“Taken by former Oakland Tribune photojournalist, Les Sipes, this black and white photograph documents one brave motorist taking refuge on the hood of his car as he waits out the historic Columbus Day storm of October 1962, near the Highway 24 eastbound on-ramp,” said Alison Burns, president of the Orinda Historical Society (OHS). “Registering wind gusts of 86 mph, the ‘Big Blow,’ as it was known, remains the strongest extratropical cyclone in 20th Century America.” Established in 1970, the OHS and its museum are located at 26 Orinda Way, opposite Café Teatro. The museum showcases vintage artifacts and photos, Native American mortar and pestles, Orinda Theatre paraphernalia, posters, toys, dolls, WWII helmets and more. Hours are posted on the window. OHS is actively seeking volunteers. For more information, visit http://www.orindahistory.org or email info@orindahistory.org.
