A PRACTICAL JOKE UPON AN UNSUSPECTING SON OF ERIN -- AN EARTHQUAKE NOT REPORTED FROM SATANIC REGIONS
-----------------------
A correspondent at Colfax tells us of the very latest earthquake -- it was home-made one. The juveniles of Colfax, not to be behind the age, concluded that they could have some fun at the expense of an Irish carpenter. So, one night not long since, they went to his shop just as he was about retiring, and all hands began to shove and shake his frail building.
PAT FELT THE MOTION
Saw his house swaying, heard his saws rattling, and concluded that it was an earthquake. He shoved himself into his garments and made for high ground, cursing the ship that brought him to a country where he could not "schlape wid out bein' kept awake wid botherin' earthquakes."
THE JOKE
Was so good that they concluded to enlist the aid of some older persons and improve upon it, so next night they got the victin into a store, and two men were stationed on the outside of the building against the crockery shelves to give the shock and make the crockery rattle, two were at a blacksmith's anvil close by to give the explosion, and two others went just over the brow of the hill, hard by, with a pan-ful of cotton balls saturated with turpentine, with which to furnish the
RED-HOT LAVA PART
At the signal, when those inside were talk- ing earthquake, the shock was felt, the report was heard, and the blazing balls came rolling, flying and bouncing down the hill towards the store. All hands, including the Irishman, cried "earthquake!" and stampeded; but no antelope in the Territory could have reached the hill-top on the other side of the valley as soon as did that carpenter. Goldsmith Maid could not have held a tallow dip to him for the first mile, and Occident would have been out of sight behind him at the half-mile pole. He stopped of his own accord at last, and expected to see Colfax sharing the same fate that Sodom is said to have met some time since. After offering up thanks the Saints for his escape, he finally cautiously returned and peered over the hill in order to take a farewell view of the place.
WHERE COLFAX ONCE STOOD;
But imagine his surprise to find the town
all there--his shop included. He quietly
stole back and offered to sell cheap, as
he did not wish to in such a country, and
no amount of persuasion could convince him
that he did not both see and hear the earth-
quake, and see the lava rolling down the
hill. There is one less carpenter in that
place than there was before the last shake
up.
On Sunday evening, at 6h. 37 1/2 m.,. a light shock
Dec. 16, at 9h 17m. A.M., another light shock.
The shock was felt as far south as Eugene, in
Oregon, and north far up into British Columbia,
probably even in Alaska. In Victoria and else-
where on Vancouver Island the shock is said
to have been heavier than at any other point
heard from.
Weather calm and very changeable; it has been snowing slightly all day.
Earthquake - on Thursday, February 27, an earthquake was felt at 25 minutes past 9 a.m. ---------, at Yale
and Hope, but it was not felt at ----------on River nor New Westminster; it is equal to the one of December last, some even -------more severe, so much so that the telegraph operator at Yale had to stop working the instrument.
Shocks of earthquake were distinctly felt at Yale and Hope about the 27th ult. mo.
No damage has however resulted.
Walla Walla, Dec. 16, 1872
Precisely at three minutes past ten o'clock Saturday night, old earthquake began
its terrible cannonading and tidal waving; houses rocked, windows rattled, clocs
XXXXXXXXXX
Additional Accounts cited:
The late earthquake was very severe in Puyallup valley; shaking fowls from their perches, prostrating large trees and startling people generally.
(later paragraph)
A slight earthquake shock was felt at ten o'clock on Sunday morning last.
PUYALLUP VALLEY -- Mount Rainier was furiously smoking at sunset on the 10th inst., as seen from the Puyallup Valley.
col. 2
A slight shock of earthquake was felt here last Saturday, about two o'clock, and another on Wednesday.
Additional Accounts cited but not scanned [RSL 8/10/99]:
Snoqualmie, W.T.
The late earthquake was very severe in Puyallup valley; shaking fowls from their
perches, prostrating large trees and startling people generally.
(later paragraph)
A slight earthquake shock was felt at ten o'clock on Sunday morning last.
Wallula, Dec. 15
December 15 - Weather this morning cloudy;
no wind; thermometer 30 degrees.
WALLULA, December 15 - Weather cloudy and
foggy; thermometer 30 degrees. We have a very
severe shaking last night about 9:30. No
damage.
Walla Walla, December 15 - Two heavy shocks
were felt here last night. Clocks stopped
at 10 minutes before 10.
Umatilla, Dec. 15 - Weather cloudy;
thermometer 40 degrees; had earthquake last night;
three shakes; no damage.
Dalles had four or five shakes of earthquake
last night.
It was felt at Portland slightly -- at the Dalles more plainly, and at Wallula it was about the
same as here. At the foot of the mountains, and in the Eastern portion of the county it was harder than here. Locked doors were thrown open-- people were thrown on the floor-- Chickens were
shaken from their perches, and cattle ran and bellowed pitteously, and dogs barked and
howled, and in short everybody and everything was more or less scared. ....
