By Matt Edwards
Henry L. Ferguson Museum Coordinator
In late January, a stretch of below-freezing temperatures prompted comparisons to the winter of 1976–77 — a far colder season that brought several anxious days to Fishers Islanders. That winter was defined not by blizzards, but by prolonged, punishing cold. Heavy snow came the following year, when the Blizzard of ’78 buried the region under nearly 20 inches of snow, driven by hurricane-force winds.
Since this story was first submitted, history appears to have repeated itself. The Blizzard of 2026 delivered approximately 24 inches of snow to Fishers Island on February 22 and 23 — a storm likely destined for the record books.
Even before the Blizzard, this winter on Fishers Island has felt long and biting. The winds have howled, snow has blanketed the landscape in postcard-worthy white, and temperatures have dipped well below what we’ve grown used to in recent years. In fact, we’ve seen more snow this season than in the past three winters combined.
And yet, longtime Islanders know: this winter is not unprecedented.
Museum Collection Donated by Danny Doyen
Nearly five decades ago, the winter of 1976-1977 set a standard that still defines what a truly severe Fishers Island winter looks like. The warning signs appeared early. The fall of 1976, which lasted from October through December, was the coldest in a century for southeastern Connecticut. Shortly after Christmas, three surprise snowstorms dropped several inches of snow across the region. As the calendar turned to January, temperatures plunged into the single digits. By early January, long-range forecasts predicted an extended deep freeze across much of the eastern United States.
Heating oil prices in Connecticut climbed toward 50 cents per gallon which was a significant spike at the time. Deliveries became increasingly difficult as rivers began to clog with ice. By mid-January, below-zero temperatures had settled in. Daytime highs rarely climbed out of the 20s. Ice thickened along the Thames and Connecticut Rivers, prompting the United States Coast Guard to dispatch the Hawer, a 65-foot icebreaking tug, to help keep channels open.
Museum Collection Donated by Mary Middleton
Meanwhile, closer to home, Long Island Sound and Fishers Island Sound began filling with large sheets of ice. What started as floating chunks fused into massive ice floes, dislodging navigational buoys and slowly pressing in around the Island itself. By February 1st, ice in Silver Eel Cove had grown so thick that the MV Olinda could not reach its usual dock at the south end of the cove. Instead, the ferry diverted to West Harbor, tying up at the utility dock near Dock Beach, where the ice was less severe.
Museum Collection Donated by Mary Middleton
The change created immediate logistical challenges. Cars could not be unloaded at the temporary location, preventing Harbor Foods Supermarket from receiving its regular large deliveries of groceries and supplies. Heating oil shipments were also disrupted, which was a serious concern during an extended cold snap.
Museum Collection Donated by Danny Doyen
On February 4, 1977, Harbor Foods owner Henry Walsh convened approximately forty Island leaders, emergency responders, and business owners to discuss contingency plans should the freeze continue. Relief finally arrived the following week. Warmer temperatures began breaking up the ice, and by Friday, February 11, the Olinda was able to dock once again at Silver Eel Cove. Regular ferry service resumed, and the Island slowly returned to normal.
Today, 49 years later, the winter of 1976–1977 remains the benchmark against which all other Fishers Island winters are measured. While the winter of 2025–2026 has certainly reminded us how fierce the climate can be, history tells us we’ve weathered far worse and come through it together.
If you have any exceptional photos of Fishers Island or the surrounding waters from this winter that you’d like to share, please email them to info@fergusonmuseum.org.
The Henry L. Ferguson Museum’s mission is to preserve our shared history and conserve our natural habitats by engaging, educating, and inspiring all Fishers Islanders. For the latest information on upcoming illustrated lectures and programs, please visit fergusonmuseum.org.
