January-February 2025 • Nebraskaland 47
many remained that way until spring. A
local man who had been a pilot in WWII,
fl ew a ski-plane, taking medicine,
groceries, etc., also bring[ing] some sick
people to the doctor and hospital when
needed … .
"The army men came with a machine
called a weasel. It could be driven over
snowbanks to reach homes. Highway
81 was the only hard surfaced road into
Wausa at that time, so it was possible
to get supplies when the road was
open. Other towns weren't as fortunate.
The handcar on the railroad was used
between Wausa and Bloomfi eld. ... The
fi nal total of snow was 90 inches. Some
snowbanks were 25 to 35 feet."
Each winter this incredible storm
returns to the memories of those who
lived through it, and for good reason.
N
Visit NSHS's website at
history.nebraska.gov.
A man carries loaves of bread delivered by airplane, somewhere in Nebraska. NSHS RG3139-0-133
Unidentifi ed individuals stand in front of a snow-covered window in this photo
from a series of Gov. Val Peterson's visit to Alliance. NSHS RG3139-0-113
