Book offers abundant imagery of Fargo's 1957 tornado, aftermath

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Monday, May 7, 2018

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TRAIN WRECKS, TORNADOES, OVERFLOWING BATHTUBS

SITE OF 911 DISPATCH CENTER HAS SEVERAL VULNERABILITIES

Renae Metzger monitors calls at the Red River Regional Dispatch Center in downtown Fargo on Thursday.

David Samson / The Forum

Robin Huebner reports

Search for a more secure site underway

Fargo irtually every emergency call and response in the Fargo-Moorhead area goes through the hub here known as the Red River

V

Regional Dispatch Center.

From car crashes, assaults and fires, to gas leaks, fights and heart attacks, dispatchers make sure emergency crews get to the

right location, fast.

The center set up shop 15 years ago in an older brick building at 300 NP Ave., which offered a pleasant

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Student housing complex near NDSU slated for August opening R.D. Offutt Company.

The project was led by the North Dakota State FARGO — A new student housing complex in University Foundation and the 1600 block of North Alumni Association, which chose PROffutt to develop University Drive is nearly the complex. complete and set to open The leasing center for in August, developers say. the complex is now open, Construction of the and prospective resicomplex, called The dents can review floorBridges, began in the plans, prices, amenities summer of 2017 and is and make reservations, expected to be completed according to PROffutt and by the end of July, said Greystar Student Living, Michael Vosburg / Forum Photo Editor Ted Sanders of PROffutt the Texas-based company Limited Partnership, the Students can now reserve apartments in this building real estate division of the HOUSING: Page A5 under construction.

By Raju Chaduvula rchaduvula@forumcomm.com

Special to The Forum

This artist’s depiction shows the housing project for North Dakota State University students planned just east of the Sanford Health Athletic Complex in the 1600 block of North University Drive.

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Terrible twister Book offers abundant imagery of Fargo’s 1957 tornado, aftermath

By Danielle Teigen danielle.teigen @forumcomm.com FARGO – It may have happened more than 60 years ago, but the 1957 tornado that obliterated a northside neighborhood here and killed 12 people is still ingrained in the minds of many residents.

Now a book has been published about the fateful storm, those affected

by it and how the community rebuilt once the tornado returned to the sky.

“1957 Fargo Tornado” was released last month, and authors Trista Raezer-Stursa, Lisa Eggebraaten and John Hallberg will discuss the book in coming weeks. (A fourth author, Jylisa Doney, has moved from the area.)

The trio will present striking photographs

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This photo by Chet Gebert shows the 1957 tornado as it dropped from the sky. included in the book as well as share highlights from the disaster and their research on May 10 and May 21. The first presentation will take place at the NDSU Archives in the

West Building, 3551 7th Ave. N., Fargo, while the second will be offered at the Main Library downtown, 102 3rd St. N.

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The majority of the 200 photos included in the book came from the NDSU Archives’ Cal Olson Photograph Collection; Olson was a Forum photographer when the tornado struck. Images taken by other Forum photojournalists Alf T. Olsen and Chester “Chet” Gebert are included as well. All three were members of the Forum staff that won the 1958 Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the disaster.

Raezer-Stursa said the Archives received a Pulitzer Prize Centennial grant from the North Dakota Humanities Council in 2016, and the research involved in that project inspired the authors to contact Arcadia Publishing about a tornado book (Arcadia published Raezer-Stursa and Hallberg’s book about Herbst Department Store in 2015).

While many here appreciate the tornado’s local significance, the storm also carries international significance. Meteorologist Dr. Tetsuya Fujita studied the tornado to create his Fujita scale, and later rated it an F5, the most destructive rating.

The NDSU Archives has a copy of Fujita’s original report, which provided ample information about the tornado.

“This particular tornado was well-photographed, and (Fujita) was able to map the development of the tornado by using photographs from various angles,” Hallberg said.

The timeline of the tornado’s path was provided in the report, which helped provide captions for the photos included in “1957 Fargo Tornado”.

Not only was the storm itself an important entity to document, but the victims and recovery efforts as well, Hallberg said.

More than 300 homes were destroyed while hundreds more were damaged, leaving 2,000 people homeless.

Numerous photos in the book illustrate the destruction along the storm’s path just south of 12th Avenue

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managing the complex.

Sanders said in an email that all one-bedroom, one-bathroom units and three-bedroom, three-bathroom units have been leased out to students.

