Upon returning to the office (Mich.and Wacker) after lunch, the snowfall really
increased, so we all decided to leave early. there wasn't an empty cab or bus
to Union Sta. Got to the Station after a long, slow, crowded walk only to wait
for about 6 or 7 trains before I got close to the gate and was able to get on
one, then only after much pushing, shoving and being carried along with the
CROWD.
Upon arriving at Clar. Hills station late (the Q was generally on time) it
took forever to exit the train, it was about one hour to drive to our house
(approx. 1 mile). Vehicles were stuck and abandoned everywhere, once you
stopped you stayed. Wouldn't have made into our driveway but for my wife and
young sons clearing barely enough space to get me off the street, cars were
huge back then. Had it been much later (snow wasn't 27" yet) I most likely
would have been one of those who had left their vehicle. Small children and
pets would drop out of sight in the deep snow in your own yard, some drifts
were well over 3 feet deep. Only snowmobile and sled traffic for a day or two,
didn't know anyone with a 4 wheel drive. Had a friend with the highway dept.
and believe he worked nonstop plowing roads and then streets, for what seemed
like days. Quite a task with so many vehicle blocking the roads.
Was a volunteer fireman at the time, there happened to be a number of firemen
who stayed at the firehouse (fortunately one had a snowmobile). There was
little to no traffic so no auto accidents and there were no other emergencies.
Unfortunately, things soon got back to "normal".
Don't know anyone who doesn't have some fond memories of the storm (and it
seems they get better as time passes), but it was a real problem back then,
many roofs collapsed, not quite as many as the snow storms in 78-79. The roads
weren't cleared for several days and the local Jewel store was out of many food
items (as well as beer and spirits). Had some great parties.
And it is snowing here in Rockford today!!
John
mikebennidict <mactach@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
This month marks the 40th aniversary of the great snowstorm that
struck
the Chicago area.
Wonder if anyone around at that time who either road the Burlington or
operated trains in the Chicago area can mention any stories or
inncidents that happend durring that time.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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