Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1890-05-15
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Gouldsboro.

GREAT FLOOD AT WEST BAY-THK DAMS GIVE
wAY-A YOUNG PAUL REVERE FLEEs
DOWN THE VALLEY AND GIVES THE ALARM
INTENSE EXCITEMENT PREvAIIs-THE
BRIDGE SWEET AwAY--A VESSEL. on THE
STOCKS THREATENED WITH A PREMATURE
LAUNCHING POST MASTER DELIVERS
THE MAIL UNDER DIFrICULTIEs-TliE
TOWN LANDING SWEPT
The most destructive washout that has
been known here for more than ffty years,
at least. occurred on Wednesday of this
week. The upper dam" as 1t was called,
located some two and half miles north
of the county road, flowing depth of
some fifteen feet and an area of FIVE square
miles, went out With full head on. while
the pond below was already running over.
This dam has been considered unsafe for
two years, but last fall it was put in good
repair as was supposed by those having
control Of it. and this spring no one had
any fears. While there was difference
of opinion as to the extent of the damage
such an event would occasion, no one
doubted but it would sweep the stream Of
all the mill property below, and also
the town landing which at this time Is
nearly covered with wood and slaves.
While the damage is considerable the
fright for few hours or until the hood
reached its height, was intense. At about
eleven O'Clock In the morning, Ernest
Whitaker, a bright lad of sixteen, living
half mile below, happened to have his
eyes turned in the direction Of the dam at
the moment and saw and heard the first
terrible plunge of this mighty power, and
without waiting for second thought.
came running at break neck speed down
through the village, sounding the cry Of
alarm. The shock was terrible. Men left
their work and the women came into the
streets. Teams were now running races,
it seemed and the children hurried home
from school What could be done? Moth
ing At twelve O'Clock It was hardly per-
ceivable that food was upon US In this
vicinity. Half an hour later 1t was evil
dent that the boy was right. and at one
surrounded by water. but their contents
had ere this been removed to place OF
safely The ship yard was flooded and
Master Strout was having water courses
cut through the chips as best he could. but
there was danger that the bed-logs would
undermine and launch the vessel before
her time. Al this time piles OF wood be-
gan to drift away and an old pine log hfty
feet in length came from some wharf and
stretched Itself in front Of the old and de-
serted store Of the late II VI Sowlc At
half past one the stage from the west,
WIN. DYER, arrived 10 find men wadng
knee deep in water in the road before him.
Throwing the mail bag to some one. he
rushed ahead ard crossed the bridge with
safety. II was the work Of only few
minutes to shift the mail, but before the
strap could be tucked through the many
iron loops and the lock replsccd. the stone
piers of the bridge d.ntcgra,ed and fell
and the fridge was swept away. Com
munications IL seemed were now certainly
cut of with the east, but the post master.
\.
a mile below. where the fresh and salt wa
tiers quietly rested in each others embrace.
crossed over and soon after was seen from
our side delivering his baggage TO the
driver.
At this time the carding mill Of W. l..
GuptIll was losing portions Of Its founds
ton, and was expected soon 10 fall. to-
gether with VIM Sowles single MILL
Henry Hovey's match mill. I 5. Dunifers
boarding house. and also the vessel on the
stocks. For two long hours, or TIL four
O'Clock. when the waters began to recede,
there was watching and waiting and the
greatest anxiety by this entire community.
but strange TO say, none OF the mills yield
ed. but nearly all the dams on the stream
have disappeared, besides the bridge and
some cord wood. II is said that four hun
dred thousand slaves or rather the logs 10
make this number. are now high and dry
in the fields and pastures along the river.
In 1888 there occurred a similar misfor
tune here, carrying away the bridge and
almost every mill on the stream May It
be hundred wears before such another
event, is the wish Of your correspondent.
The carding mill will be ready to start
up again in about two weeks.
May 10, 30. NosREME.