Hurricane Hazel Personal Accounts

Donna Reid
I was six years old when Hurricane Hazel hit our town of Whitby, Ontario in October 1954. I had two small brothers -- Jimmy was four years old and Terry was only one year old. My parents huddled us all into the biggest bedroom and the candles were lit. I remember all of us kids lying cozy in the big bed with the wind howling outside and the rain pounding against the windows. My Dad made it a big adventure and took the fear away by telling us stories of when he was a little boy. I know that it was a terrible time for a lot of people but to me, as a small child, it has always been a cherished memory of a time when my family was so close and so loving. That night my Dad was my hero.

[Back to Your Stories main page]

[Top]