Historic Hallowell

The Hall-Dale 7th Grade, of Farmingdale, Maine, has been working since February of 2010, to create an online exhibit about different disasters in Hallowell. There are many different disasters that we have been studying such as: floods, hurricanes, and cyclones, etc. Our group has been working meticulously on floods, starting from 1870 and working its way to 1987. We are proud to present our contribution to this website, and hope that it is helpful for any purpose.

On March 2nd, 1896, Hallowell had its 3rd largest flood in the history of Hallowell floods. It was caused from an ice jam on Swan Island.

Its discharge measured 113,000 cubic feet per second. The flood concluded on March 9, 1896.
Written by William Lewis

In 1936, a major flood came upon the Kennebec River. The flood was a total disaster to the surrounding areas. The flood was caused by ice jams at Swan Island and Browns Island but with the warming temperatures in the late winter, early spring, the winter ice on the river melted at a fast rate.

The river also was getting its spring flow of water which surely didn’t help the river stay in its banks. The two excessive amounts of water flow caused the Kennebec River to flood its banks.

The flood hit the community on the night of March 13, 1936. In Augusta, the flood stage for the Kennebec River was up to 13 feet. There is no information recorded saying the number of people injured or the homes destroyed and damaged.

There was an estimated cost of $25,000,000 in damage the flood had caused. An example of what the flood had caused was the destroyed Richmond-Dresden toll bridge. The cost of the damage was a total of $260,000. The bridge was destroyed because of the ice flow of the river that was to high and had become jammed under the bridge. After time, the jammed ice under the bridge became to overwhelming for the bridge to hold because of the building pressure. The bridge gave way in different sections just a few short seconds after the other. The 1936 flood was a major disaster to the communities of Hallowell, Farmingdale, Augusta, and more. Even though there are events that haven’t been recorded, the flood will never be forgotten.
Written by Andrea Fredericks

This flood from the black and white days, was one of worst floods recorded in Maine's history. In fact, it was so bad it was considered a DISASTER. This disaster caused financial damage to Hallowell. Including $1,000,000 in damage. Now for the “OLDEN DAYS” that was quite the money. Hallowell also lost $50,000 more due to the Hallowell transportation train tracks being swept away in rushing waters. Speaking of transportation issues, Hallowell had also lost the bridge connecting Hallowell to Chelsea. Many people could not trade or communicate without these important lines of transportation. All citizens of Kennebec County had to wait, and wonder when this disaster will end.

Mother nature took away other things also. Ice harvesters had to say goodbye to their ice fields when they were flooded. Also the harvesters ice shacks were taken by the wind and down the river. Owners of a local store Leigh and Wingate had 300 barrels of flour taken from them by these mighty waters. Many citizens had to go without food that consist of flour for a long while. Devastations went all over Kennebec County. When these waters still hadn't had enough, they pushed a building all the way into Water St. and blocked transportation for everyone, even by boat. Although these situations occurred, the people of Hallowell were not alone. To the far East, China, was experiencing difficulties with the same problem. The Yangzete river had flooded and many Chinese people were in twist. This nation wide crisis left every one wanting and hoping for better days.
Written by Emily Markham

The Flood of 1987 occurred on April 1st. The water rose 2 inches below the high mark set by the Flood of 1936. At a peak of 34.1 feet recorded on April 2, 1987, many were forced to evacuate homes and shops along the river. There were no serious injuries or deaths caused by this flood, but many lost their homes and personal belongings. People will remember this flood for years to come and although there is no more physical evidence from the flood, the memory lives on.
Written by Ayden Young and Nicole Pelletier

The Flood of 87 was one of the worst floods that I think ever happened in the State of Maine. There were people who couldn’t even leave their own home’s because the water was up so high. Water was in the streets, yards, and even in home’s. It happened because the ice was backed up under a bridge and the water overflowed. Since it had no place to go, it went up into the streets, the ice started to melt, and it raised even more. The Gardiner Hannaford was in so much water that their food and other stuff were taken out of the store. Employee’s had to go in a canoe and get them in the parking lot.
Written by Zac Sharpe

The Flood of April 1, 1987 occurred one century after one of the worst floods recorded in history. The Huang He (or Yellow River) flooded between July and November of 1887, and caused roughly 900,000 deaths in China. It was caused by collapsed dikes and heavy rainfall, which caused flooding for 5,000 square miles. The Hallowell Flood of 1987 was caused by heavy amounts of rain along the Kennebec River. There was about 3 million dollars estimated for Hallowell in damage, and 74.5 million dollars for the whole Kennebec County. There were no casualties or serious injuries caused by the Flood of 1987, but people will still never forget this disaster.
Written by Ayden Young