VAN WINKLE.
Vanwinkle, Dec. 15--The British Columbia
Telegraph Company opened an office at this
place to day. Tariff between here and Par-
kerville 50 cents for first 10 words and 25
cents for each additional five.
Additional Accounts cited - may be elsewhere in the collection:
Additional Accounts cited - may be elsewhere in the collection:
The Earthquake Crop Increasing -- There is said to be a steady increase through the centuries in the number of earthquakes. According to the best authorities, in the fourth century there were 21; in the fifth, 25; in the sixth 31; in the seventh, 1; the eighth, 11; in the ninth, 36; in the tenth, 17; in the elventh, 51, in the twelfth, 68; in the thirteenth 55; in the sixteenth, 110; in the seventeenth 180; in the eighteenth, 680; in the nineteenth, 925.
Additional Accounts cited - may be elsewhere in the collection:
Additional Accounts cited - may be elsewhere in the collection:
Weston, Oregon
White Bluffs, W.T.
Four slight shocks of earthquake have been felt here since Saturday night, the
severest of which lasted about seven seconds.
Indians report that a volcanoe commenced active operations about one mile above Yale and on the other side of the river, last night. The stench of the smoke was felt in town by several parties. Nothing can be seen on the mountain top on account of the dense fog hanging over the place. Two severe shocks of earthquake were felt here yesterday.
_________________________________________________________________________
EUGENE, OREGON: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
EUGENE, OREGON
Weekly Pacific Tribune
Dec. 21, 1872 pg 2
Seattle, Washington
.... [See WGR full text under Olympia accounts]
EUGENE, OREGON
Weekly Intelligencer
December 23, 1872
Seattle, W.T.
The earthquake experienced here on the night of the
14th inst., seems to have been confined to this northern coast,
it is not being felt further south than Eugene City in Oregon, and extending from
here through British Columbia and probably as far as Alaska; and
from all accounts increasing in severity to the north of us.
It was distinctly felt all along the Columbia River, and a Wallulu
it is reported to have been heavy and lasting fifty seconds, followed by five lighter shocks at
intervals of fifteen minutes; after which a heavy rumbling sound was heard as distinctly as a heavy peal of
thunder. In this city there was another very slight shock experienced on Tuesday last night.
_________________________________________________________________________
HOPE, B.C.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
HOPE, B.C
Caribou Sentinel
January 4, 1873, p. 3 col. 1
Barkersville, B.C.
Briston, the expressman, reports that on the evening of the 31st December, while passing a mountain five miles
below Hope, he saw three flashes of fire issue from the mountain, lighting up everything round as in day time.
The light was distinctly seen here by several parties. Several slight shocks of earthquake have been felt here during the past week.
HOPE, B.C
Caribou Sentinel
March 1, 1873, p. 3. col. 1
Barkersville, B.C.
Hope, Feb. 26 -- A very heavy shock of earthquake was felt here at about 9:15 am today. No damage done except a
general shaking of the inhabitants
HOPE, B.C
Mainland Guardian
March 6, 1873, p. 3. col. 1
New Westminster, B.C.
EARTHQUAKE (poor microfilm copy, column 1 unreadable in places near crease of paper)
HOPE, B.C
Victoria Daily Standard
March 21, 1873 p. 3 col. 1
Victoria, B.C.
Cariboo and Upper Country
_________________________________________________________________________
LACONNER, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
LACONNER, W.T.
Lottie Roth (ed) (1926)
History of Whatcom County
Pioneer Historical Pub. Co.
Seattle, W.T. p. 143
(From Chapter 9 - "Diary of Sheriff James Kavanaugh)
Other diary entries say his homestead was on Fidalgo Island
December 14, 1872 - Saturday about 10 P.M. felt a severe
shock of earthquake duration about one minute and a half.
Direction from north to south.
_________________________________________________________________________
La Grand, Oregon: Additional account from Coombs et. al
La Grand, Oregon
Idaho World
December 26, 1872, p 2
Idaho City, Idaho
EASTERN OREGON -- We learn from the BEDROCK
DEMOCRAT of December 18th, that the good people
of Baker City and LaGrand have lately been
treated to a genuine earthquake. The shock
commenced, says the DEMOCRAT, quite severe, "and
then for a minute or two the earth appeared to
tremble, and the houses to vibrate in all
directions, causing the doors to fly open,
stoves and dishes, and other movable things to
rattle, and then came the last shake up, by the
earth appearing to roll from east of south to
west of north, the last being the heaviest
vibration." Since the earthquake, a smoke has
been seen issuing from Mt. Powder, about 13
miles from Baker City, and a volcano is believed
to have broken out there. Baker City wants a
fire engine.
_________________________________________________________________________
Lewiston, Idaho: Additional account from Coombs et. al
Lewiston, Idaho
The Olympia Transcript
December 28, 1872
Olympia, W.T.
EARTHQUAKE AT WALLA WALLA
Lewiston, Idaho
Walla Walla Union
December 28, 1872
Walla Walla, W.T.
