Tragedy at messina

On December 28th, 1908 Messina, a city in the south of Italy on Sicily experienced a 7.1 magnitude earthquake.  The city was almost completely destroyed.  Between 75,000 and 200,000 lives were lost.  The earthquake almost leveled Messina with at least 91% of the structures destroyed or irreparably damaged.  It was the most destructive earthquake to every strike Europe.  The ground shook for 30 to 40 seconds with widespread damage that went out for 186 miles from the center.

It struck at 5:20 am in the morning while most people were sleeping and were buried alive in their beds.  Many would die from their injuries.  The earthquake produced a tsunami that was 39 feet high in three waves that struct nearby coasts.

The photograph at right is from a professional photographer that was on the cruise.  I have other photos from Amoy and Peru of his work buy cannot read the signature.

one of natuyes stunts - messina sicily

This is a rare card sent by a sailor on the USS Illinois on January 14, 1909 (He wrote 1908).  The card shows some of the destruction of the city.  Possibly a young seaman with poor grammar skills.

The Messina earthquake was the most destructive to ever hit Europe.  Many of the people were forced to relocate to new cities in Italy and some came to America.  In 1909 a cargo ship "Florida" carried 850 passengers from Naples to New York City.  During the trip a dense fog caused a collision between the Florida and a passenger liner, "Republic".  There people we killed and many on the ship panicked causing the Captain to fire his gun in the air.

The Florida was rescued at sea the ship made it to New York City where the immigrants began new lives.

the american response

News of the earthquake reached America overnight and relief efforts were or begun immediately.  The Italian population in America led the efforts and urged a response from our government for assistance.  In response, the President asked Admiral Sperry to send ships to the earthquake damage city and render assistance.  The fleet was just getting through the Suez Canal and a relief effort was formulated.

Admiral Sperry did what he could do.  He mustered all available food and medical supplies and loaded them on the supply ship Culgoa and took the Flagship Connecticut to Messina with all available doctors and medical support personnel that could be spared.  The above card shows one of the British relief ships with the steamer from the Connecticut approaching.  Unfortunately, the efforts of the fleet were not received well.  Crew members from the Illinois went ashore for the bodies of the American Consultant and his Wife, but efforts to assist in the community effort were not accepted.  The Italian government decided to treat the gesture as an insult.  The Connecticut went to Naples to express the Nation's good intentions but was rebuffed.  Connecticut was in port at Naples from January 11th to the 20th and then continued on with the itinerary of the cruise.

The card above was used to try to raise money for the relief effort of Messina.  It was handed out on the street and people were asked to give a donation.  It was set up by a combined effort of the American Red Cross and President Roosevelt.

The card at left shows an American steamer from the Connecticut or Illinois with a British supply ship in the background.