Macon County Hurricane 1888

Macon County  Hurricane

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HURRICANE, JULY 13, 1888.

(From Macon Times)

Never before, perhaps, in the history of Macon were here citizens in greater despair than during the hour in which the storm raged over the city with such frightful aspects.

It was a time when strong men were weak; it was a time when it were arrant cowardice to say one was not afraid. It was terror to every heart waiting, watching and fearing that every to moment the worst would come. It was a time when they thought little of personal bickerings; but turned in vain to those nearest with appealing eyes, only to join each other in shuddering and scringing at each succeeding gust of wind that swayed and rocked everything in its path. It was a time when the heavens seemed filled with clouds that had no "silver lining" but when they had cleared away all seemed grateful that the damages resulting were no worse.

The storm began, at a little past three o'clock, and made, hideous for more than an hour. At one time it was so dark that could scarcely see in a room, and during a great time of the storm was difficult to tell whether houses were down or standing across the street, the water, which fell so fast, being blown in such blinding sheets.

The heaviest loss in the city was that of St. James' Academy, prized by all as the pride of the city. After a hard struggle, a large and imposing three-story wing to the old building, was nearing completion. It was to have been finished in five weeks, but the storm laid the new addition in ruins, leaving the original building standing.  The walls of the academy fell upon a portion of the residence of the rector, Rev. Mr. Talbot and crushed it to the ground; but fortunately, no one was in the house at the time, the family being at Fayette.