Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations Photographs
Collection Metadata
Title
Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations Photographs
Access Rights
The Charles "Chuck" Morrison Collection are open for research use and may be reproduced following repository policy. The family expressed that the materials in the collection be made available to the public. The repository will digitize and make materials created by Morrison available to as wide a range of users as possible. It will observe its Publication and Fees policy until it moves these records to the Public Domain on 2061-05-14.
Date Created
1949
Description
Collection of photographs of the Wyoming Blizzard of 1949. In January 1949, one of the worst recorded blizzards in southeastern Wyoming buried many areas in and between Casper, Douglas, Laramie, and Cheyenne in 10-12 feet of snow. Large numbers of wild and stock animals were lost and hundreds of people were stranded in their homes, businesses, and cars. Several people died or were injured from exposure or accidents in the below freezing temperatures. The Casper Army Air Base launched operations "Operation Hay-lift" and "Pitchfork" in an effort to use planes and other military vehicles to deliver 300 tons of hay and fodder to the remaining starving animals during the following six weeks. The Casper Army Air Base along with several other out-of-state military forces also assisted in digging out roads with the overburdened highway department crews, as well as contributing to relief and evacuation efforts. The U.S. Army Air Base in Casper, Wyoming opened in 1942 to train bomber crews.
Photographs from this collection can be found in the Charles "Chuck" Morrison Collection accessible through the Casper College Western History Center. The Charles "Chuck" Morrison Collection includes hundreds of photographs, articles, correspondence, and other documentary items pertaining to Wyoming history from 1920-1980 and Chuck Morrison's life, career as Wyoming State Representative, writings, photography, and military service in WWII.
Photographs from this collection can be found in the Charles "Chuck" Morrison Collection accessible through the Casper College Western History Center. The Charles "Chuck" Morrison Collection includes hundreds of photographs, articles, correspondence, and other documentary items pertaining to Wyoming history from 1920-1980 and Chuck Morrison's life, career as Wyoming State Representative, writings, photography, and military service in WWII.
Creator
Charles "Chuck" Morrison
Language
ENG
Is Part Of
Charles "Chuck" Morrison Collection, NCA 01.v.1998.01 WyCaC US. Casper College Archives and Special Collections.
Identifier
NCA 01.v.1998.01
Publisher
Casper College Archives and Special Collections (Western History Center)
Collection Items
Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations
Photograph of two individuals in snow suits operating a large tread-wheel snowplow. In January 1949, one of the worst recorded blizzards in southeastern Wyoming buried many areas in and between Casper, Douglas, Laramie, and Cheyenne in 10-12 feet of…
Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations
Photograph of an "Army Weasel" driving in the snow on Casper Mountain. In January 1949, one of the worst recorded blizzards in southeastern Wyoming buried many areas in and between Casper, Douglas, Laramie, and Cheyenne in 10-12 feet of snow. Large…
Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations
Photograph of a snowy mountain road through the trees, with deep tracks. In January 1949, one of the worst recorded blizzards in southeastern Wyoming buried many areas in and between Casper, Douglas, Laramie, and Cheyenne in 10-12 feet of snow. Large…
Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations
Photograph of a snow covered hill, possibly on Casper Mountain. An individual is seen driving a square belted vehicle meant to move snow . In January 1949, one of the worst recorded blizzards in southeastern Wyoming buried many areas in and between…
Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations
Photograph of a snow covered cabin in a mountain clearing. In January 1949, one of the worst recorded blizzards in southeastern Wyoming buried many areas in and between Casper, Douglas, Laramie, and Cheyenne in 10-12 feet of snow. Large numbers of…
Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations
Photograph of an "Army Weasel" snow vehicle on Casper Mountain with three men posing behind it in mid-thigh deep snow. Behind them is a sign reading "Crimson Dawn," with an arrow pointing to the camera's right. In January 1949, one of the worst…
Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations
Photograph of an "Army Weasel" driving in snow. In January 1949, one of the worst recorded blizzards in southeastern Wyoming buried many areas in and between Casper, Douglas, Laramie, and Cheyenne in 10-12 feet of snow. Large numbers of wild and…
Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations
Photograph of a truck driving toward camera on a snowy road, approaching a rail road crossing. Casper Mountain possibly in background. In January 1949, one of the worst recorded blizzards in southeastern Wyoming buried many areas in and between…
Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations
Photograph of a road with snow blowing over it, a rail road crossing is ahead. In January 1949, one of the worst recorded blizzards in southeastern Wyoming buried many areas in and between Casper, Douglas, Laramie, and Cheyenne in 10-12 feet of snow.…
Blizzard of 1949 - Casper Army Air Base Operations
Photograph of a square tank-like vehicle on belts, also known as an "Army Weasel," parked in a parking lot in Casper. The Golden Rule store is visible on the left. In January 1949, one of the worst recorded blizzards in southeastern Wyoming buried…