The Torrington Historical Society will host the second virtual program in a series of three staff-presented talks on Wednesday, May 19th at 6:30 pm. This program is FREE to the public and is sponsored by CT Humanities.
“Black Friday: The Flood of 1955 in Torrington” will be presented by Torrington Historical Society Executive Director, Mark McEachern. This illustrated presentation is based on the Society’s extensive collection of photographs of the flood and its aftermath. Of special interest will be a selection of human interest photos taken by professional photographer James Miller of Torrington. To register, visit the Society’s home page, www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org
Early in the morning of August 19, 1955, the Naugatuck River unleashed the force of its overflowing waters on Torrington, then a city of 29,000. As residents slept, torrents of water poured through the city taking with it trees, boulders, debris, machinery, automobiles, bridges, houses – anything in its path. What followed would be hours filled with panic and fear, terror and loss. In the end, Torrington sustained its worst disaster on record. Seven lives were lost, 20 homes and 28 firms destroyed, not to mention the extensive damage to homes, businesses and industries. But, in a spirit not seen before or since, people came together, helped their neighbors and with the aid of state and federal services, rebuilt their city. Discover the story of the flood, the aftermath, and the work to rebuild Torrington.
The next virtual program will take place on Wednesday, June 16th at 6:30 pm. “What’s in a Name: The History of Torrington Streets”, will be presented by Gail Kruppa, Assistant Director/Curator. To learn more about the Torrington Historical Society please visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org.
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