News: Abbotsford - Sleet Storm (5 Dec 1945)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
Email: bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

----Source: The Abbotsford Tribune - Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 12/5/2012

Originally printed in the Abbotsford Tribune, Thursday, December 5, 1945

Ice and Snow Cause Damage to Light and Telephone Wires

Sleet, which coated everything outside the past weekend, made a lovely winter scene which was far from picturesque for telephone and light and power men.

The damage done is hard to estimate as the lack of power in some establishments meant a big waste in production. Farmer’s who have the help that electricity provides, found themselves back to pioneer methods of hand work and lams and candle lighting.

The power in Abbotsford was continuous throughout, with only momentary interruptions slowing or stopping electric clocks. Neighboring towns of Colby, Unity, Stetsonville, Milan, Athens and Dorchester were not so fortunate. The linemen were out working long hours and by Tuesday, the breaks and entanglements were repaired.

Telephone lines were out of order, and the telegraph system was used in some instance to report trouble. Toll lines and rural lines received first attention in replacing the broken wires and pole that snapped off. Some of the local lines were still out of order today.

The telegraph wires were all straightened out by Monday. A little trouble was found between Marshfield and Abbotsford and around Park Falls, but there was one wire through on Monday.

The linemen, who have been just snatching a little sleep, say this has been the worst sleet storm in years.