Rebuilding After the Seven Tornadoes
After the seven tornadoes of June 3rd, 1980 right away strangers
and neighbors helped pitch in to clean up the junk and debris that
was left.The American Red Cross provided medicine and shelter to
those who needed help.The Salvation Army went around in vans giving
food to those who were working and cleaning up.They also gave out
clothing to people who didn't have any.
The Civil Air Patrol brought supplies from other places in
Nebraska. Utility crews, policemen and firemen from all over Central
Nebraska worked to get the power back on. The police and National
Guard kept people out who didn't belong there.
All the churches in Grand Island worked together to help people
in getting back together. Neighbors helped anyone who needed help.
President Carter came to Grand Island to see the damage and tell
the people that the government would send help. They sent trailers
for people to live in while their houses were being rebuilt.
All the debris from the tornadoes were placed in six big piles in
various places around the town. When everything was collected the six
piles were burned by the fire department. What was left after the
burning was taken to Ryder Park in Grand Island. It was covered with
soil and grass was planted. It was named Tornado Hill. It is
the only sledding hill in Grand Island.
After one year everything was looking like it would eventually
return to normal.