Era: November 11, 1911
Location: Citywide, especially South Cedar and West Williams Streets
The worst wind storm in Owosso history struck at an unforgettable moment: November 11, 1911, at 11:11 PM—11/11/11 at 11:11.
The devastating tornado killed a couple in their home on South Cedar Street and left an estimated one million dollars in damage—an astronomical sum in 1911. Five churches lost steeples. The Woodard Furniture factory was damaged. The D.M. Estey Furniture factory was totally demolished. Houses on West Williams Street were badly damaged.
The timing of the tornado—all those elevens—has made it one of the most memorable dates in Owosso history.