Nova Scotia Archives

Archibald MacMechan

Halifax Disaster Record Office Materials

Personal narrative - Miss Eliphal Nichols

4 pages : 30 x 39 cm.

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Halifax Disaster Record Office Chronicle Building
Halifax, N.S.
PERSONAL NARRATIVE
Miss Eliphal Nichols, Student at Dalhousie College. Boards at 47 Edward St. (Mr. & Mrs. S. R. Hussey)

Heard noise of explosion the morning of the 6th. Asked "What's that?" Reply was "Big blast at the Terminals". The two weomen got out of the way of the glass by way of the bank door, which was jammed open, instead of by way of the front door, which was jammed shut. If they had attempted to go by the front door they would have been out by the glass. Mrs. Hussey's first concern was for her son John, who had gone to school. She asked where he was. Saw the women of the neighborhood in the street. Much excited "terrified out of their senses." Counting their beads. Leared that it was an explosion down in the harbour and went home with the news. Found Mrs. Hussey making repairs, sweeping up the glass etc. Went to the Western Union Telegraph Office with Katherine Tattrie, a fellow-student, in order to send messages to relatives. Found it impossible to telegraph and went to the Post Office for the purpose of sending a letter to a clergy-man in Truro, asking him to notify her relatives that she was well. This was about 10 a.m. A mounted man in uniform dashed up and shouted to soldiers who put their heads inside the door of the Post Office and warned the people of a second explosion. Saw injured people in motors and coat carts every one was carrying "what they could." Noted one old lady giving instructions to driver not to disarrange her gear in conveyance. Returned to School for the Blind. Saw them carrying out Annie Fraser, who had been out in the neck. Saw milkman abandon his horse and cart through fear. Returned to 47 Edward St. and was given charge of John Hussey by


Student at Dalhousie College, details of events at the School for the Blind.

Reference: Archibald MacMechan Nova Scotia Archives MG 1 volume 2124 number 208

Nova Scotia Archives — https://archives.novascotia.ca/macmechan/archives/?ID=208

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