magnificent.”

The district commissioner said that of the Beecher employes, only Henderson was injured in the tornado.

“We’re lucky there,” he said, “because our crews could get right to work.

Biggest worry to district officials was that the 125 foot Beecher water tower might be blown down in the tornado. The roof of the fire station was damaged, but has since been replaced, as has equipment damaged at the district’s three water pumping stations.

“Some people who were watching said the water tower was weaving back and forth in the wind,” Seltzer recalled. “If the tornado had really hit it, it would certainly have been brought down.”

“As it was, the catwalk, 100 feet above ground, was littered with debris,” he said. “We even found a doll lying up there.”

Picture caption: No Headline Hunters among the hard-working employes of the Beecher district government, many of whom know first hand what it is like to be hit by a tornado. Walter H. Brandt (left), vice-president of the Beecher board, and John Seltzer, acting superintendent of the Water department, map progress on replacing water mains and services ripped up in the twister. (News-Advertiser photo by Art Mann).

June 16, 1953

Federal, Local Groups Cooperating To Provide Temporary Shelters For Period Of 60 To 90 Days.

Homes For Homeless Victims Of Last Week’s Savage Beecher Tornado Are On Their Way.

That was evident yesterday as disaster relief officials turned their attentions from the immediate problems of emergency food, clothing and clean-up to the longer-range ways and means of housing families.

Russell Cummer, president of the Genesee County Real Estate board, said that a Realtor’s Housing bureau will be opened today.

The bureau will be located at the First Federal Savings and Loan Association, 126 W. Kearsley, and will serve as a clearing station for available homes and apartments.

The announcement was made at a meeting of the Board, at which representatives of the Red Cross, RFC, Flint Association of Home Builders, FHA and local banks reviewed the housing situation.

The bureau will take calls from real estate dealers and other persons having available space and will investigate the locations. They will then turn the houses or apartments over to disaster stricken families to use for 60 to 90 days.

Persons knowing of vacant property were asked to telephone the bureau at 9-5822 or 9-5823.

Establishment of the bureau followed an announcement by Mayor Donald Riegle that sale of the Federal housing project units on Western Road had been stopped by the government.

C. Dan Ransdell, director of the Public Housing administration, said six to 10 units at the development are ready for immediate occupancy by Beecher area families.

The units will be rented on a 90-day basis, with the regular rental paid by the Red Cross. Remodelling of some 20 additional apartments at the site will be financed by the PHA. Renovating crews from the Flint Association of Home Builders will perform the work.

Riegle also said that several firms had offered house trailers for families who lost their homes, but that .the offers would not be accepted officially until a need could be determined

Robert Edson, Red Cross director of disaster relief here, told the realtors the Red Cross will supply all available relief possible beyond the ability of. the families to rebuild the household as a living unit.

He pointed out the urgent need of the project, adding that 331 families caught in the path of the twister had registered for assistance at disaster headquarters in St. Francis of Assisi school on N. Saginaw St.

“The real problem we have now is finding available living space,” he said, “not paying for it. The overwhelming assistance of Flint’s citizens and organizations in this hour of need leaves no room for fear of inadequate funds.”

Roland Parker, president of the First Federal Savings and Loan association, and Orren Stone, Federal Housing Administration officer here, both estimated about 300 homes eventually would have to be built to rehabilitate the
families trapped by he twister.

Parker said that FHA loans up to $7,000 with no down payment and 30 years to pay would be available for disaster victims.

Our bank will take part or all of them,” he said. The homes can be built in the disaster area, or anywhere in the Flint area the persons desire.

Stone said the disaster housing loans will supercede any other transaction in his office. The loans are repayable at approximately $40 per month over the 30 year period.

RFC loans for both city and farm residences damaged in the twister’s wake will be offered. William Ostby RFC representative, and Clarence Seidell, associated with the Farm Home administration said 20-year loans at three percent interest would be made.

The immediate need is for semi-permanent dwellings to house the disaster victims, but following the 90-day emergency, homes may become available for 300 families through the efforts of the Flint Association of Home Builders.

Association president Bruce Pollack presented plans for a four-room, one-story dwelling, which could be built without interior finish for about $5,000. Using mass production methods and having full cooperation of the association members, many of the homes could be constructed at the end of the present emergency. The proposed homes are 24 by 26 feet.

June 16, 1953

Mrs. Dorothy P. Pearl. representative of the Federal Civilian Defense Administration, arrived here late last night from Cleveland to assist in computing and filing losses suffered by victims of the tornado disaster area.

