Page 7 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2021- Online Magazine
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HISTORY OF LUBBOCK
LOCAL HISTOR
Y
of a Lubbock Tornado 50th who responded and rebuilt lives; another 2000+ residents
Anniversary. But nothing can Lubbock … to create a beautiful were injured; 8,800 family resident
ever erase the memories of so entry point into the Downtown units, including 450 apartments,
much destruction, fear, and utter area which will be a Lubbock were damaged or destroyed,
disbelief. Fortunately, those landmark and to develop a site leaving hundreds homeless.
horrible memories were quickly to educate future generations Over 250 local businesses were
replaced with restoration and and visitors about the tornado destroyed, and another 250
rebuilding memories. Today, and that portion of Lubbock’s businesses were damaged.
we remember those courageous history." Giving opportunities are According to then Mayor James
citizens of Lubbock, Texas, along still available for those wanting Granberry’s “The Lubbock
with caring friends and neighbors to contribute to this beautiful Tornado” Report, the 1970-dollar
who came together after the storm memorial. Contributions are loss exceeded $135 million, which
to rebuild our devastated, broken accepted through: Community equates to approximately 24
and grieving community. In 2019, Foundation of West Texas, 6102 billion in today’s dollars. National
current business and city leaders 82nd Street, Suite 8b, Lubbock, Guard, Red Cross, Salvation
began planning for a meaningful TX 79424 or donors may contact Army, United Fund Disaster
“multi-purposed” memorial. It is Stacy Keith, 806-317-4027 for Relief, and many local citizens
located at the Lubbock National information. Dan Williams, came to our rescue in those critical
Bank Park on Glenna Goodacre project chairperson, says plans for early days. They provided food,
and Avenue Q. I’ve toured the the memorial dedication are on water, clothing, shelter, security,
present site and was impressed schedule for May 11, 2021. and much needed aid to shocked
with its beauty and respectful Lubbock residents.
tribute to those lost and those who Memories are often more
remember. dramatically vivid than reality In the eerie calm immediately after
for many Seniors. It’s hard for us the storm, Tom and I cautiously
The Gateway Memorial Park to believe that 51 years ago, our emerged from our kitchen shelter.
project seeks to “memorialize, city was hit with an F-5 tornado. Opening our apartment door, we
honor and recognize the victims It seems like yesterday. Twenty- caught our first glimpse of
of the tornado and the city leaders six Lubbock residents lost their
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Lubbock Senior Link
