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The Financial Burden of the Tornado2
A cleanup crew stops work to pose for a picture.1912
Regina, Saskatchewan
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While the tornado's legacy exists in many forms, perhaps one of the most lasting and at the same time invisible, is the financial burden left in the storm's wake. Huge amounts of property, both personal and business, were destroyed by the tornado. Homes, businesses, public buildings and infrastructure were all affected.4
The loan from the Province of Saskatchewan to Regina to finance repairs after the tornado.1912
Regina, Saskatchewan
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The city required money quickly, as thousands had been left homeless by the tornado, and emergency preparations had to be made. On June 8, 1912 Premier Walter Scott made $500,000 available to the City of Regina from the Province of Saskatchewan.The amount of personal property destroyed by the tornado was immense. The great need for financing and repairs facilitated the formation of the Cyclone Mortgage Committee, which handled the properties of those whose homes and businesses had been destroyed.
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View of tornado damage along Cornwall Street, where many businesses were located.1912
Cornwall Street, Regina, Saskatchewan
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The Donahue building, which suffered little damage from the tornado.1912
11th Avenue and Lorne Street, Regina, Saskatchewan
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Tornado wreckage at the site of the Laird building, a major warehouse in Regina.1912
Regina, Saskatchewan
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Many businesses were damaged in the storm, and there is no doubt that commerce in Regina was disrupted in the days following the tornado. Many non-profit organizations, including the Y.M.C.A, the Y.W.C.A and several churches were also affected.10
Damaged to the Metropolitan Methodist Church, caused by the tornado.1912
Victoria Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan
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The Knox Metropolitan Church located on Lorne Street is one organization whose building suffered extensive damage from the tornado. In order to finance repairs, the church took out a second mortgage of $26,000 (the original mortgage taken out to finance the building of the church was still in effect and was paid off in 1926). Over the years, the second mortgage was slowly paid off until 1945. That year the congregation worked to fundraise the remaining $11,000. Finally, in May of 1945, the mortgage was liquidated.12
View of the Metropolitan Methodist Church after the tornado.1912
Victoria Avenue, Regina, Saskatchewan
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A view of Lorne Street more than 90 years after the tornado.2005
Lorne Street, Regina, Saskatchewan
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With the completion of the mortgage payments, the Knox Metropolitan United Church could celebrate, and a ceremony was conducted. Two of the congregation's oldest members, Mrs. Robert Martin and Robert Sinton were given the task of burning the mortgage, signaling the end of the church's commitment to the financial burden left behind by the tornado. |
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