Shishaldin reported activity

Event Name : Shishaldin 1913/6

Start:

June 5, 1913 ± 14 Days

Observed

Steam:

Description: Although initial accounts from the steamship Dora report a volcanic eruption of Shishaldin, with vivid descriptions, the June 11 edition of the Fairbanks Daily Times published a retraction of the accounts, saying "The reports of volcanic activity, which were sent from here [Seward] several days ago and which circulated generally throughout the States, were of a character more sensational than the actual conditions warranted.

"It is true that reports of activity were received here from the westward, but the activity was mostly in the form of vapor and smoke. No ashes were seen by those who brought the story to Seward."

The initial accounts of the event included such vivid descriptions as this one, from the June 8, 1913 edition of the Fairbanks Daily Times: "All volcanoes to the westward of this place [Seward] are in active eruption, according to reports brought by the steamship Dora, which arrived here today. The volcanic stretch in the Aleutians is particularly active.

"On Unimak Island, Mount Shishaldin, one of the largest volcanoes in the eastern Aleutians, is active and is throwing ashes and flame high into the air. Practically all of the volcanoes of the Aleutian chain are spouting ashes."