THE GREAT FLOOD OF 1889
On May 31, 1889, following incredible rains of 6-10” within 24 hours, a dam collapsed above Johnstown, Pa. causing a massive, sudden inundation which destroyed the town and drowned over 2,200 people. At the same time, other towns in Pennsylvania were equally devastated. Williamsport, on the west branch of the Susquehanna, was devastated when a huge chain holding back logs for the city’s lumber mills gave way, sending 150,000,000 feet of logs down the main channel, some through the city, followed by an inundation. Offered here are 47 original albumen photographs mounted on linen, each 8” x 4 ¼” showing the raging river, flooded city of Williamsport, and the destruction wrought by the flood. These photos were apparently taken only hours after the rain had cleared. Thousands of logs are shown throughout the area, a railroad car appears on an island mid-river, homes, factories and bridges are destroyed, a riderless horse and carriage await aid, people use rafts to navigate the streets, etc. All images are in very good to fine condition, and many bear pencil notations indicating the exact location of the photo. Fine historical photographs.