EXTENT OF THE EARTHQUAKE -- The late earthquake has shaken up a greater extent of country then any other
that we recollect to have ever heard of. It was felt as far East as Helena, Montana, and as far North and South of us as we have yet heard. It was as heavy in Victoria as any place that we have heard of, and
probably extended far north of that place. From Helena to Victoria is not far from one thousand
miles in extent in any direction. An earthquake that can shake British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana, is certainly extensive enough, although it has done no material damage in any place so far as we can hear.
_________________________________________________________________________
New Westminster, B. C.: Additional account from Coombs et. al
New Westminster, B. C.
Mainland Guardian
December 19, 1872
New Westminster, B. C.
The earthquake - It would appear from the telegraphic reports that the shock extended throughout the whole
of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. We learn also that it has been felt througout Oregon and Washington
Territory more severely than with us.
_________________________________________________________________________
Olympia, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
[RSL 8/9/99 - Additional accounts in Coombs will not be repeated here,
as there is a great
deal more material on Olympia than is required. A listing of the articles is
given here]
Puget Sound Daily Courier (There was more than one article on the earthquake in that edition)
December 16,1892, pg. 3
Olympia, W.T.
Victoria Daily Standard
Dec. 17, 1872 pg. 3
Victoria, B.C.
The Oregonian
December 17, 1872
Portland, Oregon
Daily British Colonist
December 17, 1872 p. 3
Victoria, B.C.
Puget Sound Daily Courier
December 17,1892, pg. 3
Olympia, W.T.
Cariboo Sentinal
December 21, 1872, p. 3, col.1
Barkersville, B.C>
Olympia, W.T.
Puget Sound Daily Courier
Decmber 30, 1872 p. 3
Olympia, W.T.
There was a distinct shock of an earthquake felt by the citizens of this place yesterday morning about 10 o'clock. It is thought to have come from the north and occasioned a small tidal-wave on the bay. Some two or three light shocks were felt later in the day; but the thing is becoming of such common occurrence as to
attract little attention..
[RSL 9/9/1999 - This account is repeated with variation in the Oregonian, Jan 3, 1873, p.1; the Weekly Echo, Jan. 9, 1873, Olympia, W.T.; and the Cariboo Sentinal, January 11, 1873 p. 1 col.1, Barkersville, B.C.]
Olympia, W.T.
Puget Sound Daily Courier
January 16, 1873, p.3
Olympia, W.T.
EARTHQUAKE -- A distinct shock of an earthquake occurred in this place at thirty-three minutes past two o'clock, this afternoon. We don't pay any more attention to these little tremors now than to a shower or rain.
Olympia, W.T.
Oregonian
January 20, 1873
Portland, Oregon
A shock of earthquake said to have been distinctly felt on the afternoon of Thursday of last week at Olympia. A common thing nowadays.
Olympia, W.T.
Puget Sound Daily Courier
January 22, 1873
Olympia, W.T.
Another earthquake today. Nobody killed. The frequency of these subterraneous commotions never excite more than a mere passing notice.
Olympia, W.T.
Daily British Colonist
March 22, 1878 p. 3, col. 4
Victoria, B.C.
A slight shock of earthquake was experienced at Olympia on Monday
_________________________________________________________________________
Pine Grove, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Pine Grove, W.T.
Oregonian
January 17, 1873
Portland, Oregon
A private letter dated Pine Grove Jan. 2nd. has the following: an occasional
shake up continues to be felt in this vicinity; last Sunday morning, at 10 o'clock, we were treated to quite a shock of earthquake -- so great was the shock that it cracked the crusted snow for nearly a mile in length.
_________________________________________________________________________
Port Blakely, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Port Blakely, W.T
Weekly Intelligencer
Monday, March 3, 1873
Seattle, W.T.
There was a slight shock of an earthquake experienced at Port Blakely
and at Port Madison on Thursday morning last at about nine o'clock.
It was also distinctly felt here about the same time by quite a number of our citizens.
Port Blakely, W.T
Victoria Daily Standard
March 7, 1873, p.. 3. c. 3
Victoria, B.C.
Port Blakely, Washington Territory
The Seattle Intelligencer of the 3rd says that a slight shock of earthquake was felt at Port Blakely and other sound parts, on Thurday morning last.
_________________________________________________________________________
Portland, Oregon: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
The New York Times December 18, 1872 Vol. XXII, No. 6630, Pg. 1, Col. 3
Puget Sound Dispatch December 19, 1872, p. 2 (See under Seattle)
The Oregon State Journal December 21, 1872, p. 2 (See under Salem, Oregon)
Walla Walla Union December 21, 1872 (See under Walla Walla)
Walla Walla Statesman December 21, 1872 (See under Walla Walla)
Portland, Oregon
Plaindealer
December 20, 1872, p. 2
Portland, OR
An Oregon Earthquake
On last Saturday night the North Pacific Coast was visited by an earthquake,
the first recorded since its discovery by white men.
