The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-09-05
TWO FEET DEEP IN HOUSES.
Fletcher-Avenue Residents stepped
Out of Beds Into Water.


Residents of the south side OF Fletcher av-
enue and people living on Pine, Elm and con-
tiguous streets were among the worst suf-
ferers from the flood. Fletcher avenue,
from Pine to Dillon, was covered with
water from one to nearly four feet deep,
the raised park in the center being hidden
from view. AT daybreas only the tops of
the fences on one square were visible,
the cellars of all houses were full of water
and in some the mud-colored liquid had
covered the first floors. There is "a slight
elevation at Noble street and another rise
at Dillon and the water drains from both
directions towards the square between Pine
and Cedar, and also from the cross streets.
In ordinary rains the catch basins will
not take care of the water with rapidity,
and when there is heavy rainfall the
cutters are always full so yesterday morn
ing when the clouds let fall their load there
was a flood
dents on Fletcher avenue who had not
been kept awake by the storm were aroused
by a womans frantic shrek for help. The
call came from house near the alley, be-
tween Pine and Cedar streets. Mr.. Brown,
who lives close by, hurriedly dressed and
stepped outside, 10 find three feet of water
about his house. The woman still
calling for help and Mr.. Brown plunged
in and waded to her rescue. He found her
standing in water up to the knees and
carried her TO higher ground. The water
was running through her house and some
of the furniture was floating about the
rooms. Most OF the other houses near by
were in like condition, though the water
in them was not quite so deep. When
daylight came several men, with the AID
OF long rubber boots made a tour OF the
Hooded district and found large number
of people unable to leave their homes
except by wading in water nearly up. to
with rubber boots.
About this time man attempted to ride
down teher even on na nf Osyee sSe
churning about his seat, until he got be-
yond his depth. While moving % along with
seen to rise suddenly in his seat and take
a header. For a second only his heels
were visible. Then his head appeared, the
man spat out mouthful Vf muddy water,
fished out his bicycle and waded to dry
On the corner of Pine at the edge of
over the main sewer. 1t has an iron lid.
The sewer is six feet or more in diameter
and can carry off an immense volume of
toward White river the water dashed up
into the catch basin and lifted off its
lid. From that time till the flood began
the center of the street. The force. of the
water rushing from the sewer shot the
surface water % inc the air lr, foot tS or more more
on the street would swirl and eddy into
the hole making, hnS, dangerous @ place ace for for
about on improvised RATS.
When the Journals carrier boy reached
the scene the water had begun to recede,
but it was still two or three feet deep
for square or more. The boy hesitated.
He had a score of papers. containing an
exclusive account of the flood, to deliver
a
His hesitation lasted but minute. Lift
ing the bundle to the top of his head he
began wadng and soon waiting subscribers
were reading the reports of the flood.
Some Of the residents of Fletcher ave-
nue. threaten 10 sue the city for damages.
They say the blame of the flood is charge
able to the late Sullivan administration:
The street was improved while Mansfield
was city engineer and the property owners
assert his work was faulty. 1t is the sec
ond time they have suffered from floods
and their patience has been exhausted
The pecuniary damage IS not great, but the
trouble Of pumping out cellars and the
houses is something they wish to avoid
The heaviest loss on Fletcher avenue was
that of II. Frederick, who lives at No. II.
1t Is one-story frame house, occupying
foundation which lifts the house but little
over foot above the ground. This was
the lowest point in that district and be-
of water standing in the front room. with
the water in the kitchen fully four feet
goods were ruined. He succeeded in get
ting the carpet from the floor in the front
room before the water reached IL, but that
was all that was saved. Mr. Frederick
was awakened about o'clock by the storm
and upon looking out was startled to see
that the water was at his front door sill
He called his wife. and together they be-
gan tearing up the carpet in the front
room. The rain was then beating down on
the little house in torrents. and just as
they succeeded in getting out the last tack
they heard a mighty rush of water at the
rear Of the house. and before they realized
what ii meant they were in water almost
waist deep. They rushed for the bed. bur
in short time that. too. was submerged,
and Mrs. Frederick was becoming greatly
frightened Her husband succeeded In
arousing a neighbor whose house Is quite
near and he handed his wife out the win
dow TO the neighbor. then he followed The
water soon rushed through the open win
dow. carrying great quantities OF mud and
trash from the street This muddy water
soaked all the contents OF the house and
the carpets were left covered with coat
of slime. The immense volume OF water
on the roof at the rear Of the house. which
Is covered with tin roof. had caused the
ceiling to give way. permitting the rush OF
water which caught the inmates so un-
expectedly. The house next door. No. 73.