This meteorite fell on Thomas Hill, in Allegan, Mich., shortly after 8 a.m. on July 10, 1899. Landing within 50 feet of Walter Price, it buried itself to a depth of about 18 inches hi sandy ground. It was dug up about 5 minutes later, reportedly too hot to handle, necessitating removal with a shovel. Merrill and Stokes (1900), however, who reported on the faU, remarked that grass welded to the surface of the meteorite by the impact was not charred. In what may well be a record for speed in recovery and display, the meteorite was on exhibit in the shop window of Stern and Company of Allegan some two and a half hours after the fall. Read more (PDF)
Seventy years ago, today, (July 10, 1899) some heavenly pitching star tossed a fast curve and Allegan was the catcher of the ball of fire. It weighed upwards of 62 unbouncing pounds when it stopped in the dooryard of Sam Huitt on what is now DeLano Street. Read more