Devastation to Island Lake Illinois

Submitted by Gail Longworth

When my family was allowed to go to what was left of our home, a place that I had lived my entire 13 years, I could not tell where my own street was, or where my best friends had lived. Houses around the lake didn't have basements, and dozens looked like they had literally been swept clean and dumped into the water. Traces of the storm were found during a drought many years later, including children's bikes and swings, personal items, and memorabilia. It was a solemn reminder of what we had all seen. The only reason many, many more people weren't killed, in addition to a young child I knew, was that Transfiguration Catholic Parish, in Wauconda, was filled to capacity with families whose children were being confirmed. I think that Island Lake should have had at least a mention in your other commentator's version of an era that is still referred to as "and after the tornado..." in this small town.

Photo from http://www.villageoftowerlakes.com/





"Death Out Of Darkness" is a public safety documentary about the deadly tornadoes of the 11-April-1965 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak, which affected portions of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The film primarily focuses on the devastation across Northern and Central Indiana. Produced in 1966 by the Indiana State Police and WISH-TV in Indianapolis, narrated by Lt. Dave Levendoski. Video from visualarchivist on YouTube. There were 47 tornadoes in less than 12 hours. This was the 3rd deadliest tornado swarm in U.S. history. See Also: Ted Fujita

Most of the posts on this blog are submitted by people who lived through the Palm Sunday tornados. If you want to submit your own story you can send them HERE.