Lenawee County History: Remembering the Drought of 1988 that spanned several months

I remember as a teen the first really hot summer I experienced, one that surpassed the previous ones growing up near Devils Lake.

That particular summer became known as the Drought of 1988.

While this year has not been anything close to drought-like, it has been a decently hot summer, and for some reason, the summer from 36 years ago came to mind.

I've had to water the garden a few times this summer, although the remnants of Hurricane Beryl last week largely ended our need to haul water to the vegetable plants. I remember, growing up with a garden, how 1988 unfolded.

As May turned to June, it was already apparent the season was going to be dry in the long range. The lack of rain was turning the grass brown just a few weeks after it awakened from its winter dormant status. I referenced the Daily Telegram archive to see how my memory stood the test of time.

Indeed, by early June, the lack of rain was a topic of conversation in Lenawee County. By June 9, the word "drought" was already being used by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. On June 16, city and village officials countywide announced they were keeping a close eye on water supplies but hesitated to announce usage restrictions. Two days later, the Lenawee County fire chief's association requested an outdoor burning ban. Unfortunately, several fires spanning dozens of acres kept area firefighters busy the following week.

On June 27, Lake Adrian's water level dropped to 16 inches below dam crest, prompting city officials to announce one of the first water use restrictions of the season.

By July 4, county firefighters had battled 20 grass or field fires, with one being 20 acres near Lake Hudson. Lawn watering bans were announced July 5 for Adrian and Clinton residents. Those watching weather forecasts saw little to no chance for rain, and small pockets of showers pass elsewhere or fall apart before reaching Lenawee County.

Subscribe Now:For all the latest local developments, breaking news, and high school and college sports content.

At Devils Lake, the shoreline grew as the water slowly retreated. The water became stagnant, with rings of gasoline forming a skim in the shallow coves. The first substantial rainfall in more than three months passed through Lenawee County on July 16, giving some people hope the drought would end. However, the rain was just a temporary bit of relief. On July 19, a strict watering ban was enforced in Adrian.

While the drought eventually passed, the effects were still being calculated as summer drew to a close. The tomato crop, for example, was estimated to be down by 50%. By early September, however, watering restrictions in Adrian were lifted, as water levels had recovered.

I became more mindful that summer about water conservation, lugging buckets of gray water to the garden day in and day out. I picked up the habit of sending used water out to the lawn or garden from the kitchen sink or washing machine; that habit has continued into this year, when the plants long for the rains from above.

— Dan Cherry is a Lenawee County historian.