The following telegram was received here this afternoon by the Chamber of Commerce, care Mayor Henry C. Miller from J.E. Gibson of Melissa: "Nearly one hundred homes blown away. Most of families destitute. About seventy five people hurt, many of them seriously. Ten already dead. All churches and business houses destroyed or wrecked. Estimated property loss five hundred thousand dollars. Sympathetic relief in cash, wearing apparel, bed clothing and tents will be appreciated. Address communication to J.E. Gibson, Melissa Storm Relief Committee.
Five persons were killed outright, and four others died in the City Hospital of McKinney or on the way as the result of wounds received in the most destructive cyclone in the history of Collin county which struck the little town of Melissa at 2:10 o'clock Wednesday afternoon while there were hundreds of people in town shopping. However, most of the people had warning of the approaching tornado and scores sought places of safety in storm cellars and others in whatever place they could escape the storm's fury. One man crawled under a small bridge and stood waist deep in water. He escaped unhurt, His family went into a storm cellar.
Scenes of devastation and ruin which beggar description exist in the little town today. Relief work which began shortly after the storm is fairly under way today. Directing a committee appointed by Mayor Miller of McKinney, James T. Couch, local business man was receiving contributions this morning. He was being assisted by W.S. Smith, county superintendent; E.W. Merritt, R.C. Merritt, Mrs. J.E. Wiley, Mrs. Will Hight and Mrs. A.Q. Forte of McKinney, J.E. Gibson of Melissa was made chairman of the financial aid committee. H.S. Wysong; Melissa banker is another member of that committee.
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