The Glenwood post. (Glenwood Springs, Colo.) 1897-current, 1921-06-11
LOCAL SALESMAN
IN FLOOD DUTY
Served as Guard in seggre-
gated Area and Saw
Much Devastation
LIFE LOSSES IMMENSE

When we read of some calamity that
happened at quite a distant point we
are not so much impressed as though
the scene were laid nearer home.
Likewise, when we read story Of
what happened, we are not so thor
oughly impressed as,though we secured
our information from the lips of ONE
who was on the ground and was an eye
witness to the tragic events, such as
made vivid history in Pueblo the past
week
1t is on this theory that the Post
feels especially fortunate in having
been able to interview R. H. Tanner,
local representative of Ridenour- Baker
Mercantile Co. of Pueblo, who arrived
in Pueblo few days before the ter
rible tragedy, and who very reluctant
ly witnessed the awful desolation
which was brought to the little city
through the ravaging elements of fire
and water.
Mr. Tanner says the alarm was
given to the people by way OF the
siren whistle about 1890 Friday even
ing but, as in the case of the 1894
waterspout, and that other flood in
which Noah busined himself in making
preparation and warning the people,
the people refused to heed the alarm,
insisting that there would be nothing
more serious than little shower. And
thus it was that hundreds of the peo-
pie refused to give heed to the gen
eral alarm and refused also to accept
the offers of public officials to lead
them to places of safety. In spite of
this attitude, many of the people were
forcibly taken from their homes by
the police and conveyed to safety, In
spite of their resistance.
Mr.. Tanner says he went into the
river section about 8 o'clock and found
the water within about three feet OF
the Union avenue bridge. When no
started from the Union station to go
up town the water was within six
inches of he bridge, and ten minutes
later it had overfown the banks. And
by 1890 it was all over town and
state of havoc and fear had overspread
the city.
The rise of the water was not grad
ual, but was swift, rushing in torrents
and carrying everything in its path.
The highest point the water reached
was between Fifth and Sixth streets,
onMain street. All boats kept at Min
eral Palace were pu to use in rescuing
the people from second stories Of doom
ed buildings.
The rescue work in the bottoms was
made easier by the fire which destroy
ed the lumber yard of the King In
vestment company. 1t cast good
light over large territory and ensbled
the rescuers to work to better advan-
tage. and NO doubt made possible the
saving of many lives that otherwise
would have been lost.
Mr.. Tanner says the property loss
was almost beyond estimate, as there
was not business house between
Sixth and Main and the Union sta
ton that was not almost completely
DESTROYED, so far as the basement and
first story were concerned. Several Old
landmarks which withstood the former
food Of 1894 were completely destroy
ed and carried away, among them be-
ing the Prior Furniture company g
building.
Tn addition to the terrible torrent
in the Arkansas, the danger was In
creased by heavy flood which came
down Fountain creek, taking out all
of the bridges leading to East fn-
sblo.
Speaking Of the life loss, Mr.. Tan
ncr said.
"In my opinion, the total loss u
life will never he known. People VINO
did not heed, or who did not under
stsnd the warning and who remained
at their homes in the lowiands, wore
swept away to death by the dozens,
perhaps BY the hundreds, and some OF
these bodies win be recovered further
down the stream during the nsxt fsw
weeks, snd some, Il u fsir 70 assunne'
Win never be recovered. I saw .