Harden City-Stonewall, OK F4 Tornado – May 9, 1959

A deadly F4 tornado developed just north of Harden City in Pontotoc County, OK and moved northeastward to one mile west of Stonewall before dissipating 3 miles north of the town.  The tornado hit a small, cement block cafe near Stonewall, completely destroying it and injuring several people.  Nine people survived by taking refuge behind the counter in the cafe. 

Summary via NWS Norman:

This violent tornado touched down just north of Harden City in Pontotoc County and moved northeastward to one mile west of Stonewall before dissipating 3 miles north of Stonewall.  Three farmsteads were leveled along the 6-mile path, with 7 people killed and other people injured on these farms. Cars, trucks, and machinery at the farms hit were also completely destroyed.

The tornado also hit a small, cement block cafe near Stonewall, completely destroying it and injuring several people.  Miraculously, nine people survived by taking refuge behind the counter in the cafe. In addition, 6 cars and a truck parked at the cafe were almost all a total loss.

Over 20 oil derricks in an oil field north of Harden City were destroyed.  Many cattle were killed as well.  Trees were stripped to stumps and the ground was swept clean.  Two funnels aloft had also traveled with the tornado.  One was believed to have joined the main tornado funnel over the cafe, and a loud blast was noted by patrons who took shelter in the cafe.