Closeup of Flood Waters Near Building and Stairs

PhotographerPhotographed by Thomas F. Oakes American, 1900 - 1966

Date1936

MediumPhotography; gelatin silver print on paper

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

ClassificationsGraphics

Credit LineGift of Nora Howard

DescriptionFlood waters around a brick building. There are stairs and landings visible on the building. Bars are on the windows. Leafless trees are visible in the background.

Object number2001.21.15

MarkingsOn verso: in center, stamped in green ink: a fountain, with "FOUNTAIN / PHOTO SERVICE / MAR 30 1936"; stamped in darker green ink: "508"InscribedOn verso: bottom left, "[Hartford Flood of 1936]". In pencil: at top left, "1936.3"; accession number at bottom 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