| From
the February 16, 2006, edition of “Northwest This Week.”
Sunbeams stream through the damaged auditorium roof in the wake
of a tornado that struck the Northwest Administration Building
in March 1919.
The following is excerpted
from “Transitions: A Hundred Years of Northwest” by
Dr. Janice Brandon-Falcone. An illustrated history of the University’s
first 100 years, “Transitions” is available from the
Bearcat Bookstore on the first floor of the J.W. Jones Student
Union. The book can also be purchased online at www.nwmissouri.bkstore.com
or by calling (660) 562-1246 (ext. 1246 on campus).
In 1919 the Normal experienced changes, both
physical and educational. The school officially changed its name
to Northwest Missouri State Teachers College, and the Administration
Building was hit by a tornado.
The first whirlwind blew in on a March Saturday.
A tornado struck the Administration Building, tearing away the
roof of the auditorium and causing windows to explode throughout
the building. The force of the storm pulled a beam from the auditorium
and drove it through the ceiling of the home economics room. …
The state appropriated $15,000 to repair the damage. “The
Green and White Courier” reported that a roofing company
contractor offered damage estimates of $20,000.
… President Ira Richardson,
working in his office, had just stepped into the next room when
the furious storm blew apart the window in the office and drove
shattered glass over his desk. The tornado did not stop the school
from operating. Construction Manager H.R. Brink boarded up the
windows, cleaned up the debris, and closed some rooms, but on
Monday classes resumed as normal and as Normal.
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