Albert Lea in the snow
Published 2:48 pm Friday, December 29, 2017
- The Methodist Sunday School took a break from their sleigh ride party for a photograph. W.W. Claybourn was the driver and the power was provided by horses, Frank and Bill. The frame building in the background was located at 105-107 N. Washington.
- A path was cut through the drift on the east side of the 200 block on South Broadway following a 1909 snow.
- A 1909 snowstorm left large drifts on Broadway Avenue. The Model Clothing Co., 102 W. Clark Street, is in the center background of the photo.
- Snow covers South Broadway in this view from William Street. The tall building is Skinner Chamberlain and Company, 225 S. Broadway. The photo was taken prior to 1920.
- A 1909 snowstorm left large drifts on Broadway Avenue. The Model Clothing Co., 102 W. Clark Street, is in the center background of the photo.
- A path was cut through the drift on the east side of the 200 block on South Broadway following a 1909 snow.
- The snow-lined sidewalks and streets didn’t slow the activity in Albert Lea. These walkers are headed north on the 300 block of South Broadway.
- A man is busy shoveling out from a storm that dropped two feet of snow in March 1933. The former First National Bank building can be seen in the background.
- The Methodist Sunday School took a break from their sleigh ride party for a photograph. W.W. Claybourn was the driver and the power was provided by horses, Frank and Bill. The frame building in the background was located at 105-107 N. Washington.
By Linda Evenson
Photos courtesy of Freeborn County Historical Museum
Snow has brought beauty and created difficulty in the city of Albert Lea. In the past, like today, a fresh snow creates a beautiful scene for a relaxing, refreshing walk or maybe a sleigh ride. Children continue to find joy when playing in the snow.
In February 1909, a snowstorm hit Albert Lea. It caused no property damage, but trains experienced delays, running four to 10 hours behind schedule. Winds piled the snow in drifts 7- to 8-feet high, covering the sidewalks on the east side of Broadway. The “west siders” felt good the drifts were on the east side for a change.
A two-day storm in March 1933 began as rain, turned to sleet, followed by heavy snow. The March 20, 1933, issue of The Evening Tribune reported, “Sunday morning, the business section of our city was a sight to behold. Buses, huge trucks, cars and wreckers completely jammed the center spaces to remain stalled the greater part of the day — while all along the parking places were cars and trucks nearly buried from sight by huge drifts of snow.” Fire Chief Larson was concerned the motorized fire engine might become stuck in heavier drifts, so the crew at the fire station rigged up a horse-drawn bobsled. They loaded it with a ladder, hose and other fire-fighting equipment. A team of strong horses stood in the station with their harness on, ready to go if the alarm sounded.