Mother Nature’s Serious Grudge

As the flood warnings have flashed across our screens and we collectively debate whether to move the lawn furniture to the roof, let's take a little stroll through the archives of the Monroe County Historical Association to the infamous late summer of 1955.

According to historical accounts preserved by our local historians, the Poconos were having a remarkably peaceful, albeit dry, summer. Tourists were clogging up the local boarding houses, traffic was standard-issue tourist season annoying (some things never change), and everyone was enjoying the sun.

Then, Mother Nature dealt Monroe County a double wallop: the remnants of Hurricanes Connie and Diane.

The remnants of Hurricane Connie swept through on August 12-13, dumping nearly 10 inches of rain and turning the soil into a giant, slip-and-slide sponge. Before the water could even think about receding, the remnants of Hurricane Diane swaggered into town less than a week later on August 18, dropping over a foot of rain on already soaked land.

According to the Monroe County Historical Association's archives, Barrett Township alone lost 22 out of its 26 bridges. Trains became stranded near Cresco, houses were ripped from their foundations, and Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg's charming historic downtowns looked more like mid-century water parks. Helicopters were even needed to fly in supplies.

So, as bad as the weather has been the last couple days, remember: at least nobody has to bust out the rowboats quite yet. Stay dry, Monroe County!

The accompanying photo is an aerial view of the Interborough Bridge after it was swept away by floodwaters from Hurricane Diane. The bridge connected Stroudsburg and East Stroudsburg across Brodhead Creek. (Associated Press file photo, 1955.)

Source: Monroe County Historical Association archives.