Taken From:
THE GHOST CITY, Story of the LAWRENCEBURG 1937 FLOOD
with pictures
By M. O. Whitney, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Many compliments and congratulations have been extended
on the efforts put forth to make this little publication possible.
But few know how great a share deservedly belongs to my companion of thirty-eight
years "for better or for worse" and no one knows but me, how impossible
it would have been for me to surmount what seemed to be unsurmountable
obstacles, both mental and physical, had it not been for the fact that
she worked shoulder to shoulder, unflinchingly and courageously, through
this most terrible experience we ever encountered. From the moment
we stepped out of our second story apartment window into a boat to face
a blinding blizzard on one of the darkest nights that God ever made, and
bade good-bye to practically all of our earthly possessions, while the
loath-some slimy monster crept stealthily upon the city which it soon devoured,
her courage never faltered. She not only gave me the courage and
strength to go ahead, but found time to minister to her fellow sufferers,
and succor those who were less able to "take it." All praise to my
beloved wife. If ever I paid tribute to any one let it be to her,
and now. If your booklet serves to rehabilitate us our efforts will
have been rewarded.
M. O. Whitney
Editor's Note:
The publisher of this pictorial story of a part of one
of the greatest catastrophes of all time, does so, knowing the citizens
of Lawrenceburg desire the book as a matter of historic record rather than
a wailing beggar. Lawrenceburg may be downed for a time, but she
is not "licked" for--
'Neath the clothes so soiled and old
There beats a heart as pure as gold.
Lawrenceburg shall arise again.
Edited and Published by M.O. Whitney, Lawrenceburg, Indiana
Disappeared is joy and gladness
Note the poverty and pain;
Oh such misery and sadness,
Time alone can heal again.
Happy homes
gone to destruction,
Joyful lives
are in dismay
By the angry
flood's reduction
On that fearful
fateful day.
Man may combat but not conquer
Elements of God's domain,
And their anger will not encore
While their power-signs still remain.
He may though, by kind assistance
Help the sufferers to 'rise,
And by liberal consistance,
Aid them to their former lives.
Like the ants whose hill is scattered,
And is trampled in the ground,
Though their fondest hopes be shattered,
They may build a nobler mound.
Those whom God has chose' to hover,
Should be glad to help, and give
To their poor distracted brother,
Making life worth while to live.
Gratful should all be who're living,
That the flood has passed them by;
And a prayer of real thanksgiving
Offer, to the Power On High.
The first considerable flood in the Ohio valley of which we have authentic record was during the winter of 1788-89. The great height attained by the water prevented the troops arriving at the mouth of the Great Miami from occupying Ft. Finney.
The next flood was that of 1825, but little concerning its severity of damage has been recorded. In that year, the height of the water was not more than 58 feet.
In the great flood of February, 1832, it is estimated that the water reached about 65 feet. Buildings on High street were covered with from four to six feet of water.
The next flood of serious consequence was that of 1847. This flood stands out as unique of record in that it is the only flood that occurred during the month of December. On Dec. 17 of that year, the river reached a height of 63 feet 7 inches. The damage was not so great as in 1832.
Water again entered the city on February 21, 1882. Lawrenceburg at that time had a levee, which broke causing terrible destruction and loss of property. The height was only about 60 feet, however.
In 1883 the levee had not been repaired strongly enough to withstand the 68 feet of water which came during February. This flood covered High street to a depth of six feet and flooded all of Old-town and a few squares in Newtown.
Hard on the heels of this disastrous overflow came the calamity of 1884, when the water was the highest ever recorded until 1937. The water began to run over the Lawrenceburg levell at noon on February 6, and at 10 p.m. the levee broke. The water continued to rise for seven days, reaching a height of 71 feet 1 inch.
After 29 years of safety, the muddy waters of the Ohio again invaded Lawrenceburg on March 29, 1913, when the levee immediately west of Center street lifted at the base and went out. The water remained in town seven days, reaching a height of 70 feet.
Now in 1937, flood records of all time were broken. The levee gave way at the west entrance of the B. & O. railroad into town, causing greater destruction than any ever recorded. The water remained in the city two weeks and reached a height of 82 feet 6 inches. Every home in Lawrenceburg was flooded, including the highest spots in Newtown which were thought to be forever out of the reach of flood waters.
