Cache Valley Earthquake

The Cache Valley Earthquake, also known as "The Earthquake," the Earthquake of 1962, the 1962 Earthquake, and the 5.9 Earthquake, was the largest natural disaster in Richmond and Cache Valley history. At the time of the quake, it was the most costly in the history of Utah, between $1-2 million. Fortunately, not a single person died from the quake.

History

On Thursday, Aug 30, 1962, at 6:35 am, a roar could be heard in Richmond before the earthquake hit the city. The size of the quake was 5.9 magnitude.

Damage

After the earthquake, newspapers from Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, California, and other Western states reached Logan and Richmond about the event. Mayor Ross Plant said to the Deseret News that at least nine homes had to be rebuilt and that at least 75% of homes received some damage.1.1 A total of 202 homes/buildings were damaged; 177 had chimney damage; 137 had plaster damage; and 142 had cracked walls.1.3

"Perhaps the most pitiable sights were in Richmond where bewildered families were sitting out on lawns with their belongings close by, not knowing quite what course of action to take. 

Typical of the damage dwellings was that of Lorenzo Bullen where the adobe of his brick and adobe home "completely broke loose: and a wall caved into the bedroom where his daughter Corliss was sleeping. "It was just a miracle she wasn't killed," Mr. Bullen contended. He pointed out that his chimney was ripped off violently, all the walls are badly twisted, "and its just not safe to be in. 

At least four other Richmond homes were badly damaged by the quake, with many other chimneys appearing to viewer "as though they have been wrung like a dish cloth.""1.4

The Henry Miller family and Florence Henderson Halverson lost their brick homes.1.8 The Charles Burbank family was in the process of refurbishing a pioneer schoolhouse into a home located at 149 E. 100 North when the earthquake hit.1.10 The old Richmond Mercantile building on the corner of Main and State was damaged beyond repair, along with the Tabernacle.

Though homes were destroyed and people were afraid, there was still a community of aid and help. Mayor Plant said:

"Although the catastrophe that occurred in our town this past week has been an esteem shock, I feel the people are reacting very well. Cooperation and neighborliness are some of the greatest assets of a small town and they have certainly been manifest here. 

"I think we will perhaps emerge from this more united and with a greater respect for people and the Supreme Being than we have had before. Our townspeople have appreciated the many offers of assistance outside of town. Red Cross officials have been confused and hesitant about just what course of action to take."1.6

In Cherry Creek Canyon, a huge cloud of dust could be seen from the valley floor, indicating a massive landslide had been touched off high in the canyon.1.9

Injuries

Remarkably, no one died from the earthquake. Douglas Gleed of Logan slipped and fell while cleaning up food from a grocery store. He was sent to the hospital but was shortly released. Nadine Housley of Richmond had cut her feet while going down some stairs. Robert Halverson of Richmond had scratches when rubble from a chimney fell into his bed. Ann Bullen of Richmond suffered bruised legs while she was in bed.1.1

"'I was so frightened and startled that it left me frozen and speechless for several minutes.' Carliss Ann Bullen, 18, was in bed at her father's home in Richmond when the earthquake struck with full force. Carliss told Ogden Standard-Examiner staff photographer Ralfph Collins she was in bed when the tremor started.

"Her father, L. J. Bullen, was up and when he heard a loud crash, he ran to his daughter's bedroom. He found her bed full of rubble—bricks, plaster and mortar that had crashed from the ceiling. Carliss was hit and bruised on her left leg, but more shaken up from the experience than anything."1.7

The American Red Cross set up a station in the Richmond City Office for the week to the Sunday after the quake.1.2 

"'The Rod Cross was on a 'red alert' from 7 a.m. Thursday, and is standing by with its organization ready to meet any need that arises,' [Orin] Wedgwood stated. 'Our first aid stations and workers, for instance, are prepared in case they are needed.'"1.5

Aftermath and Future Preparations

The horrific event of the earthquake, it's history is a stark reminder to Richmond and all of Utah that we must be prepared when an earthquake comes. Richard Bagley said the event:

"You didn't even know what was the safest thing to do. One minute you say stand under a doorway, and others say run out. Others say that is the worst thing, to run out and get clobbered with a brick from your chimney."

In recent years, Richmond Mayors have purchased safety courses, emergency generators, and other necessities; if and when another earthquake hits, we will be prepared.

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