1942 Mt Baker Avalanche News Article Pacific Northwest Tragedy Ephemera For Sale

This compelling piece of ephemera is a vintage news article detailing the tragic Mt. Baker avalanche of July 22, 1942. The main headline dramatically announces "SIX KILLED AS SNOWSLIDE ENGULFS 25 ON SLOPES OF WASHINGTON'S MT. BAKER," capturing the immediate impact of the disaster. The article features poignant black and white photographs, including an image of twelve students from Western Washington College of Education just 20 minutes before the avalanche struck, with arrows indicating three who perished. Another photo shows searchers digging for victims in 30-ft. drifts, and an aerial diagram illustrates the "Path of Avalanche" and "Route of Climbers" on Mt. Baker, providing crucial context to the event.The detailed text recounts the ill-fated summer hike by 25 students on the Roman Wall, near the summit, describing the conditions that led to the snowslide. It highlights the historical significance of this event as the "worst mountaineering tragedy in the history of the Pacific Northwest." This original magazine or newspaper page offers a vivid snapshot of a devastating moment in Washington state's history, making it a significant collectible for those interested in Pacific Northwest history, mountaineering accidents, or vintage news reporting. Its detailed account and accompanying imagery provide a unique window into the past.

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