She will assist Stewart C. Campbell, director of the Cleveland regional office of civil defense, and will set up an office in the Northgate elementary school at Cornell and Summitt avenues.

Mrs. Pearl, a former Flint resident, will take up temporary residence with her daughter, Mrs. Ernest Malasky, 330 W. Hamilton.

Staff. Capt Lawrence Meehan, State Police, in command of operations headquarters, said last night that the clearing up of streets in the area is “rolling along nicely” and that Coldwater road should be entirely clear by Tonight. All remaining streets should be cleared of debris by Thursday, he said.

M. Bushnell Trembley, chairman of the Board of Supervisors and of the recently appointed Disaster committee, will head an open forum today in the Beecher town hall to seek permission from private owners to clean up Their properties, and to discuss other pertinent problems.

Capt. Meehan said that all streets except Coldwater road and Kurtz and Louis streets were opened yesterday morning to through traffic. He said traffic yesterday was good but described it last night as “terrific.”

He explained that many Flint factory workers and their families, allowed entrance into the area with the opening of most streets were viewing the devastation for the first time.

Meehan also announced that with rehabilitation work well under way, and the easing of the emergency situation, the Michigan National Guard, which had been called in early Tuesday, will be relieved of its duties this afternoon.

State Police will remain for an indefinite period and will continue in command of activities in the area. He said a staff of 125 officers has been divided into two 12-hour shifts, with a greater number on duty during the daylight hours while work is in progress. These are augmented by Flint police and others who have been assigned chiefly to traffic duty.

Meehan urged area victims to identify and claim immediately the many personal items and important papers which have been found and turned in at the claims depot set up at N. Saginaw street and Coldwater road. He explained that many items have been claimed by owners, but that a huge pile consisting of every conceivable type of item still remains. The space is needed, he said, to make room for other things which will be turned in when residential properties are cleared.

June 16, 1953

Obsolete Equipment Blamed For Pressure Loss During Tornado

A full report on power resources of the city’s water filtration and pumping plant was ordered last night by the City Commission and a public discussion of the subject set for next Monday night’s meeting.

The report from Water Department Superintendent Herschel Self was asked following charges by Ralph Wilson, 145 E. Foss, that power supply to the plant is ill conceived and that stand-by emergency equipment is obsolete and inadequate.

Commissioner Carl W. Delling took up Wilson’s charges by saying that the city is in jeopardy from conditions at the plant and that the Commission was advised of the situation last year but took no action.

Wilson said that water service was cut off for 15 minutes following last Monday’s tornado and that pressure was resumed with steam boilers which have been condemned by state inspectors.

He said that the plant’s dual power lines come in from one pole which could easily be put out of commission.

The motion for a full report and public discussion was made by Marlon Butler and passed unanimously after attempts to have the matter referred to the city manager.

Image

June 16, 1953

Tornado Victims Will Benefit Three Ways From The Generosity Of Local Doctors.

At a meeting of the Genesee County Medical society Sunday, it was decided that the medical men, many of whom worked around the clock in the days following the disaster, would donate all services to the stricken persons.

It also was decided that the Medical society would contribute $5,000 from its treasury to the Red Feather Tornado fund.

Finally, many of the doctors at the meeting said they would donate all fees paid by health and medical insurance companies for disaster victims to the Red Feather Tornado fund as personal contributions.

The action of the group won widespread public approval when it was announced yesterday. It will write off thousands of dollars in medical fees to persons injured in last week’s twister.

Hundreds of persons were treated in hospitals and immediately released, but scores were hospitalized for longer periods. Some cases are expected to require medical and surgical care for several months, and services in such cases also will be donated by the doctors.

The resolution passed by the society read:

“The members unanimously and wholeheartedly state their desire that their services to tornado victims during the emergency be considered free of charge to the patient and a matter of service to the community.

“The members further authorize the Finance committee to donate $5,000 to the Red Feather Tornado fund.

12 Dogs, Cat Rescued By Humane Society

While other national and local relief agencies were concerned with the human element, during the recent tornado, the Genesee County Humane Society at G-5609 N. Dort saved many injured animals from the disaster, including four chickens and a cow.

Mrs. Grace Griffin, director of the Humane Society Shelter, reported that 12 live dogs and one cat have been recovered from the disaster, along with some four dozen dead pets that had been killed by the Storm.

The owners of about half of these dogs are known to Mrs. Griffin, but many are unable to pick up their animals due to their own injuries from the disaster. Only one dog was found with a tag, while some of the others were identified by friends.

