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Look Back: Parkersburg, Belpre flood of 1937

Historical newspaper excerpts from the Wood County Historical Society

By Wood County Historical Society 3 min read
Photo provided by the Wood County Historical Preservation Society The flood of January, 1937 devastated the lower part of Parkersburg. These men, perhaps a father and two sons, appear to be among the hundreds of refugees who were dislocated by the flood. Though the river crested lower than the 1913 flood, it was the devastation caused by this 1937 disaster that prompted the building of the floodwall that now protects Parkersburg.

River stage of 51 feet predicted; all roads leading from city are closed and B.& O. main line also blocked; four hundred families evacuated from homes

Entirely isolated except by wire, 400 families driven from their homes, several business establishments and two theaters closed, Parkersburg last night awaited today's flood crest - with a maximum 51 feet forecast by Meteorologist R.P. Powell.

Almost 100 Families In Belpre 'Hit' By Flood

Between 75 and 100 families evacuated their homes in Belpre throughout Friday night and early yesterday, as the flood waters started lapping at their doors and filling their basements.

Late last evening flood waters started backing up through the sanitary sewer system into the basements of several more homes as flood relief squads consisting of the Belpre volunteer fire department and WPA workers remained on constant duty in helping families who were moving from their homes.

The Parkersburg News

Jan. 24, 1937

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Police issue fresh warnings of floating gasoline danger

Floating gasoline on the flood waters necessitated continued watchfulness and precaution, city police warned last night.

U.S. Coast Guards stationed in Parkersburg for flood emergency duty patrolled the areas still inundated yesterday, warning residents of the impending danger, as it is estimated that thousands of gallons of gasoline have leaked from storage tanks above Riverside.

The Parkersburg News

Jan. 30, 1937

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WPA flood work aids in crisis

By admission of city and county officials, perhaps no organization has been of greater help to Parkersburg and Wood County in coping with the recent flood disaster than the Works Progress Administration.

Throwing 500 WPA workers and 200 NYA youths at the disposal of the city and county to move families and protect life and property during the flood emergency, and have available an allotment of $31,000 for the flood project, the federal agency played an invaluable part in making the disaster easier to bear.

Served 4,000 meals. WPA women were furnished to care for refugees in centers and to provide hot lunches for children at feeding centers. A total of approximately 4,000 meals were prepared and served by WPA labor.

WPA workers were used as a guard patrol, serving to protect private and public property against looting and to safeguard life at dangerous points. Labor for inspecting, treating and cleaning approximately 200 wells and cisterns were supplied.

Sixty-six WPA women, employed for two days on sewing projects, made 900 garments for flood refugees. A total of more than 4,400 garments made in WPA sewing rooms were distributed to refugees in Wood County by the commodity setup under the supervision of the state department of public assistance.

The Parkersburg News

Feb. 7, 1937

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The Wood County Historical Society works to preserve yesterday for tomorrow. For more information, contact P.O. Box 565, Parkersburg, WV 26102

Starting at /week.