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.
Thanks, Dan - fascinating material.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoy it, Buster!!
DeleteMy mum lived through what she always called "The '36 Flood." She was 14 years old and her family lived on Neville Island, in the Ohio River, 6 miles downstream from the confluence of the Allegheny and Monongahela. She, and her family, were taken off the island by motorboat from the 2nd story window of their home! They lost everything and had to start over, once again on Neville Island.
ReplyDeleteFlood damage was widespread across the northeast U.S. and was part of the impetus to build reservoirs upstream on the Allegheny and its tributaries. Most notably, Kinzua Dam, in Warren County, PA, completed in 1965. I remember it being built.
Kinzua's lake flooded more than 10,000 acres of the land promised to the Seneca Nation in the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua. Local papers ridiculed the people removed from their land by eminent domain. I suppose, maybe, we've always lived in shameful times.
Hi Don! Thanks for leaving your mother's reminisces about the flood. It really brings the material to life.
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