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MG 1 volume 2124 number 193

Halifax Disaster Record Office
Chronicle Building
Halifax, N.S.

Personal Testimony of Marylee MacAloney, of Fairview. Student at Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Truro.

Was working in chemistry laboratory in Agricultural College Building, when the explosion occurred. Thought when she heard the noise that it was someone bringing a heavy piece of apparatus into the room. The jar shock [shook?] down a window which was raised in the laboratory. Just then Professor Harlow who had left the room some minutes before came in. In passing her desk said 'Did you feel the earthquake, Miss MacAloney?" "Was it an earthquake?" "I think so, It knocked all the doors upstairs open." (The laboratory is in the basement of the building)

Later in passing to another class-room spoke to Howard Trueman, another student. Said "Did you feel the earthquake?" He answered, "It wasn't an earthquake, a munition ship in Bedford Basin exploded." She said, "If that's so there is nothing left of our house." Trueman answered, "Oh there's no one hurt, but Bedford and Rockingham are burning." Was very much frightened but went to class. Said she made herself follow what was said but cannot remember a word of the lecture. Forced her mind to stay on her work [handwritten insertion] but it retained nothing. Went through two classes, before lunch. Asked Professor Bartow if she should go home. He told her not to believe anything yet as the first reports would not be very dependable. Said not to worry as her father would certainly get word out as soon as possible, but would probably have to go to Bedford to send it. (That was what he did.) Went to her boarding house to lunch. Then back to college for afternoon classes. Saw girls from Halifax, students at Normal College in the streets, crying and in some cases hysterical.

Thought "Whatever happens, I won't make a fuss."