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Story
June 8, 1880
Public Ledger
Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee
What is this article about?
Passengers on the steamer Mary Powell witnessed a spectacular and alarming lightning display along the Hudson River after departing Poughkeepsie on Wednesday evening, May 28, with vivid streaks illuminating the scene and causing fear among ladies aboard.
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Lightning Display up the Hudson.
[Poughkeepsie Eagle, May 28.]
Passengers on the Mary Powell Wednesday evening, say that the electric display, as witnessed from her hurricane deck after leaving here, was not only grand beyond description, but also appalling. Streaks of forked lightning played incessantly along the mountain tops, leaping from crag to crag, and seemed to zigzag from the clouds into the river, and chain lightning ran in every direction. For half an hour there was not a second of time that the whole river was not illuminated, and the atmosphere seemed to be impregnated with a sulphurous odor. The brilliancy was almost blinding. The cars of the 6 p.m. train from New York could be plainly seen, as could also the passengers at the windows. The lightning seemed to play all around the steamer in a sort of electric lace work, and was of blue, white and violet color. Ladies on the boat were greatly alarmed, but the steamer forged through the electric belt in safety, and there were many on board who will never forget the scene.
[Poughkeepsie Eagle, May 28.]
Passengers on the Mary Powell Wednesday evening, say that the electric display, as witnessed from her hurricane deck after leaving here, was not only grand beyond description, but also appalling. Streaks of forked lightning played incessantly along the mountain tops, leaping from crag to crag, and seemed to zigzag from the clouds into the river, and chain lightning ran in every direction. For half an hour there was not a second of time that the whole river was not illuminated, and the atmosphere seemed to be impregnated with a sulphurous odor. The brilliancy was almost blinding. The cars of the 6 p.m. train from New York could be plainly seen, as could also the passengers at the windows. The lightning seemed to play all around the steamer in a sort of electric lace work, and was of blue, white and violet color. Ladies on the boat were greatly alarmed, but the steamer forged through the electric belt in safety, and there were many on board who will never forget the scene.
What sub-type of article is it?
Extraordinary Event
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Nature
What keywords are associated?
Lightning Display
Hudson River
Mary Powell Steamer
Electric Storm
Poughkeepsie
What entities or persons were involved?
Passengers On The Mary Powell
Where did it happen?
Hudson River Near Poughkeepsie
Story Details
Key Persons
Passengers On The Mary Powell
Location
Hudson River Near Poughkeepsie
Event Date
May 28, Wednesday Evening
Story Details
Passengers on the Mary Powell steamer observed a grand and appalling lightning display after leaving Poughkeepsie, with forked and chain lightning illuminating the river and mountains for half an hour, alarming ladies aboard but passing safely.