Flood Waters Near Hotel Bond, Asylum Street, Hartford

Images(2)

Flood Waters Near Hotel Bond, 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

DescriptionFlood waters near brick commercial buildings. Towards the center of the image, a sign: "Colonial / Parking / 20 [cents]" To the left of the sign is an automobile that is covered to the roof with water, and a man or boy laying on the roof. The lighter brick building at the center is the Hotel Bond. The darker building at the right is the Hotel Garde. Signs on the building read: "SCHAEFER" "HOTEL GARDE / Single / rates / $2. to 3.50 / no / higher / Including / Full Breakfast / CAFETERIA / Luncheon / 35 [cents]".

Object number2001.21.4

MarkingsOn verso: in center, stamped in green ink: a fountain, with "FOUNTAIN / PHOTO SERVICE / MAR 30 1936"; stamped in a darker green ink: "508"InscribedOn verso: At bottom left: "[Flood of 1936, Hartford, Near Hotel Bond]". In pencil: at top left, upside down, "1936.3"; accession number is inscribed at bottom right corner.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