At Portland there wre two slight shocks, the first at twenty-five
minutes to ten o'clock the second at half-past two. At the Clarendon Hotel, which is built upon piles and man made ground, the first-shock was
severely felt, the walls cracked, in some of the rooms the plastering
was shaken loose and the guests rushed pell-mell into the streets.
On the solid ground the shocks were so little felt that some doubts
were expressed as to whether it was an earthquake. The telegrams of
the next day from the north and the Upper Columbia proved that
it was a reality. At Victoria the shocks wree quite severe,
although no damage was done. At Seattle, Olympia and other places
on the Sound they were also severe. At Lewiston Wallula, Walla Walla,
Umatilla and the Dalles, on the upper Columbia, the shocks were felt,
being more severe towards the east. No shocks have been reported
south of Portland. The papers of that place are congratulating
themselves that, at last, they can rival San Francisco in a
sensation. If Mount Hood and St. Helens should conclude to
go into the volcano business again the results might be more
interesting than pleasant.
Portland, Oregon
Oregon Sentinel
December 21, 1872, p. 2
Jacksonville, Oregon
HEAVY EARTHQUAKE -- On Sunday night last several shakes of an
earthquake were flet in the country north of
us. At Portland, and up the Columbia, it was severe enought to
stop clocks, scare birds from their roosts and people from
their houses. It cut the same capers at Victoria, B.C., and at
Seattle, on Puget Sound, the telegraph says it tipped their
frame houses about like rows of empty oil cans. We have not heard
that any serious injury resulted from the shake.
Portland, Oregon
Weekly Pacific Tribune
December 28, 1872, p. 3
Portland, Oregon
On Sunday morning last, for the first time, the stone steps of the Portland courthouse were observed to be cracked. It is believed to have been caused by the earthquake.
_________________________________________________________________________
Puyallup, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Puyallup, W.T.
The Olympia Transcript
January 4, 1873 p. 3
Olympia, W.T.
SEILACOOM NEWS -- Steilacoom is the only town on Puget Sound that has no real estate agent.
Puyallup, W.T.
The Olympia Transcript
January 25, 1873
Olympia, W.T.
LOCAL ITEMS
_________________________________________________________________________
Salem, Oregon: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Salem, Oregon
Oregon State Journal
December 21, 1872, p. 2
Portland, Oregon
An Earthquake - for the first time in the history of Oregon has it been visited by a real, full-blown earthquake. At about twenty minutes before ten o'clock, last Saturday
night, a very perceptible earthquake shock was felt at a number of different places in Oregon and Washington territory. At Salem, Portland, Walulla, Walla Walla, Seattle, and Olympia the shock was distinctly felt, although
no damage has been reported further than the cracking of ceilings and breaking of a few
window panes. It seems to have operated from northeast to southwest, having been felt first at Walla Walla.
Salem, Oregon
Portland Oregonian
December 17, 1872
Portland, Oregon
" --- It is astonishing how many people in Salem felt the earthquake shock yesterday -- since the arrival of this (Monday) morning's Portland papers."
Salem, Oregon
The Olympia Transcript
December 21, 1872
Olympia, W.T.
"....It was felt at all points along the Sound, and up in British Columbia; also as far south as Salem, where it was light"
_________________________________________________________________________
San Francisco, California: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
San Francisco, California
The Catholic Sentinel
December 21, 1872 (see full account in WGR under Portland)
Portland, Oregon
" .... It was also perceptibly felt
in San Francisco and throughout California."
San Francisco, California
Daily British Colonist
Dec. 20, 1872 pg 3 c 5
Victoria, B.C.
The Earthquake of Saturday night was felt more severely in Oregon than here.
It was the first recorded visitor of the kind that Oregon has enjoyed.
At San Francisco the shock was not felt.
_________________________________________________________________________
Seattle, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
The Weekly Echo (Olympia) Dec. 19, 1872
Puget Sound Express (Steilacoom) Dec. 19, 1872
Plaindealer (Portland, OR) December 20, 1872 (see Portland, OR)
Weekly Mercury (Salem, OR) December 20, 1872
Oregon State Journal(Eugene, OR) December 21, 1872 p. 2 (see Salem, OR)
The New Northwest (Deer Lodge, MT) December 21, 1872 (see Deer Lodge, MT)
Washington Standard (Olympia) December 21, 1872 (see Olympia, W.T.
Oregon Sentinel (Jacksonville) December 21, 1872 (see Portland, OR)
Seattle, W.T.
