Cumberland, MD--History

CHLORINE PLACED IN COUNTY WELLS

Department of Health Moves Swiftly to Prevent Disease

The Health department of Washington county announced last night that wells in the flood areas of Williamsport, Hancock and other sections of the county would be chlorinated as rapidly as possible. Persons wanting their wells chlorinated should call the offices of the Health department, phone 143.

Lime will also be furnished through the Red Cross for flooded cellars to prevent disease.

WPA WORKERS AID IN RELIEF IN LOCAL FLOODED SECTIONS

Work of removing debris started in all sections of the County. - Some members of Company B patrol Hancock Streets.

Havoc wrought by the worst flood in Hancock history was gradually being alleviated as yesterday sixty WPA workers bulled themselves clearing up debris of all sorts from the streets and clearing away mud. It was estimated that a total of 200 men were at work la the county yesterday, at Williamsport, Kemp's Mill, Harper’s Ferry (Maryland side) and other places.

HANCOCK BUSY TAKING CARE FLOOD VICTIMS

Nearly 300 Driven From Homes; May Be Able To Return Within A Week

WILLIAMSP0RT IS CARING FOR NEEDY

Between 10 And 12 Dwellings Washed Away; Relief Headquarters Thronged

Hancock, Md., Mar. 21 — Their homes swept away by the floods, approximately 50 persons were quartered at the fire company's headquarters here today while the Red Cross furnished them food and pressed rehabilitation activities.

Relief Rushed To Victims of Flood

Work of relief was speeded in Williamsport as that the town took stock of the damage wrought by the worst flood in history.

The Salvation Army, under Captain Andrews, was early on the scene with flood and clothing for victims of the tragedy. Coffee and sandwiches were also furnished Wednesday and yesterday.

$1,500,000,000 RELIEF FUND IS ROOSEVELT AIM

President Asks Congress To Provide Sum To Care For Needy During Next Fiscal Year

PROBLEM REVIEWED

Chief Executive Proposes That Entire Amount Be Earmarked For Works Progress Administration

Washington, March 18. — President Roosevelt today asked congress to appropriate $1,500,000,000 for work relief during the next government year beginning July 1.

March 23, 1936.

March 19, 1936.

At a special session of the Board of County Commissioners of Allegany County, held in their offices at the Court House on the above date, were present the following; President, A. Chas, Stewart, Commissioners, Nelson W. Russler and James Holmes, Attorney, David W. Sloan and Clerk Thos. P. Richards.

The meeting was called for the specific purpose of devising ways and means whereby the County Commissioners might extend their services in the emergency of the terrible flood which visited Cumberland and the adjacent territory.

The flood affected areas in Maryland not only in the Potomac River basin. This photograph was taken in Cascade, Washington County, MD. The cascading water over the dam that you see under the Western Maryland Railway bridge is coming from Lake Royer on the Fort Ritchie Military Reservation, on South Mountain between Washington and Frederick Counties.

This Kelley photograph shows the destruction of the bridges in Harpers Ferry.

36½ feet – the all-time record crest at Harpers Ferry. The Bollman highway bridge and Shenandoah bridge were swept away for good, while many businesses in the Lower Town were left in ruins.

From Memorable Floods at Harpers Ferry.
 

This view is of lock 38 at Bridgeport, across from Shepherdstown. On the far bank is Bellevue. There is a boat on top of the flume. The bridge between West Virginal and Maryland was washed away in this flood and was not rebuilt until 1939.

Unrau wrote: The canal at Shepherdstown was inundated for 62 hours, and at its peak the flood reached an elevation of 22 feet above the towpath, a height exceeding the 1889 figure by five feet.