About this record
The first weather observations in Madison were made at the University of Wisconsin's North Hall in the early 1850s. Professors often enlisted the help of students, including the now famed naturalist and UW student, John Muir. More regular weather records began in 1869 when weather observers started recording data from Bascom Hall. These records included formal readings of temperature and precipitation as well as written notes about things like clouds and ice. On days of especially notable weather, such as blizzards, the northern lights or destructive winds, the weather diaries included these articles cut from the newspaper.Citation
U.S. Weather Bureau Diaries. Madison, Wis.; online facsimile at http://www.wisconsinhistory.org/turningpoints/search.asp?id=1565