Daily Pacific Tribune
December 18, 1872, p. 3
Seattle, W.T
also
Weekly Pacific Tribune
December 21, 1872, p. 3
Seattle, W.T
MORE EARTHQUAKE -- At 10 minutes after 11 last night we were again
visited by a our earthquake, which made its coming known by a very
sharp shock. Its stay was very short, not exceeding ten
seconds in duration. It was said to have come again two hours later in the night, but as we were asleep and did not notice it, we won't mention it further. The 11 o'clock quake came
suddenly, breaking on us like a clap of thunder, gradually dwindling down to nothing. Several clocks were
stopped, swinging lamps put in motion, doors jarred, restless people waked up, timid people kept awake, everybody
set to talking, some to trembling, others to laughing and editors to writing. No one nor anything was hurt, and people
sighed with relief at its cessation. We have always contended that this Territory was peculiarly favored, and this is but a verification of that claim. Our
shock of Saturday evening would have been a good one in the best earthquake country, and seldom in every[sic], have there been more shakes or quakes in anny land in the same length of time than we have had here in the last four or five days.
Seattle, W.T.
Weekly Intelligencer
December 23, 1872, p. 3
Seattle, W.T
THE EARTHQUAKE -- The earthquake experienced here on the night of the
14th inst. seems to have been confined to this northern coast, it not
being felt further south than Eugene City in Oregon, and extending from here through British Columbia and probably as far as Alaska; and from all accounts increasing in severity to the north of us. It was distinctly
felt all along the Columbia river, and at Wallulu it is reported to have been heavy and lasting fifty seconds, followed by five lighter shocks at intervals of fifteen minutes; after which a heavy rumbling sound
was heard as distinctly as a heavy peal of thunder. In this city there was another very slight shock experienced on Tuesday night last.
Seattle, W.T.
Puget Sound Daily Courier
January 18, 1873
Olympia, W.T.
The last earthquake was felt at Seattle quite distinctly
-----------------------------------
Slight shock of earthquake at quarter to two o'clock, P.M. to-day
Seattle, W.T.
Weekly Intelligencer
January 20, 1873
Seattle, W.T
On Thursday afternoon, of the past week, another
slight yet very distinct series of earthquake oscillations were experienced in this city. They lasted, however, only for a few
seconds, to the great disappointment of many hereabouts, who are acquiring a fondness for "sich like" movements of terra firma, and are
somewhat ambitious of having the Puget Sound country enabled to boast of
such a first-class shake as will take precedence over any which has yet occurred on the coast.
Seattle, W.T.
Victoria Daily Standard
January 21, 1873 p. 3, col. 4
Victoria, B.C.
WASHINGTON TERRITORY - A distinct
shock of earthquake was felt on the Sound at half past 2 p.m. on Thursday last. Landslides on the Puget Sound and Columbia River railroad
still impede the traffic. Burglaries ae becoming frequent occurrences at Seattle. A man and wife were baptized a few days ago at Olympia, at the foot of the Marshville Bridge.
Seattle, W.T.
Daily British Colonist
January 21, 1873 p. 3, col. 4
Victoria, B.C.
WASHINGTON TERRITORY (fourth paragraph down)
On Thursday afternoon another slight, yet very distinct,
series of earthquake oscillations were experienced at Seattle. The
same city had been more than usually subject to burglarous operations during the past week or ten days.
_________________________________________________________________________
Snoqualmie, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Victoria Daily Standard
December 27, 1872 p 3, col 1
Victoria, B.C.
THE EARTHQUAKE - Mr. H. Eaves, of Snoqualmie, writes to the "Seattle Dispatch"
for his place near the foot of the mountains under date of the 17th inst. as
follows: This valley has been pretty well shook up during the past three
days with earthquakes. The first was about 10 o'clock on Saturday night,
lasting a minute and a half and was very heavy. We had 13 more shocks
before daylight, but one as heavy as the first. Since then we have had ten.
A very heavy smoke has risen in the nountains a little west of north, seen
distinctly when not too cloudy. There appears to be two volumes of smoke. Mt.
Baker is in the direction of the smoke seen from Snoqualmie, and it
is not improbable that the earthquake shocks felt here werw caused
by an eruption of that volcanic mountain, as all accounts concur
that it is most violent in that direction.
Snoqualmie, W.T.
The Oregonian
December 30, 1872
Portland, Oregon
and
The Dalles Mountineer
January 4, 1873
The Dalles, Oregon
and
Olympia Transcript (this is not a complete transcript)
January 4, 1873 p. 2
Olympia, W.T.
A correspondent at Yakima writes that the
earthquake at that place was quite severe.
There were three distinct shocks. The
Indians on Rock Island say the mountain
at that place rolled down and killed three
persons. On the Snoqualmie Pass the shock
was as bad as to shake a man off his feet..
At Yakima City the people rushed out of
doors in a great state of alarm with
clubs, revolvers and shot guns, thinking
the Indians had made a general attack and
were tearing up things generally.
_________________________________________________________________________
Steilacoom, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Steilacoom, W. T.
Puget Sound Express
December 19, 1872
At Elk Plain, about 14 miles from this city, at the Puyallup, and at other places in the country the shocks were felt; but from all account, Olympia, Seattle, Port Gamble, and other ports on the Sound have had a livelier time of it than Steilacoom.
Steilacoom, W.T.
The Olympia Transcript
January 4, 1873 p. 3
Olympia, W.T.
