1937 Flood Victims Found Refuge in Washington County

By: 
Jane Clark, Writers Bloc

It rained 27 days straight beginning in early January of 1937, and by the end of the month the Ohio River crested in Louisville, Kentucky, at 56.9 feet—the highest flood stage in the area’s history. It occurred in the middle of winter during the Great Depression when many people were suffering financially, and the cold weather caused even more distress for the thousands of people who had to leave their homes.

Flood victims were moved north to safety in a massive evacuation. Over one thousand refugees found a safe haven in Washington County where there was an overwhelming response from the local residents who gave aid and comfort. Refugees arrived in box cars on the Monon Railroad, packed in like cattle, as some people described their experience. Passenger cars were reserved for the sick or elderly. Others came by school bus, in trucks and cars, or on foot.  Some came on stretchers or in wheel chairs. They carried suitcases packed with clothes; some brought family pets. Everyone who arrived in Salem was sent to the National Guard Armory where they registered and were assigned temporary housing.

The Red Cross arranged housing in public buildings, lodge halls, churches, and private homes in Salem, Campbellsburg, Pekin, Fredricksburg, and Canton. There were 1,800 Army cots and 2,500 blankets made available for the 1,200 refugees staying in Washington County.

The generous people of Washington County donated a railroad box car of food, bedding, and clothing.  Eighteen truckloads of food and supplies were received from many organizations including the American Legion Posts in Muncie and Terre Haute and from government relief agencies. Volunteers helped prepare and serve meals daily in a community kitchen set up at the Armory. A laundry was also set up at the Armory, and volunteers helped sort and distribute clothing. Several volunteers did office work; others were assigned to committees that arranged for transportation, finance, and communication.

An infirmary was set up in Salem with two interns and third year medical students from the University of Louisville. They were assisted by two day nurses and two night nurses. All flood victims and relief workers were given vaccine for typhoid fever by the State Department of Health. Some flood victims suffered from influenza or pneumonia.

The National Guard, America Legion, WPA, and U.S. Civilian Conservation Corps all assisted in rescue operations. Army officers were on duty and helped supervise the sanitation department.

  The Washington County sheriff’s office and National Guard officers assisted flood victims whose loved ones were lost or drowned as a result of the flood. Refugees who lost their glasses were offered a free pair by one Salem optometrist.

The Salem community gave comfort to the refugees by holding informal get-togethers. Community sings, talks given by ministers, music by the Salem High School band and other entertainment was provided in an effort to help them forget their troubles.

Flood victims had to spend from several days to several weeks out of the flood zone.  A few refugees never left Washington County—they became acquainted with and later married some of the local residents.

In Indiana 20 counties were affected by the 1937 flood. According to the National Weather Service Center there were one million people displaced by the flood, 100,000 in Indiana alone. Property losses totaled over $500 million, and hundreds lost their lives in the eleven states that were affected.

Flood conditions lasted for nearly three weeks, but much of the damage remained for months or years. The flood caused not only loss of life and property but also physical and mental suffering, but the kindness and generosity of residents of Washington County welcomed flood victims and gave them aid and refuge from the worst flood on record.  

Jane Clark is co-director of Writers Bloc and has been a member since 2005. She enjoys writing memoirs, essays, poetry and fiction. Her work has appeared in regional and national publications. Her first novel True Allegiance is available on Amazon.com and Books A Million.com. For more Writers Bloc blogs visit www.salemleader.com.

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