*Another Terrible Dust Storm — Wyman, Marlena

The wind on the southern treeless prairie gave rise to physical and mental torment, especially for the women who has less opportunity than the men to get away from the isolation of the homestead. The settlers’ lack of knowledge about living within the harsh prairie environment caused loss and privation. They fought to tame the soil that was often not suited for cultivation, and the wind then took the soil from them.

Inspired by Cicely Jepson (Fowler) Hepworth’s diaries. Cicely came from Chorley, Lancashire, England to the Readlyn area of Saskatchewan in 1916. (Saskatchewan Archives #R-E190)

8-10 April 1931: “Been a terrible dust storm all night, cannot see anywhere. Worse for dust & wind than has ever been known before, the house is full of soil, cannot see any buildings.”

10 April 1934: “Another terrible dust storm, just eating grit, terrible weather.”

22 April 1934: “Bad dust storm. Blowing as hard as ever.”