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The Waco Tornado - Tragedy and Triumph
Waco Chamber of Commerce
Sound
|
1992
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Color & B/W
|
English
  • Map
  • Highlights
    The narrator is Harry Provence, former Editor of Waco Tribune-Herald
    Introduction of Tommy Suites, Jimmy Willis, and Harry Provence
    Opening Credits
    Padgitt Building
    Weather map for May 11, 1953
    Waco Sun Pool and Cotton Palace Coliseum  
    Douglas Manufacturing Plant
    Kady Park
    First National Bank and Dennis Building
    Texas Seed Co. 
    Joy Theater
    Chris's Cafe
    Palace Recreation Hall
    First Responders 
    Rescue of Ms. Lily Matkin, last survivor found in wreckage
    Rain measurements, water and electrical damages
    Graysoil and McCrory's Variety store, evidence of vacuum effect
    Destruction of automobiles
    Procession of memorials at Waco Memorial Park
    Waco Disaster Fund 
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Using still photos and amateur footage taken by survivors, this short documentary, produced in 1992, recalls the tragedy and acts of heroism that followed one of the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. A Native American legend about the location of Waco held that a tornado would never hit the area; on May 11, 1953, this legend proved false. Shortly after 4:30 p.m. on that fateful day, a powerful tornado touched down, cutting a path of devastation through the downtown area. The intensity of the storm was such that cars were tossed through the air and many buildings were completely demolished; in the aftermath 114 people had lost their lives, with over a thousand persons sustaining injuries. The reaction to the storm was swift, with the community, supported by military and law enforcement personnel, banding together to dig survivors from the wreckage and resurrect the city.
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