Tyler's tragedy
By Robert Wolfington IIIArticle Photos
The theater in Tyler was filled with movie-goers on a warm summer evening on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 1918, as a tornado tore through the downtown area.
More than 30 people were killed in Tyler and about 200 were injured in the tornado that hit the community without warning at 9:20 p.m.
The Tyler Herald newspaper said in a story published shortly after the storm that movie-goers were spared from the tornado's path.
"Thirty-six people have been reported killed and 25 seriously injured and about 200 slightly injured," the Tyler Herald said. "Nearly two hundred of the residents were at the moving picture show and were all saved, the building being just a few feet outside of the storm path."
The theater was spared, but much of what is now downtown Tyler was destroyed.
Dora Lange, a Tyler resident who survived the storm, wrote about her experiences in a diary, republished in the book "A History of Lincoln County."
"... It had been a hot sultry day and at noon black clouds started to come up from the northwest," Lange said in her diary. "Later, they changed to the southwest. Then at 9:20 p.m. the storm hit.
"I will never forget the scream that came before it hit. Dad was in the livery barn, which came down on him and cut his head severely."
Lange said her family's horses were spread around town, found in some odd places - none of them were killed.
"(Dad's) horses were all over town but none of them were killed," Lange said. "Two of them were in the basement, where Joe Vadheim's house is now, still tied to the manger. Two were found on top of the pool hall."
Phil Frank, a Tyler resident at the time, said in "A History of Lincoln County" he was visiting neighbors when the storm hit. His house was destroyed and he was left with only the clothes on his back at $3 in his pocket.
Help came from around the state in the days and months after the storm. A civic organization worked with the Red Cross "A History of Lincoln County" said.
"Minneapolis members of the Civic and Commerce Association have expressed their willingness to extend such credit as may be necessary to ensure the proper rebuilding of the ruined businesses in Tyler, according to an announcement by David C. Adie, Red Cross representative now in Tyler."
Help also came from residents in Lake Benton, Russell, Tracy, Balaton, Ruthton and Marshall, among other communities.
One day after the storm an estimated 20,000 people visited Tyler to see the devastation firsthand, the News Messenger of Lyon County said on Aug. 23, 1918.
Lange said in her diary it would be difficult to forget the tornado and the impact it had on Tyler.
"What a night, clothes were hanging all over in the trees, people were screaming and looking for their families, as it had been family night at the movies, and the stores were open. The theater was not hit, which saved so many people."
