Flooding has always been a problem in the Lykens Valley area, particularly after a period of heavy rains. This episode was reported in the West Schuylkill Herald of October 3, 1924. At that time railroad service was stopped, mail delivery was slowed, collieries were idled, and private homes were flooded.
3.5 INCHES OF RAINFALL DOES MUCH DAMAGE
Continuous rains from Sunday night until Tuesday night caused a rapid rise in Wiconisco Creek and all its tributaries, flooding much of the low land adjoining the creeks. New high water marks were recorded, and some of the older residents stated that never before in their memory has the water been so high or wrought such havoc as it did this week. Approaches on the south side of both Clarks Valley bridges were under water, and a number of automobiles which ventured to cross became mired and had to be pulled out by teams. Rural mail carrier C. E. Schoffstall said it was the worst rainy spell he ever experienced and that the roads were softer than any spring thaw.
The Philadelphia and Reading Depot and several hundred yards of track at Williamstown, and the tracks at Lykens were under water, so that no trains were able to leave Lykens for Schuylkill Haven on Tuesday, until the water had subsided. As a consequence, Brookside Colliery was idle on Tuesday, and on Wednesday No. 1 Tunnel and many parts of the collieries were still idle due to high water.
Cellars in all parts of the valley were flooded and considerable damage was done to properties. A mountain stream crossed the road at Reinerton and washed the newly constructed lawn and driveway at the residence of I. U. Yoder. Dirt roads were badly washed in all sections of the valley.
Three hundred and fifty feet of roadbed on the Reading Company Railroad from Pinegrove to Dauphin was washed away, causing a suspension of the operation on that track. The large reservoirs in Clarks Valley were for a time threatened, but stood the raging torrent of Stone Creek.
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News article from Newspapers.com.
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