The sun reflects its peaceful beauty on the ugly gap
in the
Corner High and Walnut Streets. Looking north.
levee, which caused all the sorrow and misery.
Air View. Showing part of main business district.
New Post
Near the break in the levee, the B. & O. tracks were washed
Office, City Hall, etc.
out and twisted like wire by the turbulent waters.
The lake where the "flats" were. Showing driftwood
on the
The great lake between Greendale and the "Ghost City".
Greendale shore.
Lawrenceburg Jucntion. When this communication
was cut off
Harden Town. This is the place from which the Hooten
by water, all supplies had to be trucked many miles,
and ferried
baby was rescued.
to the city.
Air View. Showing Seagram Bottling House in foreground.
The Coast Guard. Boatmen were of the greatest value, and
have the blessing of every citizen of Lawrenceburg.
Refugees landing in Greendale. Notice the Coast
Guard carrying
Coast Guards carrying a refugee, who was most dead from
a lady to dry Landing.
exposure, to the hospital in the Seagram Distillery Offices.
View from Court House. The Court House is the highest
spot
View from Odd Fellows Building Showing High Street.
in the City.
Kitchen in Cook Foundry.
View from top of Court House. M. E. Church showing on right.
View from top of Court House.
Main and Third Streets. (Newtown)
View from Court House. Looking toward Greendale.
Looking toward "The Ghost City" from Ludlow Hill. Supplies
were ferried across from here to Greendale after rail
communications were cut off.
East Side of Walnut Street.
St. Lawrence Church and School. From boat.
Main and Third Streets. Showing park in Newtown,
and cars
A winter's supply of kindling wood delivered free of charge
which had been completely submerged.
at the front door.
The Lawrenceburg High School Building.
Lawrenceburg Roller Mills. The Lawrenceburg Roller Mills
are the largest flour mills in Indiana.
People's Coal Company. Big Four Depot in foreground.
First Presbyterian Church on Short Street. Henry Ward Beecher
was once pastor of this church.
This
Filling Station near the boundary line between Lawrenceburg
Emanual Lutheran Church on Main Street.
and Greendale was the only building in Lawrenceburg that
was out
of water during the flood.
View taken from Moon and Shopmeyer Building. Zion
Evangelical
Interior of Zion Evangelical Church after water had performed its
Church in background.
dreadful work.
Guilford Road. Had this road been constructed over
the hills to the
Some people refused to appear sad although their life's savings
right, Greendale would have had direct communication
with the
had all but vanished.
outside world by automobile.
Seagram Distilleries from Ludlow Hill. The Jos.
E. Seagram Distill-
THE LONESOME ROAD. Down this cleated board walk many a
eries were placed at the disposal of the refugees, and
the unceasing
sad heart sighed, and many tears were shed as women and children
efforts of its officials for the comfort of the distressed
will make
refugees evacuated Greendale, across ugly waters, into the snow-
history never to be forgotten.
clad hills beyond, they knew not where.
Emanual Lutheran Church, showing results of the flood.
(Front
Interior of St. Lawrence. Even God's edifices were not exempted
of Auditorium)
from the terrible ravages of the flood.
Many of the faithful attended Mass in the A.D. Cook Foundry,
Lutherans conduct services in the Old Quaker Bottling Plant.
February 7th.
The "High Road" between Oldtown and Newtown, was nearly
Treasure seekers. Many curious people poke around in the debris
destroyed by the swift current of the Miami.
hoping to find something of value.
No sooner had the water receded than progressive merchants
At the west end of Center Street most of the houses were
were back making ready to resume business.
washed down the river by the terrible rush of water when the
levee broke.
A residence that stood the ravages of the flood was well
built indeed. Lawrenceburg had
no sewer system, and many a building of the
late Chick Sales architecture was moved from its foundation
sometimes decorating a fashionable front yard.
A typical view on Shipping Street.
Corner of Walnut and Center Streets. The refreshment places
and Beer Saloons are among the first to reopen.
What to do with refuse thrown out on the street was a
real problem.
"You can't keep a good man down" and you can't keep a good
town under. Lawrenceburg shall rise again.
