Today’s icy weather is definitely not the norm for this part of Texas. Our streets, tires and infrastructure is designed to handle heavy rains and heat, but not snow.
Sealy “Open Gates” Mansion blanketed in snow
But because it’s such a rare occurrence, photos of snowfalls from the past seem especially enchanting. On Valentine’s Day in 1895 Galveston was blanketed with over a foot of snow, bringing street car traffic to a halt, and closing the doors of banks and wholesale businesses.
Snow-covered Strand
The snow began to fall about one o’clock in the afternoon, and continued to fall for the rest of the day.
Carriage driving through snow at 17th and Postoffice
Shoes stores sold out of “gum boots” (rubber boots) and overshoes, as even the most sedate citizens took part in citywide snowball fights. Merchants, policemen, bankers carriage drivers, doctors an other adults took the opportunity to launch snowballs at each other, to the delight of onlookers.
Rear of the Kopperl Residence
Those trapped at the train station waiting for trains that had no way of reaching them were less amused. The bright spot at the station occurred when Officer Perrett saved a yellow dog he found half-frozen in a snow drift, and warmed it by the waiting room stove.
Shoveling snow outside the Kopperl residence
A few ingenious locals attached temporary runners on their carriages and used them as makeshift sleighs. Others were the victims of icy falls and other mishaps.
Ball High School surrounded by snow
As evening fell Dr. Isaac Cline, the now famous Galveston meteorologist was busily answering telephone inquiries about the prospect of more snow, but were met with the news that the “worst” was over. Our generation isn’t the first to be excited over the prospect of snow or worry about it’s implications…and it certainly won’t be the last.
Photographs courtesy of the Rosenberg Library Archives.
Icy harbor
8 thoughts on “The “Great Snow” of 1895”
Brenda Dresnersays:
Very interesting article. I did not know about this “snowstorm” so I was fascinated by the stories within the article.
Great reading
After 1900, I am sure they would look back at an innocent snow storm and would have preferred THAT compared to THE GREAT STORM that devastated all of Galveston. Mind boggling.
Love this little piece of Galveston history as I lay here in my ocean front boliver peninsular home listening to the ocean roar and thinking my ancestors heard that same beautiful roar of our beloved coast. Thank goodness some things can’t be changed! Reyna Moore 2-15-22
Part of the fascination for me of enjoying the historic buildings and sites on the island is thinking about the generations of people who have stood in, lived and enjoyed the very same spots.
Very interesting article. I did not know about this “snowstorm” so I was fascinated by the stories within the article.
Great reading
Interesting article. I was unaware of this “snowstorm” so it really peeked my interest. Loved the many short stories within the article.
A chilling story! Our Island homes just aren’t made for wintry weather
After 1900, I am sure they would look back at an innocent snow storm and would have preferred THAT compared to THE GREAT STORM that devastated all of Galveston. Mind boggling.
No kidding. Complete devastation! 🙏🏻
Thank you for sending this!
Love this little piece of Galveston history as I lay here in my ocean front boliver peninsular home listening to the ocean roar and thinking my ancestors heard that same beautiful roar of our beloved coast. Thank goodness some things can’t be changed! Reyna Moore 2-15-22
Part of the fascination for me of enjoying the historic buildings and sites on the island is thinking about the generations of people who have stood in, lived and enjoyed the very same spots.