New Britain herald., 1929-02-07
electrical service throughout the


city.
The mayors Office was called by
scores OF property owners to have
the fire department ordered out to
pump water from their cellars.
Cellars Flooded on Main Street
Cellars Of many merchants on
Main street were flooded and con-
siderable damage was done to much
Of the merchandise stored there. One
of the firms. Erickson & Carlson Co.
furniture dealers. found its cellar al
most completely covered with water.
This Is the first time In the history
of the firm that water entered the
cellar.
For time 1t appeared that the
Corbin Screw Corporation division OF
the American Hardware Corporation
might be closed when water filled
the basement and mounted close to
the heat and power system. but the
waters subsidized without causing
great difficulty.
p, e. F. Corbin and Corbin Cabi-
net Lock divisions had no trouble
although there was some water
damage to stock stored in base
ments. The Hart & Hutchinson and
Hart & Cooley plants, although To-
Gated in lowlands. weathered the
storm without interruption to plant
activity.
A representative Of the Skinner
Chuch Co, called at the office OF the
board of public works early this
morning and asked that something
be done to relieve conditions which,
he said. had made it necessary to
suspend work at that plant. The fac
tory is located a short distance from
the foot of the decline at Church
street, near Stanley. and the torren-
tial flow demoralized the power sys-
tenn, he explained.
Scenes described of the flood
areas along the Mississippi river and
in inundated towns and cities were
recalled by motorists who braved the
storm in an attempt to reach their
places of employment.
All roads leading into New Brit
ain were strewn with long line of
automobiles stalled because of wet
ignition or unable to proceed be-
cause of flooded roadways. APP
preaching the city evidences of the
inability Of motorists to proceed
along the streets became more
plentiful.
One of the worst spots in the city
was the stretch between South Bur-
rift and Lincoln streets. Here in a
low depression, the water had filled
and overflowed the catch basins and
about Is inches or more of water
was in the road.
Many Drivers Maroone.l
Hardy drivers who attempted to
get through the flood were maroon
ed In the middle facing either a
long wait until help could come or
knee-deep wading through the
chilly stream. In this stretch, five
cars were stalled with the water
eddying over the running boards.
The drivers. unable. to get their ma
chimes working again. were hanging
onto running boards waving at peo-
pie who had gathered at both ends.
Appeals for aid were turned down
with finality while the example OF
those stuck in the middle of the
street served to cause others to
make a detour down South Burritt
street.
The stretch at the bottom of Wal
nut Hill between Russell and Cedar
streets. was flooded even with the
sidewalks on both sides of the road,
Here number of cars were stalled
unable to proceed but the drivers
were nonchalantly waiting for the
waters to recede.
On the outskirts for more than q
mile between Lazy Lane and Dun
hams bridge between Plainville and
Southington, the fields to the south
were entirely covered with water
The shed of the storm from the low
ridge of hills between the road and
Meriden on the south made the field,
an immense lake and the road 8
miniature river.
People living in the houses which
!; are far from numerous in this sec.
ton. were marooned while owner.
, of chicken farms. clad in hip boot,
, and nor'westers. worked frenziedl,
to prevent the outbuildings from
floating away.
!