1965 Palm Sunday Tornado
On Palm Sunday, April 11, 1965 Crystal Lake was hit by a devastating tornado. Five local citizens lost their lives in this deadly storm. Hundreds of homes were destroyed. The Crystal Lake Historical Society is busy collecting photographs, newspaper articles, and personal accounts of the 1965 Palm Sunday tornado. Many of our members lived in Crystal Lake at the time, and have personal accounts of the storm, its destruction, and the community's response to the disaster. If you have a tornado photograph or personal account that you would like to contribute, please contact us.
On Palm Sunday, April 11, 1965 Crystal Lake was hit by a devastating tornado. Five local citizens lost their lives in this deadly storm. Hundreds of homes were destroyed. The Crystal Lake Historical Society is busy collecting photographs, newspaper articles, and personal accounts of the 1965 Palm Sunday tornado. Many of our members lived in Crystal Lake at the time, and have personal accounts of the storm, its destruction, and the community's response to the disaster. If you have a tornado photograph or personal account that you would like to contribute, please contact us.
45th Anniverary Presentation - April, 2010
Originally scheduled as one single presentation for April 11, 2010 at the Crystal Lake Public Library, demand for the program exceeded the space available. Two additional presentations were added, and there STILL was a long waiting list! The third and final presentation was videotaped in order to share its content through this website. Additional photos, slides, movies, etc. continue to be donated to the Society. If you have items to donate, please contact us at : info@cl-hs.org . With future donations of materials, we anticipate the 50th anniversary program (2015) to be bigger and better (and hosted in a larger venue).
Program Overview: Crystal Lake Historical Society president, Diana Kenney presents a look back at the deadly Palm Sunday tornado which devastated Crystal Lake 45 years ago. Program features over 175 photos, slides, videos, and interviews relating to the devastation, rebuilding, and survivors.
Click on the Program Videos tab to view the presentation.
Originally scheduled as one single presentation for April 11, 2010 at the Crystal Lake Public Library, demand for the program exceeded the space available. Two additional presentations were added, and there STILL was a long waiting list! The third and final presentation was videotaped in order to share its content through this website. Additional photos, slides, movies, etc. continue to be donated to the Society. If you have items to donate, please contact us at : info@cl-hs.org . With future donations of materials, we anticipate the 50th anniversary program (2015) to be bigger and better (and hosted in a larger venue).
Program Overview: Crystal Lake Historical Society president, Diana Kenney presents a look back at the deadly Palm Sunday tornado which devastated Crystal Lake 45 years ago. Program features over 175 photos, slides, videos, and interviews relating to the devastation, rebuilding, and survivors.
Click on the Program Videos tab to view the presentation.
Video of the Storm's Damage
This home video shows the results of the tornado's destruction.
Photos of the Devastation
This group of photos were taken by local photographer, James Seymour.
All photos and videos on this website are the property of the Crystal Lake Historical Society.