2/20/2010:
The winter of 1935-36 was particularly harsh across the nation. In Fargo, for example, the temperature remained below zero for thirty-seven straight days.
A blizzard swept through the state that February, and it wasn't until four days later, on this date, that a train was sent to clear the path between Valley City and McHenry. Two engines pushed the sturdy snow plow, digging out the line. The engines reached McHenry and turned around, ready to return, but two boys noticed that the weight of the equipment had torn up the rail line.
They ran to the train, out of breath, waving: "The rails are busted up ahead," they called.
The grateful engineer asked them to also tell the Trainmaster, but the eager boys replied,
"No, we want to tell you."
Thanks to the two excited boys, an accident was averted.
Dakota Datebook written by Sarah Walker
Sources:
The Foster County Independent, Thursday, Feb. 27, 1936
Intellicast Almanac