The housing complex, which sits across the

What: “1957 Fargo Tornado” book talks When: 3:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 10, and 7 p.m. Monday, May 21 Where: NDSU Archives in the West Building, 3551 7th Ave. N., Fargo, and the Main Library, 102 3rd St. N., Fargo.

Info: Both events are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served at the May 10 event, and anyone with memories from the tornado is encouraged to sign up to have them preserved as an oral history or bring them in written format. Books will be available for purchase at both events or at Zandbroz Variety.

Learn more at https:// library.ndsu.edu/1957fargo-tornado-book-talk or http://fargond.gov/citygovernment/departments/ library/adults.

North in the Golden Ridge neighborhood. Also included is a photo of the damaged Hasty Tasty restaurant on 13th Street North (now University Drive), which eventually became the Bison Turf.

Culling an extensive photography collection to the 200 images included in the book was a daunting task, but Raezer-Stursa said they tried to focus on the story the photographs would tell.

While both archivists were familiar with 1957 tornado, they still learned more during their research, specifically about the American Red Cross’s role in the recovery efforts as well as how Canada came to Fargo’s aid after this city had assisted Winnipeg, Manitoba, when it experienced a catastrophic flood in 1950. National Guard units and the Salvation Army helped with cleanup, traffic control and even cooking and serving meals to displaced residents. Clothing and supply donations streamed in from across the country.

Another important aspect of the book is showing damaged structures that have been rebuilt, to give residents a glimpse

of the buildings as they stand today. Raezer-Stursa pointed out the Golden Ridge Lutheran Church as well as a rebuilt home with a two-toned chimney.

“You look at those pictures, and there’s just nothing left,” Hallberg said.

Raezer-Stursa agreed.

“You look at these pho-

tos and wonder, ‘How did anyone survive that?’ ” she said.

While compiling the book, the authors kept an eye out for striking images that could be used for the cover. While certain images have become synonymous with the tragedy of the storm, like Olson’s shot of Richard Shaw cradling

the lifeless body of 5-yearold Jeanette Munson, or Olsen’s image of children running away from the impending tornado, neither of those photos were used on the cover.

Instead, an unidentified man stands amid the Golden Ridge neighborhood rubble with only one structure standing visible.

A downed bike lays nearby. Muddy rainwater can be seen in the background.

He’s looking down and his face is shadowing, but his despondency is palpable.

“He’s got that dejected look like, ‘Where do I even start after this?’ ” Hallberg said.

street from the Sanford Health Athletic Complex, has 364 beds in 104 units.

Students can tour two completed units while the rest of the complex is under construction.

Sanders said there’s a contingency plan in place for housing students who already signed leases, in the event that construction isn’t done by dead-

line. “We are ahead of schedule,” he said in the email, “and have no concerns of not meeting the completion date.”

The complex has seen its share of controversy since PROffutt was selected to lead the development in late 2016. The NDSU Foundation bought all the houses and land in the 1600 block area, save

for one homeowner who refused to sell, and razed the area for the complex.

Many residents of the Roosevelt neighborhood have long complained that the constant development in the area has resulted in the destruction of single-family homes and the character of the neighborhood.

Ken Enockson of the Roosevelt Neighborhood Association told The Forum in May 2017 that the NDSU Foundation bought homes on the block over two decades without indicating their plans for the area.

The project, which costs nearly $23 million, includes student housing

as well as retail space, parking and outdoor recreation areas. Student amenities like a gaming area, cyber cafe, an automated convenience store, study rooms and a 3,847-square-foot “clubhouse” intended to serve as a student lounge are also part of the project.

This map shows the 10-mile path the 1957 tornado traveled through north Fargo.

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This photo by Cal Olson shows the damage to the Sacred Heart Convent on north Broadway. Archivist Trista Raezer-Stursa said some nuns didn’t make it to the basement during the 1957 tornado and survived by seeking shelter in closets.

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Forum file photo

During the tornado recovery efforts, 10-year-old Thomas Conner (foreground) and 10-year-old Gary Morris received donated shoes from volunteers assisting at the Red Cross Clothing Depot, which had been set up at 12th Street and Seventh Avenue North.

Readers can reach features editor Danielle Teigen at (701) 451-5709.

Readers can reach Forum reporter Raju Chaduvula at (701) 241-5466

Trusted Financial Advisor



Don Abarr

FARGO – A fire damaged a garage Sunday afternoon, May 6, but no one was injured, the Fire Department said.

