1957 Tornado Survey Letters to WDAY
Collection
Identifier: Mss 3122
Scope and Content
“MSS 3122 - 1957 Tornado Survey Letters to WDAY” is a collection of letters from residents of the Fargo-Moorhead area. WDAY was one of multiple news stations covering the storm patterns and provided updates to their listeners. WDAY warned families to stay indoors, giving them constant updates on the storm’s movements and power. More than a few letters mention how WDAY saved families from potential danger, as their warnings allowed people time to prepare and take shelter.
Following the storm, WDAY asked their listeners to provide them feedback through and Tornado Survey. WDAY asked three questions: 1. How the writer heard about the storm. 2. What they did during the storm. 3. Any suggestions or feedback for WDAY.
The collection is arranged in two series (Postcards and Letters), each of which are arranged alphabetically by the respondent’s last name.
Following the storm, WDAY asked their listeners to provide them feedback through and Tornado Survey. WDAY asked three questions: 1. How the writer heard about the storm. 2. What they did during the storm. 3. Any suggestions or feedback for WDAY.
The collection is arranged in two series (Postcards and Letters), each of which are arranged alphabetically by the respondent’s last name.
Dates
- 1957
Access
The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.
Copyrights
The NDSU Archives owns the copyrights.
History
On June 20, 1957, Fargo, North Dakota, and the area north of Moorhead, Minnesota were hit by a violent and deadly tornado. It was part of a series of five tornadoes produced by a single supercell over a span of 3.5 hours. The tornado started in North Dakota, crossed into Minnesota, and traveled a total distance of 52.4 miles. It was classified as an F5 tornado, the strongest category on the Fujita scale, and had a width of up to 700 yards. This tornado caused extensive damage, including the destruction of approximately 329 homes and severe damage to churches, schools, and businesses. The total estimated damage was $25.25 million in 1957 USD.
The tornado caused over one-hundred injuries and ten fatalities, though some sources mention twelve deaths. The fatalities primarily occurred in the Golden Ridge neighborhood. The Munson family, consisting of Gerald and Mercedes Munson and their seven children, suffered the most tragic loss. Six of their children were killed when their home collapsed during the tornado. The story of their deaths received significant media attention and became emblematic of the tornado's devastation.
The Fargo tornado of 1957 is considered the deadliest tornado in North Dakota's history.
The tornado caused over one-hundred injuries and ten fatalities, though some sources mention twelve deaths. The fatalities primarily occurred in the Golden Ridge neighborhood. The Munson family, consisting of Gerald and Mercedes Munson and their seven children, suffered the most tragic loss. Six of their children were killed when their home collapsed during the tornado. The story of their deaths received significant media attention and became emblematic of the tornado's devastation.
The Fargo tornado of 1957 is considered the deadliest tornado in North Dakota's history.
Extent
.25 Linear Feet (.25 linear feet)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
“1957 Tornado Survey Letters to WDAY” is a collection of letters from residents of the Fargo-Moorhead area to WDAY news station following the destructive tornado in June of 1957.
Provenance
Dontated by David F. Smith, 2023 (2023-022irs).
Property Rights
The NDSU Archives owns the property rights to this collection.
- Title
- Finding Aid to the 1957 Tornado Survey Letters to WDAY
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Institute for Regional Studies Repository
Contact:
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu
West Building N
3551 7th Avenue North
Fargo North Dakota 58102 United States
ndsu.archives@ndsu.edu