Veterinarians have freely donated their services to pets left homeless by the disaster, Mrs. Griffin said. The dogs will be given shots against distemper and infection to keep them in good health. None of the animals is visibly injured although suffering from homesickness.

Along with the dogs being cared for at the kennels of Albert Reiver are a large, homesick irish setter and a mournful looking hound.

Mrs. Griffin has definite information that the owners of four of the recovered dogs were killed in the tornado. She explained that the Humane society will hold the animals until Wednesday, June 24, when it will start to look for new homes for them.

June 16, 1953

Keith Bowker, administrator of F1int Osteopathic hospital, said yesterday that overcrowding of Hurley hospital with tornado victims while other medical units stood ready was “an error in planning.”

In a letter to city government and police officials he quashed rumors, “probably by cranks that is institution shirked its duties after Monday’s holocaust.

“Calls were made to State Police, City Police and the Sheriff’s office several times, as well as the ambulance companies and Hurley hospital to advise them of our capacity and willingness to help, with no results” Bowker wrote.

“Our staff of doctors was quite concerned that they could not do more, as the ambulances continued to flow to Hurley after it was taxed beyond its capacity,” he said.

“This, we feel, was simply an error in planning, which must be rectified in any future such emergency, for the good of all.”

Bowker assured the officials that “we were and are ever ready to do our share.”

He pointed out that within an hour after the tornado, 20 persons had been treated at the hospital. In all he said, 41 beds were made available for victims. Three operating rooms were in operation, with 22 doctors treating the injured.

Osteopathic hospital also participated in the emergency blood donor program, receiving 58 pints Monday night and Tuesday after the tornado.

June 16, 1953

3 Organizations Join In District-Wide Canvas For Funds

A fund-raising canvas of the Beckwith school district got underway yesterday under sponsorship of three school organizations and with approval of the School board. Funds will be used to help repair tornado damage at Beecher school.

To start the campaign off. the Beckwith Child Study Group and Men’s club, contributed $100 each; the Board of Education, $30, and Beckwith PTA, $25.

The fund will be turned over to T. J. Buell, superintendent of Beecher High School and the School board for use as deemed advisable. Students from Beckwith, an eight-grade school, attend high. school at Beecher.

Official canvassers are carrying identification cards signed by C. D. Arrand, superintendent, of Beckwith school and Pauline Gebs, notary.

Plans for the drive were mapped Friday night at a meeting of School board members and officers of the three schools.

June 16, 1953

” Suffer The Little Children To Come Unto Me.”

The tenderness of those century-weathered glows fresh in the hearts of the hundreds of families who have offered homes to waifs of the tornado.

But civilization has pasteurized the milk of human kindness. The majority of persons who have sought to adopt orphans of the storm probably will not be given a child.

Probate Judge William Doran said that calls from persons wanting to adopt one or more of homeless children are multiplying daily. Requests by letter have been received from Detroit, Birmingham and Wyandotte

He advised, however, that waiting lists of hopeful families seeking children are on file at the Probate Court and offices of the Michigan Childrens’ Aid society. These people will receive first priority on adoptions, he said.

“It has not been clearly established yet that we will have to consider adoptive placements for most of the children left without parents,” Judge Doran added. In many cases, he said, relatives want to keep the children.

The judge said that some parentless children still may not have been located. He estimated that about 100 youngsters were left without as wards of the court by the tornado. Probate court officers have been scouring neighboring homes which might be sheltering unreported children.

The Board of Supervisors has petitioned Gov. G. Mennon Williams to ask the federal government for a $50,000 grant to finance Probate Court procedure for the orphans.

Every effort is being taken to prevent situations which arose following the Waco, Texas, tornado, the judge said. Several instances there showed persons identifying themselves as relatives and taking children home. In the urgency of the situation, authorities failed to make proper identification checks.

Some of these well-intentioned persons later took the children across state lines and were prosecuted under the federal government’s kidnapping laws.

Judge Doran warned all families housing children made homeless by the storm to be sure the fact has been registered with the Probate court or one of its agencies.

June 16, 1953

Flood of Smaller Donations Starting to Swell Total

The Red Feather Disaster Relief fund reached a total of $247,974 as of yesterday, James Burroughs, fund treasurer. This total includes $100,000 given by General Motors and $50,000 donated by the UAW-CIO. The remaining $97,100 is the total of a number of smaller state and local donations.

Burroughs said that the donations are coming in at a rapid pace and that several large donations are expected by the end of the week. The money from a program carried by Detroit radio station WJR to raise funds for disaster relief has not been added to the total as yet, Burroughs added.

