Humboldt experienced its first practice blackout on Monday night and the town was in total darkness for half an hour.

The following report of the blackout was prepared by the Humboldt Civil Defence Committee.

On Monday, Oct. 19, about 8;30pm, an airplane was heard approaching Humboldt. Immediately the blackout alarm was sounded. The street lights were switched off. Electric signs ceased to function and the whole of the business section was in darkness within one minute after the alarm sounded.

By the time the siren had reached its crescendo, dark forms were seen hurrying down the various streets. These were the wardens, firemen, police, messengers, and other A.R.P. and S.V.C.S.C. members

Wardens were speedily at their posts or patrolling the streets inspecting each house or place of business to locate those elusive beams of tell tale light which might help the navigator locate the town and drop his missiles with precision.

Here and there were some lights bravely spreading beams through the darkness. The wardens were soon on the spot and these in turn ceased to function.

Shortly messengers arrived at the Zone Post with messages from sector wardens. One warden reported a light in a bathroom occupied by a lady. What could she do? The blind was up. The warden at the window and she dressed only in her tresses. They were bobbed. The light soon went out. The committee is still wondering.