Martin Varner 1937 Flood Reminiscences

Martin Varner 1937 Flood Reminiscences

1937 Flood

Interview with Martin Varner on January 30, 1987. Varner, a New Albany native, discusses his experiences and role during the 1937 flood and cleanup efforts. Varner also recalls how the rain “poured” for twenty-one days and nights and how this flood was worse than previous ones. Varner recounts how he and his fellow workers rarely had any dry clothing or a hot meal, although he was appreciative of his subsequent paycheck. Varner assisted in sandbagging the hospital against the flood and waking up senior citizens and relocating them to safety. Varner further recalls how his wife and family were relocated to a taller building for safety, and how the new furniture he had purchased was destroyed by the flood, leaving his family with only a small amount of clothing and a Model T Ford, while others took advantage of the flood. Lastly, Varner postulates on the likelihood of another devastating flood and preventive safety measures.

New Albany-Floyd County Public Library

Oral History Collection at the New Albany Floyd County Public Library

New Albany-Floyd County Public Library

January 30th, 1987

MP3

English

OHT48

New Albany (Ind.)

Audio Cassette

48:03

Martin Varner

New Albany-Floyd County Public Library