The NDSU University Archives has posted online a collection of 24 photographs recalling the devastating tornado that struck Fargo in 1957. The black and white photos show the destruction on the NDSU campus in the wake of the twister. The collection can be viewed at www.flickr.com/photos/ndsu-university-archives/collections/
72157629673977587.
The Flickr webpage is meant to coincide with poet Jamie Parsley’s new book, “Fargo 1957: An Elegy,” which was published by the Institute for Regional Studies. Parsley will make a presentation about his book on Tuesday, April 10, at 2 p.m. in the Main Library classroom.
“In our continuing effort to bring NDAC/NDSU history to the public, in conjunction with the upcoming talk by Mr. Parsley, the NDSU Archives is pleased to present some of the photographs of the devastation that the tornado wrought on the NDAC campus during the early evening of June 20, 1957,” said Michael J. Robinson, director of the Institute for Regional Studies Archives and University Archives.
The category F5 tornado left a path of ruin through Fargo’s north side after touching down in the Golden Ridge addition. A total of 10 people were killed, including six children from one family. More than 1,000 homes were damaged, and damage was estimated at about $11 million.
The posted photographs show damage across campus, including the university’s front gates, College YMCA building, Festival Hall, Silver City faculty housing and Nelson Health Center.