On This Day, September 21, 1938 a destructive and powerful storm pounded Southern New England. This storm is now known as the "Great New England Hurricane of 1938". Several days before it had rained and with this storm many areas of the Connecticut River Valley in Massachusetts had a total of 10- 17 inches of rainfall. In the Springfield, MA area the Connecticut River rose 6- 10 feet above the flood stage.
The New York, New Haven and Hartford Co. railroad tracks in Longmeadow's meadows became flooded in the early morning hours of September 21st.
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Source: Springfield Republican Friday, Sep 23, 1938 |
Longmeadow, MA Town Officials reported that more than 200 large trees were destroyed as a result of this hurricane. Large elm trees were uprooted on the tree belt on Longmeadow Street and also on private property. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Coryden K. Litchard at 756 Longmeadow Street suffered damage. The former home of Arthur J. Skinner in the north end of town at 46 Longmeadow Street had the most damage. A large tree fell against the northern ell of the house.
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| 756 Longmeadow Street (left) Litchard Home Source: Longmeadow Historical Society |
Every day life was affected! "Trolly" service was disrupted with trees across the "trolly" tracks and electric power was down. In many areas sidewalks were no longer in good condition. On the night of September 23rd the residents of Longmeadow continued to use candlelight, once again.
Sources: Springfield Republican: Sep 21, 1938; Sep 23, 1938 and The National Weather Service- Boston: "The Great New England Hurricane of 1938".