View from Capitol Towards Asylum Street, Hartford

PhotographerPhotographed by Thomas F. Oakes American, 1900 - 1966

Date1936

MediumPhotography; gelatin silver print on paper

DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 2 3/8 x 4 1/8in. (6 x 10.5cm)
Sheet (height x width): 2 3/4 x 4 1/2in. (7 x 11.4cm)

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineGift of Nora Howard

DescriptionView looking north from the capitol building, at Bushnell Park and commercial buildings along Asylum Street. In the distance, the tallest building is the Hotel Bond. Toward the center is the Garde Hotel. At the far right, part of the YMCA building is visible. In the park, part of the Corning Fountain can be seen, and there are several leafless trees visible. In the foreground, part of a street light is visible.

Object number2001.21.8

MarkingsOn verso: in center, stamped in green ink: a fountain, with "FOUNTAIN / PHOTO SERVICE / APR 13 1936"; stamped in purple ink: "724"InscribedOn verso: bottom left, "[Hartford - Flood of 1936 - Looking / North from Capitol at Asylum St]". In pencil: at top left, "1936.3"; accession number at lower right.NotesSubject Notes: In March 1936, heavy rainstorms combined with melting snow led to severe flooding of the Connecticut River and its tributaries. Most of downtown Hartford along the Connecticut River and the Park River were inundated. Fourteen thousand people were left homeless, several were dead or missing, and epidemic desease threatened the population. The rainstorms continued for nine days. Overall damages exceeded $100 million. It was the most expensive weather event in New England up to that time.

Subject Terms