The 1977 flood, shown here, caused millions of dollars of damage to downtown. Grundy can tell stories of survival, as well. The town has risen from the ashes of its own burning three times and has endured nine floods since 1929. Squatting on the banks of the Levisa River, Grundy has been at the mercy of water. Two major floods, one in 1957 and another in 1977, caused millions of dollars in damage to businesses and homes.
Residents rebuilt again and again, determined to claim their rights to a place they've always known.
But the town as they know it is about to change. Grundy's relocation project to higher ground, funded through an alliance between the town and state agencies, is designed to prevent further flooding and restore a waning economy. The decision to move the town has divided Grundy's citizens. The stories were compiled and transcribed by 28 students from Grundy High School, who were directed by English teacher Debbie Raines for two years. Although complete with a map and timeline of Grundy, it shouldn't be categorized as a history book, according to Smith.