The UAW intends to raise another $100,000 for the fund to supplement the present $50,000 gift of the organization, Robert Carter, regional director, stated.

June 16, 1953

Even though out-of-town drivers dominated the winners circle at the outboard motor boat races held Sunday at Kearsley reservoir, the Red Feather Disaster Fund was the real winner.

More than $500 was raised to aid tornado rehabilitation during he regatta sponsored by the East Side Businessmen’s association. A crowd of about 4,000 viewed the annual water derby.

A Flint boat, the X-1 owned .y Willis Webster of 215 Lafayette, helped Mel Schmidt of Saginaw cop the total points’ distinction and earn the trophy donated by the sponsoring group.

Two Flint drivers, Ed Phetteplace and Hugh Yott, both placed third in their heats of the Class D division, and Jack Arnold skimmed home third in one heat of the Class A section.

June 16, 1953

The city’s official “thanks” to all persons who aided in the tornado emergency were voiced by Mayor Donald W. Riegle last night at the City Commission meeting.

“I have never seen such wonderful community spirit before,” the Mayor said. “I want to thank everyone, individually and collectively, on the fine job they have done in helping to meet this terrible disaster.

June 16, 1953

Members of McLaren General hospital auxiliary, considered the need in the wake of the tornado and decided to turn the entire proceeds from the annual garden party on Wednesday over to the Red Feather Disaster fund.

With this as a benefit for the tornado victims, it is expected to attract even more persons than anticipated. So Mrs. Russell Foley, Auxiliary president, is making a special appeal to all members for sheet cakes to serve with ice cream. She asks that those be larger than originally planned and more of them.

The grounds of McLaren hospital where the event will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. will present a Japanese background. Music is planned. Ice cream and cake will be served. There will be snacks and entertainment for the children.

A large group of women will lend their services on the serving committee headed by Mrs. Robert M. Hamady as chairman with Mrs. David R. Larson as co-chairman.

Working with them will be Mrs. John Ackerman, Mrs. Thomas Bahle, Mrs. John Baker, Mrs. Russell Ballard. Others will be Mrs. Glen Bancroft, a captain, Mrs. Carl L. Barker, Mrs. Harold Batterson, Mrs. Robert M. Bradley, Mrs. Francis Breg, Mrs. Lowell Brevier, Mrs. Arthur Butterfield, Mrs. Lyle Church, Mrs. Edward Coss, Mrs Ted L. Cummings, Mrs. Peter F. Cuthbertson, Mrs. John W. Davis.

Mrs. C. P. DeRoo will be a captain aided by Mrs. Burt Drake, Mrs. John Freeman, Mrs. Grant Frielink, Mrs. Harry G. Gault, Mrs. Russell Gaw, Mrs. E. H. Hamlin.

Mrs. Harold Hardenbrook, another captain, will work with Mrs. Carl Hoehn, Mrs. Harold Inch, Mrs. R. R. Johnson, Mrs. Walker Johnson., Mrs. George Joseph, Mrs. Joe Joseph, Mrs. Willart Karsoe, Mrs. Robert G. Kennedy, Mrs. Frank L. Kortick, Mrs. Harry Leonard, Mrs. Lawrence Lundberg, Mrs. Roy I. MacArthur, Mrs. Joseph A. Macksood, Mrs. William H. McCormick, Mrs. Harold McKay.

Mrs. Leonard McKinnon will be another captain and the committee includes: Mrs. Robert Miller, Mrs. Norman Miller, Mrs. E. H. Moehrke, Mrs. Harold Moore, Mrs. Harold Mumby, Mrs. James Murray, Mrs. Roy Palmer, Mrs. Charles Patton, Mrs. Ray L. Phipps, Mrs. Tom W. Potter, Mrs. Richard J. Ralph, Mrs. Lloyd M. Rappley, Mrs. George Reed, Mrs. E. A. Rohlfing, Mrs. Clarence Ruess, Mrs. E. C Ryle, Mrs. Ernest Schnuck, Mrs. Eugene Smith, Mrs. George Spaulding, Mrs. Richard Stull, Mrs. Earl Trembert, Mrs. Clyde Walt, Mrs. Frank Ware and Mrs. Sten O. Youngquist.

June 16, 1953

Sunday was “homecoming” day for police Sgt. Kostka who mounted a motorcycle and did traffic duty in the Beecher disaster area. When Joe first dismounted and removed his dark glasses he was recognized by many visiting State Police officers as an old buddy.

