A Look Back at a Powerful Flood

White River from Wheeling and Riverside Avenues.

This month marks the 102nd anniversary of the devastating flood of 1913. On March 24 and 25, rain inundated Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and New York. With a late spring thaw, the ground was either saturated or still frozen. In Indiana, the Ohio, White, and Wabash Rivers and all of their tributaries rose rapidly; causing massive flooding.

According to a National Weather Service Report, “The flood of March, 1913, is without parallel in the history of Indiana…the loss of life and property was unprecedented; thousands were driven from their homes, fleeing for their lives; transportation lines were helpless through loss of track and bridges; telephone and telegraph lines were crippled….”

A view of Wheeling Avenue and the High Street bridge.

White River from Wheeling Avenue near Riverside Avenue.

The Ball family had an excellent view of the surging river from their homes on Minnetrista Boulevard. Even though the bluff afforded protection for Ball homes, it must have been unsettling to watch the river rise. Many other people who lived within a mile or two of the river weren’t so lucky.

Looking south toward downtown Muncie from Minnetrista Boulevard.

Looking north toward Ball homes, Maplewood and Nebosham, from Wheeling Avenue.