Raging Waters - The Flood of 1955
The flood that hit Unionville on August 19, 1955, devasted the town. Thirteen lives were lost; homes were swept away. In addition, many more were damaged and had to be demolished. More homes were hit in Unionville during that storm than anywhere else on the East Coast. Businesses were also heavily impacted.
Below is an online version of our 2025 exhibit which marked the 70th anniversary of the flood. It recounts what caused the flood and traces its path from where it first hit Unionville (at the Route 4 bridge and River Road), to where it hit the hardest (River Glen on Farmington Avenue). It shows the flood waters and devastation in each of those areas. It also tells the story of heroic first responders and those who lost their lives. And it tells the story of how people came together after the flood to rebuild the town.
Below is an online version of our 2025 exhibit which marked the 70th anniversary of the flood. It recounts what caused the flood and traces its path from where it first hit Unionville (at the Route 4 bridge and River Road), to where it hit the hardest (River Glen on Farmington Avenue). It shows the flood waters and devastation in each of those areas. It also tells the story of heroic first responders and those who lost their lives. And it tells the story of how people came together after the flood to rebuild the town.
How it Happened - The flood was caused by a hurricane, a tropical storm that stalled and the release of a dam upstream. More details here.
The Flood's Path and the Damage Done - These sections trace the path of the flood. Click on the links below for information and photographs of what happened in each of those areas when flood waters hit
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- River Road & the Route 4 bridge
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- Plainville Avenue
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- School Street - Union School and Charles House
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- Railroad Avenue
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- Unionville Center
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- New Britain Avenue
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- Mill Street & Water Street
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- Farmington Avenue
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- The South Main Street Bridge
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- River Glen
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Rescue Efforts and Lives Lost
For the heroic story of Officer Yodkins and Joseph Morin, a young college student, who both lost their lives in a rescue attempt, read "Remembering the Heroes of the '55 Flood" which appeared in the August 20, 1995, issue of the Hartford Courant. The Morin-Yodkins Memorial Park on the south side of Farmington Avenue was created in their honor.
First Person Accounts
Edward Durant - The Farmington Flood - August 19, 1955 - Edward Durant tells a harrowing story of spending hours in the waters of the Farmington River at the height of the flood trying to help evacuate and rescue a River Glen family. All the while fearing for his life and theirs.
Patty LeBouthillier, President, Unionville Museum Board - "Memories and Recollections of the Flood of 1955 Farmington and Unionville, Connecticut". Patty and her family lived on the corner of South Main Street & Railroad Avenue. Her family's home was heavily damaged in the Flood and eventually had to be demolished.
John McManama - "Flood of '55 Farmington Avenue and Union School". John McManama was the Principal of Union School. He and his family lived on Farmington Avenue across from what is now the Morin-Yodkins Memorial Park. His home was heavily damaged but salvageable.
Patty LeBouthillier, President, Unionville Museum Board - "Memories and Recollections of the Flood of 1955 Farmington and Unionville, Connecticut". Patty and her family lived on the corner of South Main Street & Railroad Avenue. Her family's home was heavily damaged in the Flood and eventually had to be demolished.
John McManama - "Flood of '55 Farmington Avenue and Union School". John McManama was the Principal of Union School. He and his family lived on Farmington Avenue across from what is now the Morin-Yodkins Memorial Park. His home was heavily damaged but salvageable.
Digging Out and Picking up the Pieces
