Flooding in New England

[matthew mckeon]

A long time ago I worked at the Lowell National Historic Park, dressed as a canal worker from the 1850s named Issac Page. Seven times a day, I would turn up my Maine accent and describe how I (Issac), saved the city of Lowell by dropping a 21 ton wooden gate into the canal, stopping the great flood of 1852.

A French Canadian worker named George Mercier did the same task in 1936, during a worse flood then. As Page had done, he cut through a thick iron "shackle" that fastened the massive gate(roughly 15 by 20 feet) to its frame, using an chisel and hammer.

Today, on May 15, 2006, the Francis gate, constructed in 1847, and used only twice, was dropped for the third time, blocking flood water from the city of Lowell.

The Civil War connection? Nothing direct really. The 6th Massachusetts, which shot up the mob in Baltimore was largely recruited from Lowell. The highly popular Benjamin Butler was a resident of the city for most of his life. But think: what other device from the Civil War Era still has such a vital function, and can still effectively perform that function?

[william42]

Matt, it sounds like Lowell is in rather dire straits. I hope everything works out ok. I've been watching the reports on MSNBC of the flooding. That gate has been around awhile, eh? They can probably use it in New Orleans, too, after it finishes its duty in Lowell. Thanks for the post.

TW

[matthew mckeon]

Dear TW,
Thanks for the sentiment. Luckily the flooding is still in the moderately expensive and inconvenient range, nothing like Katrina

[muzzleloader]

When Serman marched to the sea from and really before (NW Georgia and Chatanooga) Atlanta ,they had terrific rains in May and June- It was incredible. Bogged down, had to corderoy dirt roads. Wagons could not traverse, mules sank, men gave up, it was hell. The Union AND poor clothless Johnnies were both miserable. One thing about the Civil War or anyone camping out- It can be 65-75 degrees and dry, you are fine- but if it is raining you are a miserable cold, shivering MF. It is hell- Your balls shrink to the size of a red bean. You have no idea what misery rain can exact at almost any temperature even if you are out in the wilderness under the trees. It is the fricking devil if you have no cover.