I remember Madison when I experienced my first tornado warning, right after moving here 30 years ago. Coming from the Southwest I had never experienced a tornado in my life. I had no family in the area and I was scared to death. As the storm rolled through, I looked at my husband and said, “So help me, when this storm is over, I’m going to get a shovel and start digging a storm shelter.” It was the first of many times I made that statement over the years.
Fortunately the tornado on that occasion only caused tree damage to our neighborhood. My introduction to tornadoes created a friendship with my neighbor across the street that has lasted many years, even though she and her family have since moved away. The recent storms left our neighborhood with only minor damage and the inconvenience of no power. These two storms were similar in that neighbors were there to help each other both times. During the years that we have lived in this neighborhood, we have weathered many storms and tried to help each other by cutting storm-damaged trees and removing debris. This time with the power out, and the realization that it wouldn’t be back on anytime soon, we saw neighbors pull out grills and cook all the meat they would have lost, serving anyone who came by. Some had additional food to share and others kept us all informed by passing on the news they heard. One neighbor brought home dry ice from her work to help us save our food.

Jill Stallcup

I remember Madison when it was a small town of 4500 people. The character of the people is much the same today as it was then. We care about one another and we help one another where we can.
Do you have memories of Madison you’d like to share in our new ‘I Remember Madison When…’ column? Feel free to contact me at pridham58@gmail.