STEILACOOM NEWS -- Steilacoom is the only town on Puget Sound that has no real est
ate agent.
Steilacoom, W.T.
Oregonian
January 6, 1873
Portland, Oregon
The Puget Sound Express of the 2nd inst. says: "Something new under
the sun has been exhibiting itself for the past few days in
the shape of a volcano in the Olympic range. A peak situated west-northwest from Steilicoom has been sending forth, at intervals, dusky columns of smoke which produced quite a contrast to
the snowy surroundings. Who knows but this is the cause of the terrestial confulsions on
the 14th ult. and the few trembles since.
Steilacoom, W.T.
Victoria Daily Standard
January 7, 1873 p. 3 col 4
Victoria, B.C.
WASHINGTON TERRITORY - The Steilacoom Express ways
that a volcano has made its appearance in the Olympic range since the shakeup, on the 14th ult. which has, at intervals been sending up dusky columns of smoke.
_________________________________________________________________________
The Dalles, Oregon: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
The Dalles, Oregon
Portland Daily Oregonian
December 16, 1872
Portland, Oregon
THE EARTHQUAKE We are indebted to Capt.
Ainsworth, President of the O.S.N. Co.,
for the following dispatches received by
him from points along the Columbia:
Capt. J.C. Ainsworth: At twenty minutes
past 9 o'clock last evening we were visited
with quite a heavy shock of earthquake,
lasting about fifty seconds, I should judge,
followed by five lighter shocks at inter-
vals of about fifteen minutes, after which
a heavy, rumbling sound was heard as
distinctly as a heavy peal of thunder.
The thermometer fell from 30 degrees to 26 degrees. The
shaking mania that had attacked terra firma
continued at irregular periods until four
o'clock this morning. Although the first
shock was violent enough to shake buildings
and their contents up pretty lively, yet
no damage or injury was sustained by any
one, that I am aware of.
McDonald.
The Dalles, Oregon
Plaindealer
December 20, 1872, p. 2
Portland, OR
An Oregon Earthquake
On last Saturday night the North Pacific Coast was visited by an earthquake,
the first recorded since its discovery by white men. At Portland there wre two sl
ight shocks, the first at twenty-five minutes to ten o'clock the second at half-p
ast two. At the Clarendon Hotel, which is built upon piles and man made ground, t
he first-shock was severely felt, the walls cracked, in some of the rooms the pla
stering was shaken loose and the guests rushed pell-mell into the streets. On the
solid ground the shocks were so little felt that smoe doubts were expressed as t
o whether it was an earthquake. The telegrams of the next day from the north and
the Upper Columbia proved that it was a reality. At Victoria the shocks wree quit
e severe, although no damage was done. At Seattle, Olympia and other places on th
e Sound they were also severe. At Lewiston Wallula, Walla Walla, Umatilla and the
Dalles, on the upper Columbia, the shocks were felt, being more severe towards t
he east. No shocks have been reported south of Portland. The papers of that place
are congratulating themselves that, at last, they can rival San Francisco in a s
ensation. If Mount Hood and St. Helens should conclude to go into the volcano bus
iness again the results might be more interesting than pleasant.
The Dalles, Oregon
Walla Walla Union (full account under Walla Walla)
Dec. 21, 1872 page 3
....
WHERE IT WAS FELT
The Dalles, Oregon
Idaho Tri-Weekly Statesman
December 24, 1872 p. 3
Boise I.T.
EARTHQUAKE
PORTLAND, OGN, Dec. 16th -- At Wallula there was an earthquake on Saturday evening. It is reported as very heavy, lasting fifty seconds, and was followed by five lighter shocks at intervals of fifteen minutes; after which a heavy rumbling sound was heard. The
thermometer fell from 30 to 25. The shocks continued at intervals until 4 A.M. The first shock was violent enough to shake
the buildings and contents pretty lively. At Walla Walla two heavy shocks were felt, at Umatilla
three, and at the Dalles four or five; and another at the latter place at 9 A.M. today.
_________________________________________________________________________
Umatilla, Oregon: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Daily Oregonian, December 16, 1872
Idaho Tri-Weekly Statesman, December 24,1872
Umatilla, Oregon
Victoria Daily Standard
December 17, 1872 p. 3
Victoria, B.C.
two heavy shock were felt at Umatilla;
_________________________________________________________________________
Vanwinkle, B.C.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Vanwinkle, B.C.
Cariboo Sentinel (full account in WGR under Quesnel)
December 21, 1872
Barkerville, B.C.
_________________________________________________________________________
Victoria, B.C.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Daily Pacific Tribune December 17, 1872 p.2 Seattle, W.T.
Weekly Pacific Tribune December 21, 1872 p.2 Seattle, W.T. (dup. of Daily Pacific Tribune)
Plaindealer December 20, 1872 Portland, Oregon
Oregon Sentinel December 21, 1872 Jacksonville, Oregon
Walla Walla Union December 28,1872 Walla Walla, W.T.
