SHALL WE GATHER AT THE RIVER
As the rivers rose, the Dayton Journal newspaper printed a special edition on the morning of March 25 with a headline of “Flood stage in Miami River rapidly neared by roaring water”. Intended to be passed out to residents in the low lying areas of the city, most were not delivered before the river overflowed the levees.
John H. Patterson, concerned at how quickly the water was rising, went to Monument Avenue and Main Street to see how high the river was. Shocked to find that it was only five inches from overflowing, he returned to NCR and called for a meeting.
The notes in this chapter were hurriedly written by an unnamed secretary that morning, as plans were put into place by Patterson for flood relief, including the cooking of food and the building of boats, before the flood waters had poured over the levees downtown.
Tues. AM Patterson up @ 5:30. To Jack Barringer From NOW until I cancel it, I want the whistle blown at one-minute intervals for 30 seconds –
Call the Power Plant! 6:00 AM.
6:35 - Jack Barringer was told to call a meeting of all NCR Officers for 6:45
6:45 – Men of NCR mgmt gathered hurriedly –
Lawyers, Scientists, Accountants, Engrs, Inventors, Math- & Prod – heads –
Whistle - still blowing – Call to stop whistle during meeting? – other Co – Churches - Bells Whistles – Police Alerts ---
Chgd. name NCR – Temp out of commission – now known as Dayton Citizens’ Relief Assn.
We here at NCR must prepare to house & feed the people of Dayton who will be drawn from their homes when the City suffers a severe flood this AM.
Some question the merits of the new org – Patterson replied with explain – “this meeting not called to discuss issue – Gentlemen your roles in the new organization:
Head of Commissary – (Food Services) “There will be need for bread – Have 1000, - no 2000 loaves baked immediately – Prepare 500 gallons of soup, more if possible – Prepare to serve all food supplies we have on hand and more – You are excused –
Hydraulics – Drinking water – City water will be no good within an hour or so. We will tap our wells – Keep the engines running – Post a permanent crew.
Purchasing – Send out everyone you can get to buy all the staple items you can – also buy cots, beds, blankets, pillows, work shirts, trousers, cotton dresses, shoes of all sizes, boots, coveralls, gloves – Excused - next
Woodworking – There will be a grave need for boats to rescue marooned people – Make flat-bottomed boats for 6 people plus the rower. “Start turning out the boats within an hour.” We will need at least 200 of them. Excused –
Bldg 10- Will be headquarters for everything – Third floor – Gen. Hosp., 4th floor – Maternity, 5th –6 –7th sleeping area for men- 8th floor – Barbers –cleaners – laundry- 10th & 11th – Women’s quarters.
Committee went on ---- End of meeting 7:00 AM- everyone had a job to do. Emergency Status underway & No Flood YET
A final notation was squeezed in at the bottom of the last page:
7:00 AM – Water went over levees – Main & Monument Tues.
Return to "Through Flood, Through Fire" Home Page
