The Spectral Bell

I read an interesting article from the Lincoln Star, printed 10 March 1950, page 2, column 4.
That day a horrible windstorm and blizzard hit Lincoln. There were a slew of photographs showing the results of the wind's pranks - one of a screen door nicely becalmed high in a tree bough.

'Lincoln Family Stranded in Blizzard Finds Farm Refuge' was the headline. Lincoln Garage operator Ed Klein, 123 N 23rd, and his children Carol (14), Lee Ann (8) and Max (12) were enroute to Hastings when the blizzard hit. Their car slid into a deep ditch, and Mr. Klein was on crutches from a previous injury. Prospects looked grim as the temperature dipped well below zero as the sun set.

The children heard a mysterious bell ringing, and two went to investigate the sound. This led them to the sight of the lights of a distant farmhouse. The children therein found shelter at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Elvin Johnson. The Johnsons found it curious that the children had heard a bell as there was none on their farm.

Other "Storm Orphans" were stranded there and aided in
carrying Mr. Klein to the house. Among them were two truckers and three men from Eugene Oregon. These three men proved to be the uncle and two cousins of the Comedian Bob Hope. They were travelling by auto to Florida to visit their famous cousin and were unable to continue in the storm. The "refugees" enjoyed the Johnson's hospitality until the storm broke and the roads were cleared.