Victoria, B.C.
Victoria Daily Standard
Dec. 16, 1872, p 3
Victoria, B.C.
SHOCK OF AN EARTHQUAKE -- A strong shock of earthquake, lasting a few seconds,
was felt by some in this city and vicinity, about half-past
nine o'clock on Saturday night. It was felt on the Mainland also.
Despatches are received in town from Washington Territory and the
Mainland of British Columbia, stating that the vibrations
were very much marked, and people very much alarmed.
Victoria, B.C.
Daily British Colonist
December 20, 1872
Victoria, B.C.
The Earthquake of Saturday night was felt more severely in Oregon than here. It was the first recorded visitor of the kind that Oregon has enjoyed. At San Francisco the shock was not felt.
_________________________________________________________________________
Walla Walla, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Daily Oregonian December 16 1872 Portland
Daily British Colonist December 17, 1872 p 3, c 4 Victoria, B.C.
Daily Pacific Tribune December 18, 1872 p. 3 Seattle, W.T.
Weekly Pacific Tribune December 21, 1872 p. 3 Seattle, W.T. (duplicate account)
Plaindealer December 20, 1872, p. 2 Portland, OR
Olympia Transcript December 21, 1872 Olympia, W.T.
Cariboo Sentinel December 21, 1872 p 3 Barkerville, B.C.
Oregon State Journal December 21, 1872 p 2 Eugene, Oregon
The Mountain Sentinel December 21, 1872 Union, Oregon
Weekly Corvallis Gazette December 21, 1872 p 2 Corvallis, Oregon (from Oregonian, December 16, 1872)
Idaho Signal December 21, 1872 p 3 Lewiston, I.T.
Idaho Tri-Weekly Statesman December 24, 1872 p 3 Boise, I.T.
Helena Daily Herald February 8, 1873 Helena, MT. (rehash of Dec. 28 Olympia Transcript)
Walla Walla, W.T.
Walla Walla Union
October 26, 1872, p. 1
Walla Walla, W.T.
Walla Walla, W.T
Victoria Daily Standard
December 17, 1872 p. 3
Victoria, B.C.
"At Walla Walla it was pretty lively"
Walla Walla, W.T.
Walla Walla Union
December 28, 1872
Walla Walla, W.T.
EXTENT OF THE EARTHQUAKE -- The late earthquake has shaken up a greater extent of country than any other that we recollect to have ever heard of. It was felt as far East as Helena, Montana, and perhaps further, and Westward to the coast; and as far North and South of us as we have yet heard. It was as heavy in Victoria as any place we hve heard of, and probably extended far North of that place. From Helena to Victoria is not far from one thousand miles in extent in any direction. An earthquake that can shake British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana, is certainly extensive enough although it has done no material damage in any place so far as we can hear.
Walla Walla, W.T.
Puget Sound Daily Courier
December 28,1892, pg. 3
Olympia, W.T.
The Transcript of to-day appears to hve been badly imposed upon by some wag at
Walla Walla who has written a highly sensational account of the earthquake as it appeared in his imagination, and palmed it off on poor Gunn for the truth. Among other absurdities it tells of a huge TIDAL WAVE in the Columbia that landed a boom of logs seven feet high and dry upon the bank and the mercury fell 12° instantaneously. The maching probably fell from the nail on which it was hanging.
_________________________________________________________________________
Wallula, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Daily British Colonist December 17, 1872 p 3, c 4 Victoria, B.C.
Daily Pacific Tribune December 18, 1872 p. 3 Seattle, W.T.
Weekly Pacific Tribune December 21, 1872 p. 3 Seattle, W.T. (duplicate account)
The Weekly Echo Dec. 19, 1872 Olympia, W.T.
Plaindealer December 20, 1872 Portland, OR
Oregon State Journal December 21, 1872, p. 2 Portland, Oregon
The Mountain Sentinel December 21, 1872 Union, Oregon
Walla Walla Union December 21, 1872 (See under Walla Walla)
Weekly Corvallis Gazette December 21, 1872 p 2 Corvallis, Oregon (from Oregonian, December 16, 1872 ??? [RSL])
Cariboo Sentinel December 21, 1872 p 3 Barkerville, B.C.
Walla Walla Weekly Statesman December 21, 1872 (See under Walla Walla)
Idaho Signal December 21, 1872 p 3 Lewiston, I.T.
Weekly Intelligencer December 23, 1872, p. 3 Seattle, W.T
Idaho Tri-Weekly Statesman December 24,1872, p. 3 Boise, I.T.
The New Northwest December 21, 1872 Deer Lodge, MT
Olympia Transcript December 28, 1872 Olympia, W.T.
Wallula W.T.
Victoria Daily Standard
December 17, 1872 page 3
Victoria, B.C.
