From the October 18, 1962
The New Era
The edge of Typhoon Frieda, which first struck Crescent City, Calif., as it moved in from the coast, hit Sweet Home shortly after 3 p.m. Friday and winds estimated as high as 100 miles per hour persisted for about five hours.
Damage in this area as a result of the storm was estimated at between $250,000 and $500,000.
Nearby communities, such as Lebanon and Albany, and other Oregon cities were harder hit by the windstorm, and it is believed that Sweet Home escaped the full force of the violent storm. The storm caused no less than 17 accidental deaths in Oregon.
In the Sweet Home area, the violent winds uprooted trees, dislodged roofing from buildings, damaged cars, shattered windows in both business houses and in homes, knocked down neon signs and caused interruption of power and telephone service.
A large portion of the roof of the Sweet Home Veneer Plant on 18th Avenue was swept away by the brisk wind and heavy damage was also reported at a number of other industrial plants in this area, including Lester Shingle Mill, Willamette National Lumber Company and Mid-Plywood, Inc.
No fatalities or traffic accidents resulted locally and only minor injuries were reported.
Although no fires in this area were attributed to the storm, firemen were kept busy. Once, during the night, a false alarm was turned in when smoke backed down the chimney at the David Held residence, 212 7th Avenue, filling the house with smoke.
Firemen were also called to the John Bland home, 1121 “S” Street, which was one of several damaged by falling trees. Assistant Fire Chief Ron Fogle reported that neighbors spotted candle flames and thought the house was on fire.
Standby crews were on duty all night at the fire hall due to the fact that the fire siren could not be used because of the power outage. Firemen worked three hour shifts and at least six firemen were on duty throughout the night.
A tree toppled over near the high school as students were leaving the building, and a number of Douglas fir trees fell at the city park. On Saturday morning, a great many yards were littered with tree limbs and other debris and trees fell into a number of yards.
Schools in the area were closed Monday as a result of the storm, however all except the high school and the Liberty and Cascadia schools were operating on Tuesday. Furnace difficulties prevented the high school from opening on Tuesday, but the school opened its doors for classes on Wednesday.