I don't know how many times I have walked right past this stone without seeing it, but it must be MANY times. We're in Hufnagle Park in Lewisburg a few times a year, every year, for various festivals. This is right behind where the big ice sculpture stands each February, so I have obviously stood right beside it.
And I had never before read it.
Dedicated to the memory of
Gordon Hufnagle,
Public Safety Director,
who lost his life while attempting
the rescue of Lewisburg citizens on
June 22, 1972.
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On June 22, 1972, Bull Run Creek in Lewisburg flooded it's banks.
Citizens had almost no warning, as flood waters quickly rose in the homes along the creek.
After the flood, those homes were demolished, and the area where they once stood is today, Hufnagle Park
One of the buildings along Bull Run being demolished
The tree shown in this photo, is still in Hufnagle park today.part of what is now Hufnagle park, named for the officer who died while attempting to rescue an elderly couple.
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On June 22, 1972, Bull Run Creek in Lewisburg flooded it's banks.
Citizens had almost no warning, as flood waters quickly rose in the homes along the creek.
After the flood, those homes were demolished, and the area where they once stood is today, Hufnagle Park
The tree shown in this photo, is still in Hufnagle park today.part of what is now Hufnagle park, named for the officer who died while attempting to rescue an elderly couple.
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Gordon Hufnagle was Lewisburg's chief of police from 1942 to 1970, when he was promoted to borough safety officer. In June of 1972 Gordon Hufnagle drowned when the rescue boat containing him and the Murphy's capsized.
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Melvin Swartzlander & Craig Jarret, on their way to rescue Joseph Murphy, who was clinging to a tree, with his small dog, after the rescue boat he was in with Hufnagle capsized.
Although Joe & his dog were rescued, he later died at the home of his son.
Gordon Hufnagle, and Mrs & Mr Joseph Murphy
water rose 6-7 feet high in the Murphy's first floor
In the fall of 2023, a new pavilion was erected [to replace the former one] at Hufnagle Park. We walked past it during the ice festival in February of 2024, and noticed this new sign had been placed as well.
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READ MORE
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Officer down memorial page:
The covered bridge that is across the street was built in 1982 by Bucknell students, in memory of Chief Hufnagle.
Mrs William F. Minium of 1101 St Anthony Street was also killed, when a wall collapsed during the flood.
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Photos Of The 72 Flood In Lewisburg
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Find More Local History & Stories Here:
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Find More Local History & Stories Here:
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