At Walula the earthquake on Saturday evening is reported heavy, lasting fifty seconds, followed by five lighter shocks at intervals of fifteen minutes; after which a heavy rumbling sound was heard as distinctly as a heavy peal of thunder. The thermometer fell from thirty to twenty six degrees. The shock continued at irregular intervals until 4 a.m. The first shock was violent enough to shake buildings and their contents>
_________________________________________________________________________
Wenatchee, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Wenatchee Daily World February 17, 1965 Wenatchee, WA
_________________________________________________________________________
Weston, Oregon: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
The Olympia Transcript
Feb. 15, 1873, p. 2
Olympia, W.T.
OREGON - The late earthquake produced a warm spring where a spring was never known before, in Umatilla county, near the town of Weston.
_________________________________________________________________________
White Bluffs, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Additional Accounts cited - may be elsewhere in the collection:
Verne F. Ray (1933) The Sanpoil and Nespelem, Salishan Peoples of Northeastern Washington, Vol. V, University of Washington Publications in Anthropology, University of Washington Press, p. 1808 (See Chelan)
Walla Walla Union
June,14, 1873
Walla Walla, W.T.
STILL SHAKING - A Gentleman just down
from the upper Columbia: informs us
that about a week ago they had quite
a severe shock of earthquake and that the
earth has continued to shake and tremble
at short intervals ever since the
big shake up last Fall. He says
that there is a large number of
Chinamen working on the bars along
the Columbia, but that the mines are
paying only small wages.
_________________________________________________________________________
Yakima, W.T.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Additional Accounts cited - may be elsewhere in the collection:
Olympia Transcript January 4, 1873 p. 2 Olympia, W.T. (this is not a complete version of this article [RSL 8/12/99]
Yakima Herald March 3, 1892 Yakima, Washington (see WGR under Entiat - Ribbon Cliffs, W. T.
Wenatchee Daily World June 15, 1922 Wenatchee, Washington (see WGR under Entiat - Ribbon Cliffs, W. T.
Wenatchee Daily World July 13, 1960 Wenatchee, Washington (see WGR under Entiat - Ribbon Cliffs, W. T.
Yakima, W.T.
Weekly Echo
Jan. 13, 1873
Olympia, W.T.
We are in receipt of letter of F.M. Thorp and WM. Fawcett of Yakima County: "experienced these with considerable violence" - no details.
Yakima, W.T.
The Weekly Intelligencer
Jan. 13, 1873
Seattle, W.T.
Notice of receipt of letter of F.M. Thorp and WM. Fawcett of Yakima County: "experienced these with considerable violence" - no details.
_________________________________________________________________________
Yale, B.C.: Additional accounts from Coombs et. al
Additional Accounts cited - may be elsewhere in the collection:
Yale, B.C.
Cariboo Sentinel
Barkerville, B.C.
January 4, 1873 p. 3
From Yale, dated January 3, reads:
Bristol, the expressman, reports that on the evening of
December 31st, while passing a mountain five miles below Hope, he
saw three flashes of fire issue from the mountain, lighting up
everything around as in the day time. The light was distinctly
seen here by several parties. Several slight shocks of earthquake
have been felt here during the past week.
Yale, B.C.
Daily British Colonist
March 7, 1873, p. 3, col. 2. [This account was in Appendix D of WGR - Not in Coombs - RSL 8/12/1999]
Victoria, B.C.
", The Lower Frasers
"The shock of an earthquake was felt at Yale on the 27th ult:"
Yale, B.C.
Mainland Guardian
March 6, 1873, p. 3, col. 1
New Westminster, B.C.
"EARTHQUAKE. -On Thursday Feb. 27th, -earthquake was felt at
15 minutes past 9--, at Yale, and Hope, but was not felt at
--- son+ River nor New Westminster; it -qual to the one in December
last, some --- more severe, so much so that the telegraph operator
at Yale had to stop working the instrument."
+Probably Thompson River [from WGR Appen. D, RSL 8/12/99]
Yale, B.C.
The Victoria Daily Standard
March 21, 1873 pg 3, c 1.
Victoria, B.C.
"Cariboo and Upper Country
"Shocks of earthquake were distinctly felt at Yale and Hope
about the 27 ult. mo. No damage has however resulted."'
Yale, B.C.
Cariboo Sentinel
March 1, 1873 page 3 col. 1
Barkerville, B. C.
By Telegraph
Yale
Yale, Feb. 27 - A slight shock of earthquake was felt here
this morning.
- - - more
Hope
Hope, Feb. 26--A very heavy shock of earthquake was felt
here at about 9:15 a.m. today. No damage done except a
general shaking of the inhabitants.
Yale, B.C.
Cariboo Sentinel
January 18, 1873 page 1
Barkerville, B. C.
Yale, January 14 - The weather here has been very changeable lately. It is snowing slightly now. The ice is all gone from the river near here. And it is reported that
the blockades in the river below are now entirely gone.
Yale, B.C.
Cariboo Sentinel
January 18, 1873 page 3, col. 1
Barkerville, B. C.
VOLCANOE IN ACTIVE OPERATION ABOVE YALE