
An image of Seymour during the Flood of 1955. Photo from YouTube slideshow posted by Jodie Gil.
SEYMOUR — Seymour Town Historian Marian O’Keefe is scheduled to give a presentation about the Flood of 55’s impact on Seymour.
The presentation is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14 at Seymour Public Library, 46 Church St.
O’Keefe will lead a lecture and slide show discussing one of the most devastating disasters to take place in Connecticut during the 20th Century.
The flood was caused by the combination of Hurricane Connie on August 11, 1955, which brought 4 to 6 inches of rain; and Hurricane Diane on August 18, 1955, which brought 5 plus inches of rain to the state.
The resulting flood caused widespread devastation, from as far north as Winsted to the lower Naugatuck Valley. These cities and towns relied on the heavy industries to bring in money, and due to the flood, a large majority of these industries were decimated. Bridges were washed away, stores were closed, powerlines were brought down, and there was no phone service to contact concerned relatives.
O’Keefe’s discussion will focus on Seymour, during and after the disaster, including the rebuilding and reconstruction of the town.
This program was first presented by Mrs. O’Keefe in 2017, but additional material has been added.
The program is free and all are welcome to attend. Registration is not necessary. The Seymour Public Library is located at 46 Church St, Seymour, CT 06483. Please call the library at 203 – 888-3903 for more information.