Home * January 1, 1949 * Cattle * Interviews
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These men left stating they were trying to go on to Cheyenne. However, in about two hours they were back stating that they had spent all that time trying to get through the eight foot drift just by the station. Since it was then about four p.m. they decided to go back to Pine bluffs and asked if some didn't want to accompany them. At first no one wanted to venture out out in the storm however, after a talk from Bill the Manager stating that all would have to move into the station because of a short-age of coal and then too because the food supply was limited making 16 people to go with the bus. We all sent our names with them asking them to call, wire or radio our whereabouts. Then we wished them well and a safe journey back to Pine bluffs.
Monday night we slept in the station. On the floor, on chairs, on the counter and about every sq. yard was covered with someone trying to get some rest, hoping that the next day would bring a break in the storm. However, the weather forecast that we could just barely get on the radio was not too promising. The children were good soldiers and slept most of the night. Wally's peculiar method of bouncing his head to go to sleep amused the group and his cries sent all to retire early.
Tuesday morning with the storm still raging as much as ever we found that our front door was entirely drifted shut. The coal shed was covered with snow so that no more coal could be secured for the cabin. As the day before already the only outside rest rooms were filled with snow. After all got up and straightened out there sore muscles we had breakfast. Oh, yes it was eggs for breakfast. Then Bill set out to move in the Surrett family. On each trip when he got in through the garage door on the east his face was completely covered with snow. He would carry in first one baby then the other and then he lead the adults in. It was impossible to see even in daylight and he stated on one trip that he missed the cabin only about fifty yards away but soon realized that he had gone too far and turned back. When after his third trip he came in he took off his army coat and it was frozen stiff. It just stood on the floor.
Tuesday was spent visiting, some playing cards and then we had two humorous readings one by Mr. Logadon from Fort Collins, and one by Mr. Crossing from Albion Wy. Late that evening all set up a bed on the floor and Bill gave his bed to the Surretts with the babies. He slept on the counter with one foot down each sleeve of an army overcoat that happened to be at the station. We all dreaded to think of spending another night with such a few blankets on those hard floors but were somewhat encouraged when the radio reports stated a break in the storm for Wednesday.
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