THE ARMISTICE DAY BLIZZARD

Relying on street cars and automobiles to get home, many downtown workers from St. Louis Park have stories to tell about that fateful day. Please contact us if you would like to share yours.

November 11, 1940 was the date of what is referred to as the Armistice Day Blizzard. (Armistice Day is now called Veterans' Day.) This infamous and deadly Blizzard killed 49 people statewide and more than 50 sailors on the Great Lakes. The storm that started west in Washington State dumped 16.2 inches of snow in the Cities; a record 26.6 inches fell in Collegeville, by St. Cloud. The temperature dropped to 30 below, with winds from 32 up to 63 miles per hour. 20 of the fatalities were duck hunters, who had heard a weather forecast of light snow, perfect for tracking. Duck hunters were delayed in leaving by the temptation of the enormous flocks flying furiously to get away from the front.

The storm hit the area by surprise: the day started out in the 60’s, and workers went to their downtown jobs on the streetcars wearing light coats or sweaters. The Weather Bureau predicted snow flurries and highs in the 40’s, but at 9:30 am the barometer dropped so low it was off the chart. By 10:00 the radio reported that "unpredictable" weather was ahead, and the temperature started to drop precipitously. The snow started about 10:15, and by 11 it was coming down thick and fast. By noon the streetcars were slowing down or stopping, stranding workers in downtown hotels, their offices, or anywhere they could find shelter. Even a two-block walk from the bus to one's house was treacherous, especially for women with bare legs and flimsy shoes.

Soon stalled out cars were abandoned by their drivers. Prestone antifreeze was new at that time and cost $10/gallon, so most people used alcohol, which was ineffective at keeping the engine warm. Model A's did the best under the conditions, being so high off the ground, and chains were about the only thing that allowed any traction in the days before snow tires.

Newsboys who got the paper through were awarded a numbered Certificate of Merit, which stated:

Know all men by these presents that, in the face of actual physical danger, and with great bravery and determination, and that on the day of the worst blizzard the Northwest has ever known, the Armistice Day Blizzard of November 1940, [newsboy's name] did perform his duty in a courageous, noble manner, in delivering the Tribune Newspapers to his subscribers against great difficulties.

Of all the pictures of the storm, the most famous is of Excelsior Blvd., looking west through the footbridge of the Minikahda Golf Course. Cars were abandoned and stayed in the street for at least five days. Many people in the area walked on the rooftops of the cars to get to Al's Bar, where they proceeded to make the best of things for three days. In fact, many descriptions of time spent waiting for the storm to pass involved various local drinking establishments.

Others made it to the American Legion hall and made good use of the 200 dinners prepared by members of the Auxiliary for the annual Armistice dinner. One man didn't make it out, though: his body was found in his car "near the cut at the Minikahda golf course."

It was estimated that 2,000 people were stranded on Wayzata Blvd. Nearby homeowners took some people in, and some found taverns along the way.

For stories of personal experiences with the storm, including one chapter on how workers got home after the streetcar stopped, read All Hell Broke Loose by William H. Hull, 1985.

Also see the related story in Something in the Water.

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This information comes from a variety of sources: newspapers, books, yearbooks, phone directories, interviews, etc. Given the varied sources, we cannot guarantee that all of this information is correct, and welcome any additions and corrections. Please contact us with your contributions and comments.