The Great Blizzard of 1888 or Great Blizzard of ’88 (March 11 – March 14, 1888)
was one of the most severe recorded blizzards in the history of the United States
of America. Snowfalls of 20–60 inches fell in parts of New Jersey, New York along
with Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Sustained winds of more than 45 miles per 
hour produced snowdrifts in excess of 50 feet. Railroads were shut down and 
people were confined to their houses for up to a week.

Willard as Ronald McDonald

Willard Herman Scott, Jr.

Scott is best known for his TV work as the weatherman on The Today Show 
on NBC. He went into semi-retirement in 1996 and was succeeded by Al
Roker. He continues to appear twice a week on the long-running morning
show to wish centenarians a happy birthday. He is also the commercial
voice of Smucker’s  jellies which sponsors the birthday tributes on the
Today Show. A younger Willard Scott is also remembered as being 
the creator and original portrayer of Ronald McDonald.

The first documented American reference to Groundhog Day can be
found in a diary entry, dated February 4, 1841, of storekeeper James
Morris of Morgantown, Pennsylvania.

The form of weather prognostication has its origins in ancient weather
lore of Europe.

  
Ross Simpson