Quake affected Utahns deeply
News and aid were on the move quickly
Relying on telegraph reports, the newspaper rushed out an "Extra" edition about the disaster on April 18, 1906, the day the quake struck. "Salt Lakers on the Coast: Hundreds of them in Stricken City and Relatives are Much Concerned: Probably No Utahns Hurt," read some of a stack of headlines above one article that day.
The April 19 "Extra" included the article, "San Francisco Abandoned." A short story noted that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was donating $10,000 to the relief effort.
On April 21, the paper launched a fund drive to help residents of the devastated city. Meanwhile, thousands of the homeless were headed to Ogden and others were expected in Salt Lake City.
James Edward Talmage, geology professor at the University of Utah, wrote an article for the newspaper in which he warned that eventually a catastrophic earthquake could hit Utah.
The experiences of Albert McCormick, Salt Lake City, were related in an April 21 article. "He woke up again at 11 o'clock amid shouts of 'Fire!' Then the Salt Laker got up and saw scenes on the street he felt entirely unable to describe. Buildings appeared to be crumbling on all sides, filling the air with dust and debris; and fires were breaking out in many places, and sending the flames up into the sky."
The Deseret News opened a registration bureau in San Francisco, asking Utahns to sign up so people at home would know they were alive.
"Utah students are all safe," the paper reported on April 23, referring to those attending San Francisco Medical College. "Same is true of 'Mormon' missionaries and all other (Utah) citizens, so far as known."
When the J.J. Daly family returned to Utah, they told of the destruction of the hotel where they had stayed. "The building was shattered, and the crash was bewildering. Half-dressed women and men were rushing around the halls, helpless, praying and weeping."
Dr. George V. Schramm arrived back in Salt Lake City on April 22, having survived San Francisco's devastation. He had attended to the wounded for several days. "On Wednesday night he slept in Golden Gate Park where thousands of others stayed. Every one seemed ready to share what little food he had with others who were unable to get anything."
A Deseret News team set up an office in Oakland to cover the disaster.
With San Francisco under martial law, any man who did not obey orders was simply shot, the team reported on April 24. "If anyone is seen by the military among the ruins (possibly looting) he is told to advance within six paces and halt. If he starts to run he is a dead man.
Comments
- Logan canal breaks; 3 to 4 missing 7:47 p.m.
- Plenty of fantasy films for families 7:22 p.m.
- So you think you're the next Rowling? 7:21 p.m.
- 'Bomber' is about more than candy 7:21 p.m.
- Tips for getting published 7:21 p.m.
- Galleries 7:21 p.m.
- Spain's armor on view in D.C. 7:21 p.m.
- Duet of artists at Meyer Gallery 7:21 p.m.
- Stage auditions 7:21 p.m.
- 'As You Like It's' Parrett is a joy 7:21 p.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Logan canal breaks; 3 to 4 missing
- Utahns among Texans' investors
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Millsap offer: $10.3M up front
- Cash for Clunkers to get rolling soon
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- LDS seminary principal arrested
336 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
193 - 2 men cited on LDS plaza
167 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
141 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
124 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
101 - Fairness of BCS debated
83 - Letters: Single-payer system best
76 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
As more and more dads are put out of work in this economy, I've been...
The photographs are mysterious, brooding, dark. They show dimples and...
Millsap is a great backup, and might be worth about 6 mil a year, but 10.3...
I honestly think its time to lower the laws for statutory. People are people...
Yes, times were different back then when we had real heroes.. like General...
We should somehow trade boozer and Ak and resign millsap
He was such a nice guy. He was easy to love and he loved easily. Is it really...
It's the reality, but NBA players are immensely overpaid.However, Millsap is...
None of these players are really "worth" it. If you have to pay it though...
In a public place the rules have to be the same for all people, but that is...
Dear Serious, I'm an "out-of state observer" too, but must in this case I...
the same after he got his knee hurt. Millsap is just as prone to injury as...


You can be the first to comment on this story.