Evening Republican, Volume 22, Number 127, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 May 1919 — SNOW STORM THIRTY YEARS AGO TODAY. [ARTICLE]

SNOW STORM THIRTY YEARS AGO TODAY.

Monon News— Old settlers will readily recall the severe snow storm experienced Decoration day, 1889, when the ground in this locality was covered with several inches of snow, which was badly drifted. Of its severity we were reminded by Thomas Eldridge, the faithful sexton of Monon cemetery. He was living seven miles this side of Rensselaer, arid owing to the serious illness of his boy, saddled a horse and rode to town for Dr. Walters, the family physician, whom he asked to come immediately. So intense was the storm and travel so impeded by the snow drifts, the doctor said he would not make the trip, but would send him medicine. This was not satisfactory to Mr. Eldridge, who insisted on a personal visit or the loss of his patronage. The doctor finally yielded, saddled his horse and the two galloped to the Eldridge home, where the physician remained over night and made the return trip with less difficulty. All this occurred May 30, 1889, when telephones and automobiles were not available. With a summer temperature and every indication of warm weather for Decoration day this year, it is hard to imagine the elements as above described for such an occasion.