The Birmingham age-herald., 1912-08-09
FLOODS SWEEP
 WEST LAKE AWAY Bessemer District Under Water Yesterday Morning DAM BEING REBUILT Miss Nell Christlieb to Entertain Friday-Miss Weinstein Gives
 Theatre Party-Other
 News of Bessemer

Theatre Party--Other
 News of Bessemer
 Ressemer August s.-(Special) )-This morning about o'clock the dam which holds the water in West Lake broke in yhree places and within short time the expanse of water known as West Lake was no more. The dam first broke in the upper lake, the rushing torrents flooded the lower lake, and with the in creased volume of water which had ac- cumulated from the heavy downpour or the early morning battering against the einbankment, forced break in the lower dam letting the hundreds of thousands of gallons of water which formed West Lake flood the surrounding country.
 Within a short while there was prac- 4ically no water in either division of the lake and fish could be seen in the shall low places. Men and boys waded into the mud and caught the fish with their hands. while nets were also used in land ing them.
 As soon as the news reached the city hundreds of people visited the scene. The stock company which owns the property went to the lake immediately and prep erations were made at once for the re- pairing of the broken places and now crews of men are busy driving piles, throwing earth between them and build- ing the embankment, and it is thought that within few days the repairs will be completed and the physical appear ence of the body of water will be about es usual.
 During the storm this morning the Jonesboro Baptist church was struck by lightning and the steeple was torn oH and the wiring burned out, while the build ing was damaged in otner ways. Trees and poles were blown down and all of the telephone wires between Bessemer and Birmingham were put out of commission.
 The McAdory branch below Jonesboro was very high as a result of heavy rain visiting this section this morning and Pettus Alexander, a negro. 21 years old, was drowned It seems that Alexander accompanied by another negro named Hampton went to the branch short distance from where it flows into the creek and after disrobing jumped in. On account of the heavy rain the creek had risen about five feet and as the water was very swift Alexander was over powered He screamed but Hampton was unable to help him. After the water had subsided his body was found about 10 ,,1o ha inf In His body was taken to his home short distance from the stream and Coroner Brasher was notified.
 This morning c. c. Crotwell, Alderman M. E. Crotwell and Archie Crotwell members of the firm of crotwell Bros Lumber company. came near losing their lives in trying to save their plant from the big flood c. C. and Archie Crotwel got beyond their depth in trying to save lumber. and narrowly escaped from go- ing under huge piles of floating timber. M E. Crotwell was swept down in the water but was caught and pulled out. The company lost a carload of cement, car load of lime and 1t has as yet not been sscertained just how much lumber was lost.
 The street car line between Bessemer and Jonesboro was covered with abour three feet of water while the bridge over Halls branch was swept away. The plant of the Bessemer Rolling Mill was flooded by water for the first time in it's history this morning The plant was shut down until 4he water can be cleared away and tte engines and machinery cleared of debris and mud.
 The regular business meeting of the Altar society of St. Aloyslus Catholic church was held yesterday at the home of Mrs A. ]. Colpack. No new plans were discussed, only the routine business being transacted. At the conclusion of the meeting tempting refreshments were served.
 On Friday evening Miss Nell Christ leb will entertain at dance in com pliment to her guest Miss Mary Jor dan Buchanan of Little Rock, Misses Marion and Carrie Kent of Ensley and their house guests, Misses Ruby Huff l .elia Mcwilliams, Grace Trotter and Eu- genia Rosson.
 Miss Dora Weinstein entertained at a box party at the Majestic theatre this afternoon in compliment to her house guest, Miss Weinstein of Norfolk, and Misses Nell and Marie Harrington of Chattanooga, the house guests of Miss Bernice Hayes. After the matinee re- treatments were enjoyed at Nunnally's. The party was composed of Misses Vein stein, Nell and Marie Harrington. the honor guests; Bessie Goldstein, Corinne Goldberg Ida kartus, Pearl Weinstein and the hostess, Miss Dora Weinsten.
 Mrs. M. ]. Hayes was a delightful host ess yesterday afternoon when she com piimented Misses Nell and Marie liar rington of Chattanooga. the charming house guests of Miss Bernice Hayes, at a theatre party to see a performance at the orpheum theatre. Those enjoying Mrs. Hayes hospitality besides the guests of honor were Misses Cannon and Prior.
 Human Fly" Arrested
 New York. August s.-Rodman Law, "the human fly" started to climb the 1s-story Blair building in Broad street early this afternoon. when his ascent