High and Spring streets, Portland, 1886
Item 21083 info
Maine Historical Society
Portland's Eastern Argus newspaper wrote on Friday, Jan. 29, "Yesterday was a bad day for the trees, the various wires, and other things as are pendant in the air in this city."
The story continued, "One of the chief characteristics of Portland is its trees, and they have been spoken of and admired by all visitors.
"From such has been handed us the sobriquet of 'Forest City.' Yesterday's storm, however, wrought dire destruction among our lofty elms and smaller shade trees.
"The thick coating of ice proved more fatal than anything that has yet struck them, and on all sides could be seen the work of the fell destroyer.
"Trees that had withstood the ravages of a century succumbed in part to the affectionate touch of Jack Frost.
"The scene yesterday afternoon was a grand, yet painful one. State street, for instance, presented an appearance to be remembered.
"Its mammoth trees formed an arch of glittering icicles, which swayed to and fro in the wind, at times reaching almost to the level of the street."
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