The Big Storm and Tornado of 1914
The Big Storm and Tornado of 1914
A big storm that took two lives and caused devastating damage hit East Zorra Township, Woodstock, and area in 1914.
By Liz Dommasch, Archivist
Although many may recall the tornado that hit Woodstock and the surrounding area on August 7, 1979, many may not know of the severe tornado that hit north of the city 35 years earlier.
On the evening of June 7, 1914, a deadly tornado ripped a small path through East Zorra Township. The storm, which lasted only about 30 minutes, was said to be so loud that it was impossible to talk. Others reported that the lower part of the body of the tornado was “like a huge grey rope dangling down from a mass of cloud, funnel shaped, which appeared to be about twenty feet thick at its thickest point." Bystanders also noted that it was visible above the Epileptic Hospital before heading north easterly and striking down between the the 12th and 13th lines.
Although a number of homes were badly damaged, only one was completely destroyed by the massive storm. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bartley’s house and barn were picked up from their foundations by the funnel cloud and reduced to kindling wood, which was deposited throughout the surrounding area. A large apple tree was also torn up by its roots and carried over 100 yards away. Sadly, the elderly couple were also both killed by the force of the storm, and were later discovered by Leslie Goodall and some of the young Englishmen from Havelock farm. Strangely enough, the farm of E.D. Brown, which was directly across the road and no more than 40 feet from the wrecked structures, was left untouched except for a bit of damage caused by flying debris.
Dr. Welford and Rev. Kenneth McGoun of Huntingford, following the tornado. [COA154 North Woodstock Women’s Institute fonds,Tweedsmuir]
The Bartley farm after the tornado, 8 June 1914. [COA154 North Woodstock Women’s Institute fonds,Tweedsmuir]
After the storm hit the Bartley residence it travelled southeast for about a mile completely uprooting an apple orchard and five acres of bush belonging to Harry Entwhistle. The Woodstock Sentinel-Review noted that a Miss Robinson, who was visiting the Entwhistle’s at the time, was standing in the kitchen doorway when the storm struck and was thrown a distance of 20 feet by the force of the wind. She was picked up unconscious on a manure pile, but was later found to be unhurt.
Entwhistle orchard following the tornado. [COA154 North Woodstock Women’s Institute fonds, Tweedsmuir]
A horse in a field on the farm belonging to W.J. Holmes, about a quarter of a mile from the Bartley residence, was said to have also been picked up by the strong winds and whirled around in the air about 50 feet above the ground. It was dropped in the same field 40 rods (approx. 660 feet) from the point from which it had been lifted up. It too was unhurt, except for some bruises and cuts of a minor nature. It was also said to be covered in mud.
That same evening, the city of Woodstock was hit by heavy wind and large hail. The Woodstock Sentinel-Review noted that one man on Finkle Street recorded a hail stone that measured one and a half inches, while another man on Hounsfield Street declared he measured one stone as being four inches across. The newspaper also noted that trees and signs were uprooted and a buggy standing on Finkle Street was whisked along towards the Hotel Oxford. Considerable damage was also cause by hail at the photography studios of Rounds and Armstrong and the Wilson’s greenhouse on the 2nd concession, which was said to have suffered the extent of about $175,000 in broken glass and damaged plants.
Near Innerkip, Glen Farm owned by E.W. Nesbitt, M.P. was struck by lightning. Likewise, the village of Princeton was also hit hard by the storm with the approach of the iron bridge near the cemetery and the sidewalk near the Princeton creamery being washed away. The premises of the Princeton Bakery were also said to be so heavily damaged that the plant was put out of business for some time.
A simple and touching funeral for Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bartley was held two days later at Mack Paul’s undertaking rooms in Woodstock. Following the service, conducted by Rev. F.W. Waters, the procession proceeded to the Baptist cemetery where internment took place.
