The Cyclone of 1911

Although Ambrose and community does have its share of summer storms, they are usually of a mild nature. However, the area has had a rare bad one. Old timers strongly agree that the worst storm in this area took place on August 15, 1911. This storm consisted of a cyclone that swept lengthwise through the heart of this area, cutting a wide swath, and leaving three dead, many seriously injured, and scores of buildings totally destroyed. On the Truax farm north of Kermit, William Taquin was instantly killed, and another farm hand died of injuries sometime later. Another farm employee in the Noonan area, Clarence Brevik, was killed. Rasmus Aalund, a farmer near Ambrose, was badly bruised, but ten others in his house miraculously escaped injuries when the storm dashed his house all over the prairie. Every piece of furniture he had was broken.

Another farmer, living south of Ambrose, was not so lucky. Theodore Johnson and his wife were left in critical condition as was their baby, when their home was destroyed. A brother, William, extricated himself and made his way to the home of a neighbor, Andrew Hanson, believing all of the others in the family were dead. Hanson returned and summoned medical help for the unconscious family, but only the baby was expected to live.  (Divide County Journal Golden Jubilee Edition. Crosby, North Dakota July 15, 1954)

The O. H. Holte farm just one-half mile south of Ambrose also lost both its house and barn. Mrs. Holte was badly burned when thrown against their stove. However, Mr. Holte set out for Ambrose immediately after the storm had subsided where he purchased lumber to rebuild.  (As related by Mrs. O H Holte)

From "A History of Ambrose" by Delroy J. Gorecki, 1962