Staff Capt. W. B. Babcock, who is assistant in command of operations in the Beecher district, attended State police training school with Kostka in 1924. Capt. Larry Meehan, operations commander, started with the State Police while Kostka still was a member. There were many others whom Joe remembered from way back when.

Bring It Back!
Another nomination for the meanest person goes to the one who stole a bicycle, which had belonged to Robert Parr, 10, a victim of the tornado. The bicyc1e valued at $60 was taken Sunday night or Monday morning from 1522 Maryland. Robert, his sister Barbara, 12 and their father, Robert W. Parr Sr., 34, lost their lives in the tornado.

Help From Downriver
A heartfelt donation to disaster victims was received yesterday by the News-Advertiser from Mrs. Shirley Nicksich of Wyandotte, on behalf of the Down-river detachment of the Marine Corps League auxiliary of which she is president.

“Enclosed please find check for $50,” she wrote. “Our auxiliary would like you to use it as you see fit in aiding the tornado disaster victims. It isn’t too large an amount, but all our thoughts and prayers are with these unfortunate people and do hope it will help.” The check was presented to the Red Feather disaster fund.

That’s Not Scrap
More than $3,000 has been pledged to Red Cross disaster funds in Flint and Monroe by the Michigan chapter of the Institute of Scrap Iron and Steel. The Kale Brothers firm here, has received the pledges.

BSM On Duty
Northeast chapter of the Blue Star Mothers has voted $150 for rehabilitation work in the Beecher area. Several members assisted at hospitals during the emergency and food was donated to disaster workers in the area.

Genesee Canteen
With the arrival. of food from the Red Cross, citizens of Genesee opened a canteen at midnight last Monday for tornado victims and rescue workers. Heading the continuing operation are Archie Young and Mrs. Ethel Barber, who are directing activities in the kitchen of the Genesee Masonic Temple there. Volunteers from

Help From Afar
Sympathetic citizens of far off communities are coming to the aid of the Beecher tornado victims. Yesterday five large packages of clothing were delivered to the City Hall carrying postmarks from Chicago, Ill.; Park Ridge, Ill.; Troy, Ohio; and Ilchester, Md. Mayor Donald Riegle ordered the boxes sent to the Salvation Army for distribution.

Churches Chip In
East Grand Boulevard Methodist church in the Beecher district, its damaged buildings now under repair, will continue to distribute food, clothing and bedding as long as a need remains in the area. Sunday services at East Grand Boulevard, Kearsley, and Freeland Methodist churches brought $250 for the work, under the sponsorship of the WSCS. The church also received a donation of $500 from a Detroit newspaper.

For Shoes
AC America Legion Post No. 366 yesterday presented a check for $100 to the Flint Old Newsboys to supplement funds for shoes for disaster victims. The action followed voting of the funds by the post membership.

Harry Gee, first vice commander of the post and project chairman, made the presentation to Gus Himelhoch, Old Newsboys’ treasurer.

Come Claim Them
Many cots and roll-away beds lent to Hurley hospital after the tornado are waiting to be claimed by their owners.

Ralph C Hutchins, assistant superintendent, said the beds contributed by a generous public are no longer needed. Owners may see Hutchins at the hospital, where assistance will be given in identifying their property.

Dollars Coming In
The .sympathies of all for disaster victims reflected itself in countless collections for disaster relief. At AC, production workers gave $217 in a few hours, while containers at the Merchants and Mechanics bank at Franklin avenue and Davison road brought $115.55, besides other funds collected there through mail and walk-in donations.

Loves His Work
Police Lt. Russell Taylor’s hat is off to the many women who have been serving home-cooked meals in the Mt. Morris township fire hall at Clio and Coldwater roads for workers in the tornado area.

Russ, on duty Sunday, stopped there and was invited to sit down to the noon-day repast. “The food was wonderful, and there was lots of it. I didn’t protest very much when the ladies insisted that I have a second helping of blueberry pie,” he said.

“They invited me to return for supper but I told them I would be off duty. Later, strangely enough, I found myself still working and I managed to get back for another good meal,” he said.

Scattered
Attorneys stood in line outside the Courtroom of Circuit Judge Paul V. Gadola yesterday afternoon waiting to have their cases heard by the perspiring jurist. Judge Stephen J. Roth is on vacatlon, while, Philip Elliott is in Detroit helping to dispose of crowded court dockets there.

June 16, 1953

Raise $106 For Fund At Annual Meeting

The Michigan School for the Deaf Alumni association, meeting in annual session here over the week-end, raised $106 among its membership for the Flint disaster fund. .

