"Greatest Flood of the Century" Paralyzes Pittsburgh – March 18, 1936

With the coming of spring, flooding is often a threat to cities located next to rivers. And ninety years ago today, Pittsburgh and the surrounding area suffered through some of the worst flooding ever.

Above is the front page of the Lorain Journal from March 18, 1936 with the story, along with the continuation on page 13.

"The greatest flood of the century menaced the western Pennsylvania area today with damage already running into millions and 12 known dead, and a possible toll of 40," the lead article noted. "Rampaging waters inundated the flood city of Johnstown and almost covered Pittsburgh's famous "Golden Triangle" business district. Water stood at 18 feet in the "triangle" and damage here was placed at $10,000,000.

"Pittsburgh, Johnstown and dozens of other cities and towns were virtually isolated as most of the highways were covered.

"Between 8,000 and 10,000 persons are reported homeless in Johnstown, Pa., as the result of the flood."

You might remember that Lorain became a 'steel city' when the Johnson Steel Rail Company relocated to Lorain from Johnstown in 1894 a few years after the disastrous Johnstown Flood of 1889. 

An article on the front page above notes, "Grim memories of the Johnstown flood of 1889 in which 2,209 persons lost their lives were recalled by many Lorainites who survived that disaster as the Pennsylvania steel city was hit by another flood disaster today." In the article, Lorainite Charles Bremer shares his eyewitness memories of the 1889 flood.

The front page also reports on deadly flooding in New Hartford, Connecticut; Wheeling, W. Virginia; Cumberland, Maryland; Binghamton, New York; and Marietta, Ohio.

Speaking of Ohio, another report on the same page notes, "Turbulent Ohio river today was watched anxiously by residents of cities in eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia as the rising waters warned of flood crests.

"In Ohio hundreds fled to higher ground from lowlands in the East Liverpool and Steubenville areas. Marietta merchants began moving out stock and anticipated the entire business district would be inundated."

Things would get even worse, including in Ohio, judging by the front pages of the next few days.