Firefighters were dispatched around 4:40 p.m. to a house at 1036 16th St. N. after neighbors noticed smoke coming from the detached garage. Flames were coming through the roof when firefighters arrived but they extinguished it within a short time.

There was no one home at the time.

The fire is currently under investigation.

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Jay Richardson Supports

Paid for by supporters of Mike Williams for Fargo City Commissioner

THE REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARK DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF FARGO WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 8, 2018 AT 5:30 P.M. IN THE BOARD ROOM OF THE PARK DISTRICT OFFICES AT 701 MAIN AVENUE, FARGO, WITH PRESIDENT JOE DEUTSCH, PRESIDING.

Ag & Business Banker • 701-235-9906 Fargo South dabarr@americanfederal.net

AGENDA

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Fire damages garage at Fargo home

Public Meeting Notice Moorhead Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan Update Notice is hereby given that the Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Council of Governments (Metro COG) will hold a public meeting at the Lake Agassiz Regional Library at 118 5th St S in Moorhead, Minnesota on Wednesday, May 16, 5:00 – 7:00 PM to present the draft Moorhead ADA Transition Plan and consider public comments about the draft plan. A presentation will be provided at 5:00 PM. An open house will continue after the presentation until 7:00 PM. The City of Moorhead completed an update of the Moorhead ADA Transition Plan in cooperation with Metro COG, Metro Area Transit (MATBUS) of Fargo-Moorhead and SRF Consulting Group Inc. All comments received will be considered by the City of Moorhead and Metro COG prior to approval and adoption of the ADA transition plan.

The Draft Moorhead ADA Transition Plan is available for review at www. moorheadada.com// and www.fmmetrocog.org, and can also be viewed at Moorhead City Engineering Department, 500 Center Avenue, Moorhead, MN or at the Lake Agassiz Regional Library, 118 5th St S, Moorhead, MN. The public is invited to attend the public meeting or submit written comments to Metro COG no later than 5:00 PM, May 25, 2018 to Metro COG at 1 2nd St N, Suite 232, Fargo, ND 58102. Contact Adam Altenburg, Community & Transportation Analyst at 701-232-3242 (ext. 34) (email: Altenburg@fmmetrocog.org) if additional information is required.

Metro COG is committed to ensuring all individual regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, disability/handicap, sexual orientation, or income state have access to Metro COG’s programs and services.

Meeting facilities will be accessible to mobility impaired individuals. Metro COG will make a good faith effort to accommodate requests for translation services for meeting proceedings and related materials. Please contact Adam Altenburg, Community & Transportation Analyst at 701.232.3242 at least five days in advance of the May 16, 2018 meeting if any special accommodations are required for any member of the public to be able to participate in the meeting.

1. Approval of Minutes of previous meeting.

2. Approval of April bills.

3. Approve Order of Agenda.

4. Presentation and consideration of approval of the 2017 audit; Eide Bailly, presenter.

5. Board to consider approval of bids for Playground Equipment at The Edition Addition and Rabanus Park; Dave Bietz, presenter.

6. Board to consider approval of Joint Power Agreement between Fargo Park District and West Fargo Publics Schools for Osgood Park playground and gymnasium; Jim Larson, presenter.

7. Board to consider approval of Joint Power Agreement between Fargo Park District and West Fargo Public Schools for Willow Park School outdoor fitness equipment; Jim Larson, presenter.

8. Executive Director Update

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DIGEST

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Monday, May 7, 2018 A5

Individuals who wish to attend Park Board meetings but need special arrangements, please contact the Fargo Park District office at 499-6060.

Spring Band Concert F-M Golden Notes New Horizons Band Featuring music of the American West Wed., May 9, 7 p.m.

Ben Franklin Middle School, door 4, 1420 8th St. N., Fargo.

Jazz Nickel at Urban 42, 5/10, 7:00 pm. Free for all ages.

BlackRidgeMORTGAGE Free First-Time Home Buyers Seminar 6-7:30 p.m. Mon., May 7 825 26th Ave. E. West Fargo, ND. Limited seating. Light dinner provided. For info and to register go to home-buy-sellseminar.com or call 701-356-8300

Mother’s Day Brass/Organ Concert on Sunday, May 13 at 3 pm. at First Lutheran Church on Broadway. The concert theme is “Classics to Jazz” features Michael Olson at the organ, and the Dakota Brass Quintet.

The concert is free.

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