Flooded streets in Battle Creek, c. 1908
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Postcard showing a photo of flooded streets in the flood of 1908. Battle Creek experienced major flooding in the downtown area in 1887, 1896, 1904, 1908, 1912, 1918, and 1947. By the mid-1950's local leaders worked with the federal government to vacate properties in the flood-prone neighborhood southwest of downtown Battle Creek known as "the bottoms." By 1954 a coalition of local industries and foundations and the federal government was formed to clear housing in the Bottoms. Displaced residents were encouraged to move to the Washington Heights neighborhood. Work began with the Army Core of Engineers on the "Cement River Project" to straighten the Kalamazoo River and channel it so that it no longer could flood the downtown area or displace homeowners.
Written on front: Sonny - Here is how some of B.C. looked under water. Just got back from taking Bertha to the car. We played all night with me last night. I didn't eat
Written on back: so much but what I am able to be around today, although I am not very hungry as yet. The girls had your picture onthe table as an absent member of the [illegible] G. M.c.
Sent to: Mr. Floyd Crawford 607 Hill Ann Arbor, Mich.
Sent on: March 24, 1908