Jessie Waterman of Bridgman, Mich., was elected to serve a two-year term as president of the association. Elected vice-president was Clyde Stevens, of Flint, who formerly served on the MSD faculty, for almost 50 years. Others elected were Henry Lehman of Detroit, secretary, and Carl Park, of Lansing treasurer.

Approximately 400 MSD alumni members attended the annual meeting, some from as far away as the Upper Peninsula.

June 16, 1953

Tornado Shows Need For Larger Force

Applications are being accepted now for membership in the Flint Police Reserves, John R. Greenlee, chief of the reserves, announced yesterday. Minimum age is 21, with no maximum age limit.

Membership will depend entirely on physical condition, willingness to serve without remuneration and good character attested to by three reputable persons.

Applicants will be requested to list any past Police or military experience, and any physical defects. Greenlee said the recent tornado, where police reserves were among the first to be called and rendered yeoman service, indicated a great need for a larger staff. The present staff numbers 130.

Application forms may be obtained from Greenlee on the second floor of police headquarters.

June 16, 1953

Students And Staff Cancel Parties To Help Storm Victims

More than $8,000 has been collected from Flint public schools for an Emergency Relief Fund to aid victims of the tornado with a few more schools still to be heard from in the collection.

Libraries, maintenance staffs, students and faculty have all given to make up the total. Student Councils have allocated money intended for various social affairs to the Relief fund while, 9-A students graduating from junior high have in many instances given the money set aside for a class gift.

Superintendent of Schools Spencer W. Myers announced that the response to the drive on the part of school personnel and pupils has been heart-warming to say the least.”

The fund will be administered by a committee acting through the superintendent’s office. A portion of the funds collected will be used for Beecher school personnel and students who are victims of the disaster.

The remainder will be turned over to the Red Feather Disaster Fund.

June 19, 1953

Benefit Program Nets $24,500 For Beecher

Donations to the Red Feather Disaster fund passed $450,000 yesterday, as Detroit Radio Station WJR announced
that $22,500 had been contributed following last Friday’s star-studded benefit program.
H. T. McKinley, manager of local station WTAC which also carried the broadcast, said an additional $’2,000 had. been sent in by listeners here.

The executive committee of the Red Feather fund will meet at noon today to accept the benefit program donations, all of which, according to WJR, have not yet been received or counted.

Red Feather president Osmund Kelly said yesterday that the Executive committee may formulate a recommended policy on distribution or the funds to tornado victims at its meeting today.

“Should it do so,” he added, “the Board of Trustees would act on it next week.”

Donations and pledges to the Red Feather Disaster fund now total $454,792, of which $336,192 is in cash.
Red Feather payroll deduction cards will be sent to General Motors plants today, for distribution to workers beginning Monday. GM employes may make a single voluntary contribution through the deduction plan.

Though not highly publicized a Red Cross Disaster fund is in operation, and donations amounting to n$31,640 have been received.

Charles C. Goodwin, local executive secretary, said contributions are arriving from other Red Cross chapters throughout the state and nation, and from county branches of the local chapter.

Bay county chapter has donated $3,948, he said, and promises more.

Use Of Makeshift Ambulances Hit

Trembley Says Civilian Agencies Need Central Command Post

Major changes in disaster preparation and planning were promised two Flint civic organizations yesterday by a State Police officer and the chairman of the Disaster Relief Committee of Genesee County.

Cpl. James Berardo, attached to the Flint State Police post told members of the East Side Optimist club that experiences gained by his organization from the Beecher tornado will be the guide for future emergency preparations.

M. Bushnell Trembley, addressing the Flint Exchange club, pointed to lessons taught by the twister to civilian disaster agencies and stressed the need for a centralized command post.

Berardo said the State Police have had a “battle plan” for such emergencies as tornadoes for many years. He added that he personally, had failed to visualize the type of disaster it was meant to handle. It was difficult, he said, since a storm as serious as that which swept Beecher never before had occurred in Michigan.

Berardo assured the Optimists that preparations are under way for revisions of disaster plans according to newly-gained knowledge. The new plans will be based on reports and recommendations of all command officers at the tornado disaster scene.

The trooper’s chief criticism was leveled at makeshift ambulances, that carried casualties from the stricken area to Flint hospitals. He termed them a “menace.’

“I hate to say this,” Berardo said, “but untrained hands transporting persons possible suffering from compound or multiple fractures might have punctured vital organs or aggravated injuries.

