Cumberland, MD--History

The top image is from an undated postcard showing the three span bridge over the Potomac from Hancock to West Virginia. The booklet, "A Sketch of Hancock, Maryland, September, 1925", author unknown, notes that "the Big Bridge across the Potomac is now owned by the States of Maryland and West Virginia and is free to the public."

The lower picture, taken by Arthur White, shows the center span of the bridge underwater. The Report of the State Roads Commission of Maryland for the years 1935-1936, produced by the Maryland State Roads Commission noted:

ROSTER OF COMPANY PARTICIPATING IN FLOOD DUTY

1st. Lieut.       Guy S. McKee       
2nd Lieut.       Carl J. Schlotterbeck       
1st.Sgt       Charles B.Minnebraker       
Sgt.       Carter, C.R.       
Sgt.       Conrad, V.P.–#       
Sgt.       Farrie, M.       
Sgt.       Metz, J.F.       
Sgt.       Rogers, C.B.       
Sgt.       Schlotterbeck, E.P.       
Sgt.       Smith, E.W.       
Corp.       Adams,E.L. Jr.–%       
Corp.       Edwards, W.L. –%       
Corp.       Grimm, H.R.       

From Dr. Tabler and Mr. Resley, of the State Road Commission and the Mayor of Hancock it was learned that there were approximately twenty feet of water over the bridge at west end of Hancock. It was found that there were a number of row boats available for crossing, but as there was no light and large objects were floating as well as wires under the water, it was decided that such a crossing at night would entail too much risk in view of the instructions from Gen. Reckord. Capt McCleary then called Gen.

about noon, Wednesday Morning, March 25th. when they were relieved of duty and returned to Hagerstown,

FLOOD DUTY----March 18th. to 25th, 1936

"Captain McCleary, Company "G" on flood duty in Cumberland needs assistance. Mobilize Company "B" at once and proceed to Cumberland, reporting to Major Flook. Some of the roads are flooded, you will have to select any route that is open. Take no unnecessary risks"

That order from Major General Reckord by telephone at 11.50 A.M. March 18th. launched the first mobilization for duty of Company "B" since reorganization after the World War.

Company B, 1st Infantry Maryland N.G.
Flood Duty, Cumberland and Hancock, MD
March 18-25, 1936

Map of guarded area in Cumberland
(from Market Street to the Armory)


Carl H. McCLeary, Captain,
S. D. McKee, 1st Lieut
C. J. Schloltterback, 2nd Lieut

HEAVY SNOWS COVER TOWNS IN FLOOD BELT

Blizzard Intensifies Confusion In Stricken Communities. Pittsburgh In Darkness

LOSS AT MILLIONS

Homeless Thousands in Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia Towns Face Privations

BY JOSEPH SNYDER

HEAVY SNOWS COVER TOWNS IN FLOOD BELT

(Continued from page one.) valleys of the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegany rivers as Red Cross workers and other rescuers dug through, heavy debris, ever fearful new victims might be found to add to the staggering toll.

Ravaging Waters Bring Deaths to 169 And Property Damage to $270,000,000

HOMELESS TOLL IN DISASTER IS OVER 221,500

If Loss In Wages, and Business Together With Relief Are Counted May Reach Over Billion

PITTSBURGH LOOMS AS HEAVIEST LOSER

Sections Below Pennsylvania City Become More Alarmed As Angry Ohio Races On

BY DALE HARBISON

The unruly rivers roared fresh threats at people and property last night.

Gov. Nice Makes Personal Inspection Of Flood Areas

Arrives At Point Of Rocks To Find Water Ten Feet Deep In Streets; Issues Formal Statement Calling On State Legislature To Take Emergency Action; Asks $3,200,000 Bond Issue

Point of Rocks, Md., March 20 —Scenes of utter desolation greeted Gov. Harry W. Nice in Western Maryland today as the executive, accompanied only by a state trooper, arrived unexpectedly for an inspection tour of the flood-stricken Potomac valley.