The Blizzard of '88

One of the perks of attending an annual CSAA conference, besides the obvious camaraderie, is coming away with fascinating schoolhouse history. Held in a different state each year we gather information we may never have considered or even heard of.

​In June of 2018 we met in Beatrice, Nebraska at Southeast Community College and were hosted by National Park Rangers at the Homestead National Monument. The monument is spectacular and the museum exhibits are models of excellence. 

In Nebraska we examined the rich history of hearty pioneers who were granted parcels of land for very little money under the Homestead Act on the condition that they farm it and improve it. Thousands took advantage and the settlement of the Great Plains is the rest of the story. Building and maintaining country schools would serve as an anchor to these communities, but pride in educating their children would turn to tragedy for many families in the unexpected arrival of a snow storm on January 12, 1888.

Not just  a mid-west snow storm...
Amidst the stories of struggles and survival this  fascinating tale was offered by one of our keynote speakers, David Laskin, author of one of two definitive histories of the monstrous multi-state blizzard in his book, "The Children's Blizzard." According to Laskin, "This epic prairie snowstorm killed hundreds of newly arrived settlers and cast a shadow on the promise of the American frontier....many of the dead were schoolchildren who had perished on their way home from country schools." Historians rank the so-called Children's Blizzard of 1888 as the most severe to ever hit Nebraska. It has been labeled a meteorological catastrophe and is ingrained in the story of the Great Plains.

Stories of survival...
Of greatest interest to our attendees were the stories of how the teachers, children, and parents played out their roles to survive the unprecedented conditions that befell them in a matter of minutes...and then hours. We learned of children getting lost three feet from each other in blinding conditions, holing up in dug out haystacks, lashed together by ropes to follow fence lines home...or burning school furniture to survive the night while huddling in their schoolhouse. Rescues either succeeded or failed.

​It goes without saying that if this post has piqued your interest, we certainly recommend Laskin's book (published in 2004) so detailed in its storytelling. The limited science of meteorology at the time, the anatomy of the blizzard itself, the life of the homesteader, the decisions made and regretted, the heroism by those most unlikely, the sad losses of life, and the miraculous rescues are all woven into the chapters.

​As the nation came together to mourn the dead and offer assistance, lessons were learned, memories were shared, and the resilient pioneers would persevere, but never forget. Laskin's summary of the aftermath is as riveting as the unfolding. This a must read for schoolhouse enthusiasts.

Another definitive compilation of blizzard stories (available as a used book) was published in 1947. The book entitled, "In All Its Fury: The Great Blizzard of 1888," is described on its back cover:
"Some years after the storm, W.H. O'Hare of Laurel Nebraska (one time speaker of the Nebraska House of Representatives) formed with others the January 12, 1888 Blizzard Club. In 1945 members of the club began collecting stories of the blizzard from all over the midwest. These accounts of heroism and courage on the Great Plains were first published in 1947. They are reprinted here to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the great storm and the final meeting of the Blizzard Club on April 9th, 1988."

​If you'd like some quick articles on the story, try these for good summaries. Also two links to the best blizzard books.

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The ChilDREN'S BLIZZARD- DAVID LASKIN

IN ALL ITS FURY- USED BOOKS

BENCHMARKS: JANUARY 12, 1888

BLIZZARD OF 1888- DAVID HENDEE