This morning's earthquake in New Bedford, Massachusetts, is a reminder that earthquakes can happen in New England.
Decades ago, when I was living in earthquake-prone California, and married to a seismologist, I was very conscious of earthquakes. For a while I volunteered in our city's earthquake preparedness efforts, educating people about appropriate preparations and supplies to keep on hand, in case "the big one" came.
My father, visiting from New England, brought me his copy of The Holyoke Diaries, 1709-1858. I didn't have time then to read that book, but later became curious. I thought it would be interesting to read diary entries from family members so long ago. In truth, those diaries entries were disappointingly short and cryptic, needing other clues to round out a story. I was fascinated, however, to see many mentions of earthquakes. I began to write those entries on a piece of paper...
Today, I reached up in my bookshelf, pulled down the old volume, and was pleased to see that my piece of paper was still tucked in front.
My notes include these 11 New England earthquakes noted by Rev. Edward Holyoke in his diary:
- June 3, 1744 City shook of an earthquake (p. 7)
- Nov. 18, 1755 A very great Earthquake at 4h 13' (p. 15)
- Nov. 22, 1755 A considerable Shock of an Earthquake 8:30 P.M. (p. 15)
- Dec. 19, 1755 A small Shock of a Earthquake at 10h 15' P.M. (p. 15)
- July 8, 1757 A considerable Shock of an Earthquake 2h 17' P.M. (p. 17)
- Feb. 2, 1759 An Earthquake 2h 2' Mane circa. (p. 20)
- Nov. 9, 1760 A Small Earthquake 8h 30' Mane circa. (p. 23)
- Mar. 12, 1761 A very considerable Shock of an Earthquake about 2. 19 morn (p. 23)
- Nov. 1, 1761 A Considerable Earthquake 8. 12 P.M. (p. 25)
- Jan 23, 1766 An Earthquake 5:30 Morn. (p. 29)
- Oct. 15, 1767 A small Earthquake circa 11h A.M. (p 29)
