20 Aug 1955
Page 1
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Newspaper
Syracuse Herald Journal
Location
Syracuse, New York, United States of America
Date
Aug 20, 1955
Page
1
Heavy rains swelled the Delaware River and floodwaters cut roads and bridges across eastern Pennsylvania. At least 51 people are dead and more than 70 are missing as towns, including Stroudsburg and Pocono resorts, lose power, water, and communications.
Connecticut endures catastrophic floods from Hurricane Diane. Gov. Ribicoff appeals to President Eisenhower as damage runs to billions and death or missing toll nears 30. Health officials declare multiple towns health hazard areas due to polluted waters and widespread disruption.
Across the Bay State the heaviest rainfall triggers widespread floods. Damaged dams, burst banks, and crippled transportation strand residents from Sandisfield to Worcester. Officials count casualties and estimate billions in damage as cities like Springfield Holyoke and Holyoke face emergency status with parts isolated.
In Trenton New Jersey the Delaware River flooded to 20.53 feet forcing evacuation of about 1000 residents along the riverfront and breaching walls near the statehouse. Five people were reported dead as the crest held briefly before receding. Upstream communities evacuated and Civil Defense declared a local state of emergency as refugees moved to higher ground.
In southern New York a 50 square mile flood area prompts thousands to return home as rivers surge recede. Residents face wrecked houses mud filled yards and hours of backbreaking cleanup after record rains in the Catskills watershed.
In North Uxbridge Massachusetts a five foot wall of water from the Rice City Dam failure sent floodwaters down the Blackstone River toward Woonsocket Rhode Island, home to about 50 000 people under a state of emergency. Engineers warn the crest could arrive with loosened water and a concurrent crest making conditions hazardous. About 1500 families were evacuated as Horseshoe Dam burst flooding a four mile area and closing streets. Local officials and the Army Corps of Engineers monitor the river and coordinate relief and defense efforts.
A National Guardsman Daniel Lindka 19 of Lyncourt was killed and companion Jerry Junod 18 of Lyncourt was injured when their car overturned near Baldwinsville as they headed to Camp Drum for training. Junod in fair condition at Oswego General Hospital in the neck and leg injuries. The crash occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on Canton Street Road two miles south of Baldwinsville. The car swerved to avoid an animal and rolled several times. Lindka was pronounced dead at 2:50 a.m. by Dr. Hepplethwaite. A county coroner and deputy investigated at the scene.
London gossip columns sweep as Princess Margaret reaches her 25th birthday age tomorrow. The Times declares the topic the nation’s chatter with headlines on possible wedding plans and royal social life.
A message from Athens New York reports Carmine G. DeSapio secretary of state of New York collapsed while traveling from New York City to Greene County for Sesquicentennial observances. He was to speak on Russia and warned against accepting Kremlin’s “new smiles and joviality.” He would have represented Gov Harriman at the 150th birthday ceremony in the village.
In Boston 504 cases were reported as Massachusetts total rose to 1606 for the year. The New England total reached 2073 with Dr Feemster predicting a sharp decline in new cases after next week.
London reports Princess Margaret remains calm on the eve of her 25th birthday as Britain buzzes over a potential marriage to RAF Group Captain Peter Townsend. Royal protocol and church rules loom, with a Balmoral celebration planned and Townsend keeping silent on the romance.
A Syracuse priest and his brother in law were rescued after their 24 foot cruiser exploded on Oneida Lake last night. Both men suffered second degree burns to the face arms and legs and were taken to Lennox Memorial Hospital in Canastota.
Dane County Supervisor Walter Simons joked about testing a mayor’s new device nicknamed the Hed detector. He quipped that a married man has a natural horn detector his wife.
The Northeastern flood disaster causes billions of dollars in damages as the seven state area faces casualties and widespread evacuations. Death toll tops 104 with Pennsylvania leading with 51 and Connecticut 30 as emergency crews rush aid and sandbag defenses.
The Weather Man Andrew P Keiles reports today will be hot with highs near 93 degrees and a possible record. Winds from the west bring continuing heat with tonight’s low around 72 and tomorrow’s high near 92 as a long stretch of heat continues with little relief.
Stroudsburg Pennsylvania reports an extensive dawn search for about 40 people missing from Camp David, a private summer camp five miles north, flooded by Branchheads Creek. No signs found as water engulfed all 14 buildings. victims reportedly from Jersey City Rutherford West Paterson West Caldwell and Staten Island.
Hartford meeting between Gov. Averell Harriman of New York and Gov. Abraham Ribicoff of Connecticut was postponed due to a more pressing mutual problem.
Russell K. Britton, Denver school director of instruction, stopped his outdoor commencement talk at Colorado A&M College Friday when rain began. He quipped that it is a state institution but we don’t believe in soaking the public.
A jokey exchange features a beginner golfer complimented on a long drive and a friend quipping it could be stuffed, delivering a lighthearted, brief cartoonish gag.
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