Disclaimer: The tornado that ripped through Sherburne County 50 years ago happened on July 22, 1967.
Princeton escaped with only heavy rains, winds and a scare from a tornado which struck a twenty-mile long, block and a half swath through Central Minnesota from St. Augusta to Zimmerman last Saturday night.
Princeton police told of the approaching tornado by Elk River police alerted the fire department who toured the Princeton area with loud speakers warning residents to seek shelter in their basements or other safe refuges.
MAYOR PRAISES POLICE, FIREMEN AND CITIZENS FOR ACTIONS DURING STORM:
Princeton village authorities Monday heaped praise on the Princeton Volunteer Fire Department, and police department and for scores of citizens who helped alert the village of an impending tornado which stuck the Zimmerman area last Saturday night.
Mayor Robert E. Hobert said, “The gallant efforts of the citizens, police and fire department members should not go unrecognized in light of the dangers they may have faced. After alerted by village police, the fire department members who volunteered their services, without pay, should be especially recognized”
Fire Chief Carl Neumann said the fire department members were notified of an approaching tornado and severe thunderstorm about 7:30 p.m. Saturday by the village police. The fire department members were just beginning to hold an annual steak fry. “All firemen were asked to report to the fire barn and the wives were sent home. Many of the wives reported to the hospital to help in the emergency.
After assembling in the fire barn and being apprised of the situation, Princeton firemen spread through the village warning residents of the approaching danger.
Another crew of firemen opened the Princeton National Guard Armory and stopped passing traffic, telling the occupants of the vehicles of the storms approach and offering the use of the Armory. Most of the travelers accepted the refuge of the Armory.
When the all clear was sounded, shortly before 10 p.m., Neumann said the fire department dispatched two-radio controlled fire trucks which patrolled the Elk Lake and Orrock area offering aid to the storm stricken families in that area.
(From: History of the Princeton Volunteer Fire Department 1881 – 1969 Princeton, Minnesota “Tornado Creates Havoc”. July 27, 1967.)