It’s no April Fool’s joke … this is the final column for the Matamoras Minute. I wish to thank Christina Myer and her staff for all the assistance they ha
John Miller
There was a lull in devastating floods in Matamoras for a period of about 20 years after the major flood of 1913. The town commemorated the highest water it had ever experienced with a high water plaque attached to the steps of the Cline & Son store on Main Street. The plate is embedded in the concrete to this day.
Then came the flood of 1936. It occurred in February and, until December of the following year, there would be five floods that covered the bottom lands, caused property damage, and closed State Route 7 above and below town. Matamoras reverted to its “island” status once more.
John Miller
The initial trip from Matamoras to Marietta to help in relief of the March 1913 flood found the situation to be more dire than originally indicted. The packet boat, Evelyn, on her return to Matamoras received another load of cargo and headed downriver again.
This time additional volunteers joined the transit. The incentive of those traveling was twofold. One was to aid in relief and the other was based on the concern about family members and acquaintances who had moved to Marietta.
All the way down the river the relief committee found devastation: at Beavertown, Newport, Saint Marys, and numerous small crossroads along the way. At Beavertown residents had managed to land ten houses by dragging them out of the waters as they swept past.
John Miller
The next significant flood for the valley was in 1907 during which there were two separate events. One crested at Marietta at 38.8 feet on January 21, but March 15 witnessed a crest of 50.5 feet.
In Matamoras Edd B. Hutchison, editor of the Matamoras Mail, provided a vivid account concerning the town’s trials and tribulations, “Flood – within 18 inches of 1884. The river has been rechristened and is now called Le Diable… No service on the railroad (on the West Virginia side) for a week almost… A scout train passed us this Monday morning and we look for service soon. The actual damage in Matamoras was not large, probably less than any other town its size on the river.”
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