“I know that deep in their hearts the persons who volunteered their cars as ambulances did it as good Samaritans and it is hard to criticize them. But, I am sure that if they had waited for regular emergency vehicles to remove the victims, the time lag would not have been much greater. All of them were out about four hours after the storm struck.”

Trembly told the Exchange-ites, “It’s hard to arouse people to a potential disaster. Flint, however, did rise gallantly in the occasion and must now realize the need for better organization.”

June 16, 1953

Osmund Kelly, Red Feather fund president, yesterday announced approval of the following resolution by the fund’s Board of Trustees:

“In response to numerous requests,” all employers are requested to make available payroll deductions for those people who wish to give voluntarily to the Red Feather Disaster fund.”

June 16, 1953

A benefit outing has been announced by the Greater Beneficial Union district 699 of Flint to be held beginning at noon Sunday at noon at the union hall on Bush road near Frankenmuth. A picnic, dancing and games will be part of the afternoon and evening activities. All proceeds will be donated to the Red Feather tornado relief fund for Flint victims.

Mrs. Charles Ketteman may be called at 2-0491 for information.

June 16, 1953

Musicians’ Local Artists to Give Two Shows Wednesday

A benefit variety show will be staged at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Wednesday at Buick Local 599 Hall,. 812 Leith. All proceeds will go to the disaster relief fund.

Tickets are on sale at all local union halls and also will be available at the door. Admission will be by donation of one dollar or more. The program will consist of musical entertainment, including singing and dancing. Among groups contributing their services through Musicians Local 542 are Sonny Boy Sexton and his Musical Westernaires, Eston Broome and his Sweepers, Johnny Bolanski and his orchestra, Roy LePard and his Western orchestra, students of the Jackie Ferguson Academy of Dance and many others.

Directing arrangements is Woody Jones, shop committeeman at Chevrolet Assembly and member of the musicians’ local.

June 19, 1953

Tornado Can’t Blight Young Love

Hardy as a desert flower love laughs at tornadoes. June Martin and Jack Warby can testify to that.

When June and Jack announced their engagement in January, they were sure all heartbreak lay behind them. Jack was recuperating in Percy Jones Hospital from wounds suffered while serving in Korea as Sgt. John D. Warby.

They proceeded with plans for a June wedding, never imagining that a twister might try to come between them. But try it did.

The couple was out for the evening when the home of June’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard H. Martin, G-5352 N. Genesee road, was levelled in last week’s tornado.

Not only was the house destroyed, but 300 wedding invitations had been scattered to the four winds, and it looked as if the wedding gown and bridesmaids’ dresses were a total loss.

“We never once thought of calling off the wedding,” Jack says. “But we sure were stunned for a while.”

On Saturday, the ceremony will proceed not quite as planned in the Richfield Nazarene church. Rev. C. L. Elston will officiate.

June’s gown may not be her own, although she still has hopes that the one she had planned on may yet be repaired in time. The dresses for bridesmaids’ and the flower girls have been borrowed from generous friends.

Following a reception at Huston hall In Davison, the couple will honeymoon for a few days Northern Michigan.

“We had counted on a honeymoon in Wyoming,”. June sighs, “but now we have to get back to help the families rebuild.” The Martins, now living in a borrowed trailer, already havd started to build a new home.

June and Jack had a new home of their own at G-9094 N Genesee all ready to live in after the wedding, but her family has been staying there nights since the tornado struck.

Mrs. Orville Burton will be matron-of-honor for her sister at the 8 p. m. rites, with Mabel Martin, June’s cousin, and Helen Warby, Jack’s sister, as bridesmaids’

Rita Mathews and Beverly Cole will light the candles, while Myrtle Warby, another of Jack’s sisters, will be the flower girl. Gary Burton, June’s nephew will be the ring bearer.

John Thome of Millington will be Jack’s best man, and Richard Martin and Qrville Burton will usher. Mrs. Thome will provide piano music, and Fred Fortun of Davison will be the soloist.

Jaek is the son of Merton Warby of Mt. Morris, and the late Mrs. Warby.

As for the rehearsal dinner today, it alone has been cancelled. It was to have been held at the bride’s home.

June 19, 1953

The recent tornado was the subject of. talks given at the luncheon meeting of Zonta Club of Flint yesterday in Cromer’s rose room.

Mrs. Norton Pearl, assistant regional director of Federal Civil Defense from the Cleveland region, and Mrs. Imena Handy, Red Cross assistant director of disaster, were the guest speakers.

Mrs. Pearl urged the members to assist in building a defense organization throughout the city and stated that this is considered one of the critical target areas. It is a .matter of great concern that to date there is no definite organization here for handling emergencies like the tornado, she added.