Walnut Street looking toward the river. This family
seems to be
The many curious sightseers who invaded the city soon had
carrying their only earthly possessions.
to be prohibited.
"Photographs tell the story" but not vividly enough.
They cannot
Many autos were abandoned, and now are buried in the mud,
convey the sickening sense of stench, filth and slime,
nor the
slime and filth.
psychic sense of sorrowing hearts.
Houses tumbled like tenpins.
The upended house in the distance formerly stood on the
foundation at the right.
Picture taken just before Mr. Whitney went up in the
plane to
take the pictures. From left to right, E. C. Bearden,
owner of the
plane; Bernard McCann, editor of the Lawrenceburg Register;
Mr. Whitney; and the pilot, James Hennessy.
Entrance to Fair Grounds, and the Fair Grounds so recently
Corner Mary and Center Streets. Some houses managed to
expensively improved sustained extensive damage.
remain upright, but many crashed and crumbled.
Shipping Street was nearly demolished.
The A.D. Cook Company established an eating place under
supervision of The Red Cross, for employees and victims of
the
flood.
Just one more courageous home owner salvaging as much
as possible. Community House,
Greendale. An anxious but good-natured
crowd always awaited the opening of the Commissary each morning.
Barracks in Old Quaker Bottling House. The State
Militia was a
Locomotives furnished steam heat for the Old Quaker Bottling
great and helpful factor in keeping order, and establishing
system
Plant while the fires in heating plant were extinguished by high
in distribution of food and clothing.
water.
Showing a part of the improvised hospital established
in the Old
Caboose No. 172. During the height of the crisis, Col. Nanz and
Quaker Bottling House.
some of his valiant Lieutenants made sleeping quarters in 172
while their own beds were occupied by flood sufferers.
These people gave freely their help in serving food to
homeless
Emergency dispensary established in The Old Quaker Bottling Plant.
refugees in the eating place of the Old Quaker Main Office
Building.
Lawrenceburg Roller Mills established offices in Old
Quaker Office
A progressive barber fills a great need. Even refugees feel the need
Building, while having their own building renovated.
of a hair-cut during the flood.
Phil Emmert, the last refugee to be taken (by force)
from
Oldtown. Eating breakfast in "The Seagram Hospital".
The versatile officials of the Seagram Distilleries used
two
Many houses though rolled and tumbled about by the
locomotives to furnish steam heat when the fires in the
furnaces
angry Ohio, stayed intact even when upside down.
were extinguished by high water.
The new building of the Southern Indiana Telephone Company
While the new $50,000.00 Post Office was nearly covered
withstood the flood, but not without great loss to the
company.
with water, Postmaster Spanigal established a temporary
Post Office in the Old Quaker Office Building.
The Governor's Party. Governor Townsend, on visiting
The new High School Building under construction. Like an
Lawrenceburg, the last stricken city on his tour of Indiana
cities
Island Prison it stands out a grim spector of the awful
on the Ohio, remarked, "All the rest are bad enough,
but
disaster.
Lawrenceburg is a ghost city." The Governor is
in center of
upper row. This picture was made in front of Cornelius
O'Brien's
residence.
Air View. Newtown in foreground. Oldtown
in distance.
View from Odd Fellows Building. Looking toward Greendale,
Jos. E. Seagram Distilleries in distance.
View from Court House. The Legion Home can be seen
at the
Looking North toward Greendale. Tanner's Creek on left,
right.
and the flats on the right.
Great destruction was done in "German Town".
Looking east on Third Street. Showing "High Road" washout.
Basements are rapidly emptied with gasoline engine pumps.
Looking west from Walnut Street toward the break in the levee.
"Baby" George (Quaker) Hooten, whose life was
saved by an improvised oxygen tent by Old Quaker
Company employees. A trust fund of $2,000.00 is
being raised for his education. Pictured above
are
Col. Nanz, little Georgie, and nurse Higgins of the
Old Quaker Hospital.
The beginning of "Tent City" which, when completed, will
consist of upward of four hundred tents, 16 1/2 feet square, furnished
with
table, cots, and chairs, a utility stove, serving for
heat, cooking, and laundry purposes. A welcome contribution by The
Red Cross.