AV 121 Columbus, Ohio 1913 Flood Postcard Collection

              AV 121
Columbus, Ohio 1913 Flood Postcard Collection
Page 1
OHIO HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Manuscripts/ Audiovisual Collections
AV 121
Columbus, Ohio 1913 Flood Postcard Collection
1913
OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION
Number:
AV 121
Title:
Columbus, Ohio 1913 Flood Postcard Collection
Creator:
Ohio Historical Society
Dates:
1913
Media:
Printed and photographic postcards
Quantity:
0.33 cubic feet
Location:
Ohio Historical Society
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE COLLECTION
In late March 1913, unusually heavy rains fell during Easter week. It rained steadily for five days and the streams throughout the state rose rapidly. By the third day of the downpour, levees were overtopped and many towns suffered disastrous flooding. Nearly every riverside city, including Columbus, suffered flooding. Fires added to the destruction and the loss of life. When the floodwaters receded, the destruction was staggering. Tons of mud and debris covered the streets, homes, businesses and factories. Businesses and railroads suffered more than $ 300 million of damage, over 20,000 homes were destroyed and 428 Ohioans were killed because of the flooding.
SCOPE AND CONTENTS OF THE COLLECTION
The collection is comprised of 177, b& w printed or photographic postcards documenting scenes in Columbus, Ohio during the 1913 flood. Postcards depict a birds- eye- view of Columbus during the flood; damage to homes, businesses and public institutions; the destroyed Broad Street bridge and flood scenes in Mt. Calvery Cemetery. There are also views of Columbus residents being rescued from the floodwaters and supplies being delivered. Additionally, the collection includes a postcard booklet titled, “ Views of the Columbus, O., Flood.”
ORGANIZATION OF THE COLLECTION
Postcards are filed alphabetically by subject.