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AREA IN MONTANA ROCKED BY TEMBLORS
Shocks Are Severe But No Great Damage Done
From Bozeman To Helena, Seismic Disturbance Recalls Great Quakes Of 1925

A strong earth tremor was recorded in Helena and vicinity yesterday afternoon about 3:38. It lasted for four or five seconds and was felt in all parts of the city, particularly in the offices two stories or more above the ground.
The shock was very noticeable at the state capitol building, especially on the second and third floors. Furniture trembled in the offices on the north side of the building and windows rattled in the state board of health building.

BOZEMAN FEELS TREMOR
Bozeman, Feb. 29‹Definite earthquake shocks were felt in Bozeman and all of the towns and rural districts in Gallatin county to the west, this afternoon at 3:38, the time being noted on instruments at the local office of the Montana Power company. The tremor was of short duration lasting, according to various estimates, from three to 10 seconds.
Occupants of upper stories of office buildings, hotels and apartment houses felt the shock more acutely than those on the street or ground floors and in the residential districts the shock was more keenly felt than in the business section. It was the most severe disturbance since the quake of June 27, 1925.
Worst Since 1925
Reports from Manhattan, Logan, Trident and Three Forks, where the 1925 disturbance caused several thousand dollars property damage, also experienced the shock today. People in these towns and communities say it was the worst since 1925. No damage was reported. Further reports say that the intensity of the tremor decreased in the neighborhood of Sixteen-Mile canyon, Lombard and other towns to the north. It was in that section where the temblors of 1925 were most severe.
No Damage Is Done
At White Sulphur Springs a slight quiver was felt at 3:40 today. It shook several buildings, but no damage was done. Manhattan reported a stiff tremor that shook merchandise from shelves. Lombard felt two three-second shocks, one at 4:15 and one at 4:40. A gust of wind accompanied a slight tremor at Three Forks at 3:30 this afternoon.
[Helena Independent; March 1, 1928]

QUAKE PROVES THAT COURTS CAN BE JUST AS UNCEREMONIOUS
AND HASTY AS OTHER THINGS

Courts are usually the very symbol of dignified procedure, solemn rites, and well considered action. Haste is not among their weaknesses. Deliberation is their keynote, and that applies to the opening, closing and conduct of all of the proceedings. But an earthquake apparently has power to revolutionize even the staid and stern processes of the most impressive and imposing tribunal.
Yesterday afternoon when the earthquake occurred it shook the court room in the court house where the trial of the Edwards case against the city was in progress with considerable effect. The ceiling of the court room is very lofty, and if the plaster fell from it there would be disaster for any one beneath it.
At the very first wiggle Judge Ford took a quick jump from the bench and as his coat tails disappeared into his chambers, he was heard to say, "I am going to get out of here." After that there was a sudden crumbling of the proceedings in that tribunal, lawyers, witnesses, spectators and litigants beating it out the doors as fast as their feet would carry them. It was one occasion when the "Oyez" with which courts are adjourned was omitted by general consent without discussion, and lacking even a preliminary word.
The fellow who works the earthquakes certainly knows how to cure a court of dilatoriness and procrastination.
[Helena Independent; March 1, 1928]

Return to Helena Earthquake Summary.




University of Utah Seismograph Stations  «»   135 South 1460 East, Room 705 WBB
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0111  «»   Phone 801-581-6274  «»  Fax 801-585-5585
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