The Red Cross director is in charge of family service with 20 case workers who will remain until all applications are processed. She emphasized that it was being handled by trained personnel and that the Red Cross through its own and other organizations plans to make it possible for residents in the tornado area to return to practically the same mode of living as before the disaster.

Dr. Nan Denholm gave a written report on achievements of students in Junior College on Zonta’s scholarships summed up by Mrs. Suzzanne Pfaendler student aid committee chairman of the college.

Guests were Nancy Brown, Northern scholarship student to the college. Mrs. A. E. Cobb, and Mrs. Walter lves.

The meeting closed the schedule of programs until September.

Image

June 19, 1953

Jerome Dunning Dies At Hurley Hospital; Funeral Saturday

The death at Hurley Hospital yesterday of Jerome Dunning, 63, 1028 E. Coldwater, brought the number of tornado victims here to 115, according to the official Red Cross compilation.

His wife, Elizabeth, still is in fair condition at Hurley.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p. m. Saturday from the Reigle Funeral home, with burial in Flint Memorial park.

Mr. Dunning is also survived by a son, Elmer of Flint, also injured in the tornado; a daughter, Margaret Owen, Jackson; four sisters. Mrs. Hazel Heath, Birch Run; Mrs. Ted Burell, Clio; Mrs. Elmer Atwell, and Mrs. Gert Kelly, Flint; four brothers, Jack of Pinconning, Waldo of Detroit, Charles of Birch Run, and Harry of Flint.

Image

June 23, 1953

Women’s organizations are making a definite contribution in both time and money towards the relief of tornado victims and among the largest projects with this purpose was the annual garden party of McLaren General Hospital auxiliary.

More than 2,400 patrons turned out late Wednesday afternoon and evening at the event on the hospital grounds This is believed to be the largest ever given by the Auxiliary.

It was a benefit for tornado victims and the sum to be contributed is currently in the neighborhood of $1,500 but final reports are expected to increase the amount, according to the president, Mrs. Russell Foley. It will go for disaster relief.

The grounds were turned into a colorful Japanese setting in lanterns strung above the lawn and fans and umbrellas adorning the booths and tables. The AC Band, under the baton of Arthur Wilson, played all evening. Mrs. Woodrow Skaff and Mrs. Curtis Walton were co-chairmen of the project.

* St, Mary’s guild of Christ Episcopal Church has voted to send $100 to a member of the Guild who was left homeless by the tornado. The proposal was made at the annual dinner honoring the dining room and the kitchen committees on Wednesday in the Hotel Durant.

Mrs. Claude Chirgwin and Mrs. Robert Yeagley are co-chairmen of the dining room committee and Mrs. Cecil Moore and Mrs. Fred Kendall of the kitchen committee. They were given special corsages.

Small corsages presented by the president, Mrs. Ernest Brundle, marked places of the 23 members. Plans for a Summer picnic were considered.

*Fisher Body Auxiliary No. 342, American Legion, voted the sum of $100 from the welfare fund to be given to the Old Newsboys for the purchase of shoes for tornado victims. The motion was approved at the annual breakfast Wednesday at the home of Mrs. William Scheer, 2735 Stevenson.

Mrs. Frank Fuller was elected president at this time and others named are: Mrs. George Lay, Mrs. George Merideth, vice-presidents; Mrs. Harry Jennings, secretary; Mrs. C. O. Russell, treasurer; Mrs. Archie Lowley, chaplain; Mrs. Scheer, historian; Mrs. Charles York, sergeant at arms.

The committee in charge of arrangements included Mrs. Ronald Gray, Mrs. Don Fetkenhier and Mrs. Sam Taylor.

* Group six of First Baptist church appointed Mrs. William Schofield, Mrs. Kenneth Kyle, Mrs. Horace Draper and Mrs. C. L. Cochran to assist at the clothing center for disaster victims at Martin school on Wednesday.

This was decided at the picnic meeting yesterday at the lake cottage of Mrs.. Schofield at Lobdell lake. Mrs. Kyle conducted the session. Mrs. Frank Rice gave devotions. Guests were Mrs. Anna Arnot of New Carlisle, Ind., and Wendy Kirchner of Sturgis, Mich., the niece of Mrs. Harold Brennan..

* Four members of Group No. one of First Baptist church were named to assist on clothing for tornado victims at the Martin school center at the meeting yesterday.

The meeting was held al the home of Mrs. Roy Fitzgerald, 2402 E. Second street. Mrs. Harold Grant presided over the business session.