The year 2014 began in Windham with a horrendous snowstorm and frigid temperatures, causing many to expound on the condition of roads, troubles with motor vehicles and the difficulties created by Mother Nature. Was this going to be our worst winter ever? Maybe not.
Just a little more than 200 years ago, on Jan. 18, 1810, Windham and the rest of New England suffered what became known as Cold Friday. Nothing like it had ever been experienced. The temperature the day prior was reported as 45 to 50 degrees above zero. The warm, southerly wind took a turn toward the north in the afternoon, and blew at hurricane force.
As evening drew near, it became very cold and on the 18th of January, residents were in the grip of a severe blizzard with 30 degrees below zero. A “white out” was caused by the constant snow and hail. In New Hampshire, buildings were blown down, several people lost their lives, and many domestic animals froze to death.
Here in Maine, many sheep and cattle perished and buildings were destroyed, but no person died due to the snowstorm.
Windham historians have written much about unusual weather conditions and astronomical events, beginning with a 1767 hurricane/tornado. Both words are used to describe the July 31 event that began at Sebago Lake, heading east, through a corner of Gorham, crossing the Presumpscot River where Babb’s Bridge is, through the middle of Windham to Duck Pond (Highland Lake) and on to North Yarmouth. According to one anonymous written report, the tornado destroyed all in its path “with wind but no rain or hail.” Oxen were caught between fallen trees and had to be extricated and buildings were blown down.
In its history, Windham experienced forest fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, floods and ice storms. There was even a meteoric shower on the evening of Nov. 13, 1833.
Resident and businessman Jonathan Loveitt recorded in his diary: “The stars fell as thick as they was in the skye.” Others said it appeared as though the heavens were on fire, as large meteors darted across the sky leaving luminous trains behind them, visible for half an hour.
Many citizens were simply terrified, thinking the world was at an end. Since it was reported to be visible from the Great Lakes to the equator, a scientific record of this may be available to researchers.
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