February 6, 1883. A six-day blizzard blew into Erath County, holding temperatures between 4 and 10 degrees, there was no plumbing to freeze, but many livestock were killed. Peter Burns, the Stephenville blacksmith was found frozen to death.

Erath Appeal

February 10, 1899. The most popular hotel in Stephenville, the Erath House, burned. It was so cold that water sprayed up the staircase froze, making access difficult. “Several gentlemen were trying to save Miss Carver’s piano when flames rushing down the staircase blinded them.” Another group finally pulled the piano outside.

Erath Appeal