Flood Diaries & Letters: Tuesday, April 1, 1913

J. G. C. Schenck, Sr.

“Clear day. Towed auto to the Speedwell for repairs. Opened up house to air—all day. Stayed at [Canby?] till 9:15 PM & then Talbotts drove me up to Stoddards with JHP.”

 

Bishop Milton Wright

“It is a bright day. Mrs. Stevens called. Says Orville and Katharine staid at their house last night. They have stayed there two nights at least. I mailed cards to Richard F. Braden.”

 

Edward Neukom to his brother- and sister-in-law Tom and Evelene in Pennsylvania:

“April 1, 1913, 10 A.M.

“Dear Tom and Evelene,

One of many "houses piled on top of each other" in Dayton (ms128_2-5-39).

One of many “houses piled on top of each other” in Dayton (ms128_2-5-39).

“…No Tom don’t let Evelene come here, nor Grandmother nor anybody else. If you like to come to see the houses piled on top of each other you better start right away. Thousands of men and teams are cleaning up, and everybody is well taken care of. Yesterday I was over town and saw them catch a fellow who had 16 watches on him, the[y] stood him up on the steps of the courthouse and shot him dead on the spot. Night before last 27 looters were shot like dogs. So you see we are well protected. Over 1500 horses were drowned, I saw 15 in a bunch on Main Street yesterday. Our four refugees are no trouble at all, Mrs. Sheuerman helps and does all she can. We have now City water going again and Fire protection; Fire Engines came from all surrounding towns. Will send papers from time to time if we get them. Our factory is being cleaned up and will be running in about 20 days; damage to Shops about $150,000.00. No reliable figures as to number of deaths can be had yet. The weather is now fine and people cheerful. I wrote every day since Wednesday. We have received not one single letter for a week now but are promised R.R. bridge will [be] replaced by a Trestle work in one week.

                                                                                                “With love to all, Edward”

“[April] 1, 1913

“Dear Tom,

“Just got your wire—4 P.M. and answered immediately. Have telegraphed you last Wednesday and wrote every day since then. We have enough to eat and coal to cook; I have set up a temporary stove in the yard. We cannot by anything, money is N.A. everything is given away. Cannot write more, because I must get this away before 5 P.M. Nobody allowed on the streets after 5 P.M.

“Nellie is about played out. Mrs. Sheuerman is with us to help. Don’t worry we get through all right. But I tell you it was Hell for 5 days. I worked 3 days and nights in succession.

                                                                                                “With love to all, Edward”

 

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