Valley Girl Views: 1972 Flood - Photos & Stories From Watsontown, PA

"Watsontown escaped major damage", but the damage was more extensive than had been sustained in the 1936 flood. Water from tannery run creek and a smaller creek at the south end of town, caused most of the damage. The river crested at a foot higher than in 1936, flooding many low lying areas of the borough.

405 From Milton To Watsontown

The rubble in the foreground is where the Arrowhead once stood. The building remaining was La Hacienda

:La Hacienda

Along 405, headed to Watsontown,
The Skat Gas Station is gone - washed away

Another view of the missing Skat service station

405 heading into Watsontown

This house can be seen in the photo above as well. This is looking south towards Milton, you can see the road leading to Ficks Hardware in the background. Today there are trailers where this house once stood.

Watsontown

Canal Street, River would be off to the right.

It was estimated that 34 Watsontown borough homes were damaged by flood waters.

Those evacuated were staying at the fire hall, the united Methodist church, or the homes of friends and relatives.

1st & Canal Streets

In Watsontown's Park Manor, along canal street from the path north to third street along woodland avenue and north elm and main streets, and in the brookside and muffly trailer courts, were all forced to evacuate. Approximately 50 people were rescued from their homes by volunteers, and mire than 200 residents were helped to move out of the reach of rising water.

The Watsontown Pool

Park Manor, Along 405

Philco-Ford, Watsontown Foundry, Jasper Wood all closed for three days.

Philco Ford provided a dispensary during the flood, with a doctor and nurse on hand at all times.

8th Street, at the railroad crossing

Fire Chief Samuel Klapp reported 8 fire alarms in the town, but all were minor in nature.

Elm Street, looking towards Brimmer

Water, bread, milk and supplies were limited in Milton, Watsontown, and surrounding areas.

Farmers were giving milk away to those who could reach the farms. People with swimming pools were giving the water to their neighbors.

Bread was airlifted in from Williamsport, and local grocers still have adequate supplies, but fear those will not last for the duration of this emergency.

White Deer