Bainbridge Flood, 1865

 

Flood At Bainbridge

The Chenango Telegraph, July 26, 1865

 

Messrs. Editors--Sirs:  I wish to give a little account of the sudden flood that passed through a portion of our village on Monday, the 17th inst:

 

The mill pond long known as the Newton Pond, became filled with rains of the previous Sunday, and the pressure was so strong that a portion of the dam gave away, doing a considerable damage.  At about 5 o'clock A.M., a noise was heard like that of "a mighty rushing wind," which came nearer and still nearer towards our village [Bainbridge, Chenango Co., NY].  It soon became evident that the mill dam situated about half a mile above the village, had broke from its moorings, and water, mud, timber, chairs, bed-steads, beds and bed clothing, stoves and all kinds of trash, came rushing on, fury like towards the Susquehanna river.  It swept a dwelling house owned by Wallace Newton, and occupied by one Mr. Vanzant, with all of its contents.  It next took hold of the Chair and Cabinet shop of Isaac Pettis, and not stopping to consider the best mode of demolishing it, tore its foundation out, and down it tumbled in the surging waters and was soon a wreck.  The next struggle it had was with the small bridge in the village; after pushing and wavering with broken timbers, and all sorts of debris, a portion of the bridge gave way.  The water passed through Packard's stage barn and yard, carrying off wagons, sleighs, harnesses, plows and other things; one hack just bought was entirely stove to pieces.  The wagon shop of A. Priest, was sprinkled with about two feet of mud and water but, as the doors were shut, his damage was light.  A part of A. Phinney's blacksmith shop was carried away; his damage is small in comparison with others.  Many gardens were injured, and some almost destroyed. 

 

I have not ascertained the exact amount of damage done, and perhaps it could not accurately be ascertained.  Wallace Newton, the owner of the dam, was damaged to the amount of nearly $1,500; Vanzant, $300; Isaac Pettis, $1000; P.M. Packard, $1000.  These were the heaviest losers in this fracas, which lasted about one hour.  All were more or less injured living along the line of the stream.

 

Had this dam given way in the spring of the year, in the time of very high water, it must have swept away a large portion of our village.  It is hoped if this dam is rebuilt, that the owner will see to it that it is substantially made, and not subject our village to be swept away at some future time.

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