Flooding along Water Street, Hallowell, 1936
Item 148202 info
Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
The Kennebec River’s forceful flow transformed Hallowell’s Water Street into a true reflection of its name—a “water” street. This vital thoroughfare played a crucial role connecting area towns. Positioned prominently at the heart of the photograph, the street lay just behind the foreground buildings.
The waters raged with such intensity it rendered Water Street impassable on foot. The Portland Press Herald reported that water forced fifty families to evacuate their homes. The Red Cross promptly intervened and provided essential assistance.
The diversity of subject matter within 1936 flood aerials, and the approximately 920 aerial images included in the Portland Press Herald glass negative collection at Maine Historical Society, highlight Gannett Publishing Company’s appreciation of comprehensive aerial photography as an extension of their photojournalistic endeavors, rather than a fanciful addition.
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