Widespread disruption of communication and power services, on a scale unprecedented in recent times, has resulted in Prince Edward Island as a result of the sleet storm which began Thursday, Jan. 5, 1956, and continued throughout Saturday.
Maritime Electric Company estimated 2,000 poles came down under the weight of the ice, especially Summerside and west, which was declared a disaster area.
Caption: WATER STREET JUST BEFORE THE WIRES CAME DOWN. A part of Summerside's business area is seen Friday afternoon as freezing rain continued to add heavy weight to electrical and communication lines and eventually brought them crashing to the street on Saturday morning. Practically every pole and line along the entire Water Street area was demolished. Similar damage occurred in almost every other section of Summerside, the R.C.A.F. Station, and in most districts in Prince County. (Photo by D.W. Sears)
Caption: PLENTY OF WINTER ON WINTER STREET. Two Guardian newsboys in Summerside, Jackie Gallant (left) and Michael Scott (center) accompanied by Hazen Mellish (right) are seen on the corner of Winter and Summer Streets where plenty of winter was indicated during the damaging weekend storm at Summerside. The electric light pole on which the "Winter St." sign is seen was among hundreds that came crashing to the ground. (Photo by D.W. Sears)
It will take six months before power is restored to all areas, especially rural Prince County.
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