Massive Blizzard Hit Bedford in 1904

The December 29th, 1904 Bedford Times-Republican wrote about a massive blizzard that hit the area in 1904.

Although when day broke this morning the mercury in the different thermometers was doing its best to kick a hole in the bottom of the bulb, still even the stinging cold was a welcome change from the howling, wintry blasts of yesterday.

Many of the oldest residents say it was the worst storm that has visited southwestern Iowa within the last half century, others tell of storms which were worse, but all agree that this one was bad enough.  All day long the wind blew a gale, and the air was so filled with snow, as to make moving around out of doors almost impossible. The streets were deserted, even the delivery wagons and drays did not venture out.  To go even a few blocks was a task but few cared to attempt.  The streets in many places were drifted high with snow, while the sidewalks were in the same condition.  To make travel more difficult wherever the snow had blown away the ground or sidewalk was a glare of ice, and to face the storm and keep on one's feet, or walk up or down hill without falling was simply out of the question.

So far as communication by mail was concerned, Bedford was isolated.  The north bound passenger, due here at 12:36 p.m. yesterday, managed to get through here several hours late, but in a cut between Lenox and Creston she succumbed.  A freight butted its way as far as Conway, but a few miles beyond the Snow King overcame her and she gave up the ghost.

The rural patrons got no mail yesterday or today.  Not only would the lives of both the carrier and his horses have been in peril had they attempted to go over the routes yesterday, but the drifting show filed the lanes and roads so as to make them impassable.  The same condition now prevails.  A half mile from town was the farthest point reached by any carrier this morning.  By tomorrow the roads will probably be opened and the rural patrons will again be in touch with the world. 

At noon today a passenger train arrived from the south, and it will be but a short time before the trains will again be running on comparatively regular time.

No fatalities or even serious accidents caused by the storm have as yet been reported, and in this we may consider ourselves as being particularly fortunate for there is no doubt that many a life has been demanded by the Storm Demon before his anger was appeased. 

Somehow, the Bedford Times-Republican went to press on December 29th. The Sheridan Advance, Grant City Star, and Worth County Tribune did not print that day.