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1931 Flood

On March 31/April 1st of 1931, Mill Creek jumped its banks and flooded the Walla Walla Valley. Streets became riverbeds. Houses and businesses were engulfed by angry waters. Here are some pictures that show what the valley went through.


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The College Place flood of 1931.  This photo was taken from the corner of 4th (then Pine St.) and College Avenue.  May be the home economics building. Dorothy Gundy lived here with 6 college students.   This is the home of Dr. Reith. His son-in-law Dr. Eros lived in it in 1947-1948.  The Rainier Bank later stood on this corner. [4640 views] Flood waters in the Walla Walla Valley. [3203 views] College Place flood of April 1st. [3010 views] Railroad tracks in the College Place or Walla Walla area that the floods of April 1st washed out. [2992 views] College Place flooding.  April 3rd.  Top sign reads "glass bottom boats leave every hour, in all the world no trip like this." [2859 views] College Place flooding out the underneath of railroad tracks.  Taken April 5th [2671 views] College Place train on railroad tracks after the flooding.  April 3rd. [2699 views] College Place, highway from College Place to Walla Walla after flooding.  April 3rd. [2741 views] College Place, highway from College Place to Walla Walla during flooding on April 1st. [2792 views] College Place, Simmons residence during the flooding on April 1st. [2869 views] Walla Walla during flooding.  Truck being driven the in flood waters on April 1st. [2619 views] College Place house during the flood on April 1st [2791 views] Walla Walla during flood on April 1st.  The Union Pacific Depot at the far West end of Main St on 12th Ave in Walla Walla. [3048 views] College Place, highway from College Place to Walla Walla during flood on April 1st. [2682 views] Corner of Alder and 3rd, facing southwest in Walla Walla during the flood on April 1st. [2839 views] Corner of Alder and Colville, facing southwest in Walla Walla during the flood on April 1st. [2582 views] Driving in the flood waters on the highway in College Place, two blocks South of College Store looking towards it.  April 1st [2883 views] Exploring the Walla Walla flood waters of April 1st. [2854 views] Flooding in Walla Walla near Fire Station on April 1st. [2664 views] College Place flood on April 1st.  Students looking out the window of the Home Economics Cottage (Ko Kyn Kottage). [2881 views] Flood waters on the road between Walla Walla and College Place on April 1st [2675 views] Flood waters upon entering Walla Walla on April 1st [2806 views] Flood waters flow under the Walla WAlla Iron Workers sign on the highway from College Place to Walla Walla on April 1st [3120 views] Flood waters on Maple Street in College Place on April 1st [4698 views] Standing in the flood waters in College Place on April 1st [3207 views] The great valley flood of April 1. Pictured shows washed up gravel and rocks under a bridge next to broken soil and road. Written on the photo, "Where flood started. W.W. 1931." [33 views] The great valley flood of April 1. Pictured are high flood waters surrounding a building. Written on the bottom of the photo, "Flood of Walla Walla." Written on the photo, "Church of God with front taken off 4-1-31." [31 views] The great valley flood of April 1. Pictured are high flood waters engulfing a vehicle with two passerby The great valley flood of April 1. Pictured are high flood waters surrounding several buildings. This is likely Maple Street.  Written on the photo, "Flood of C.P. The great valley flood of April 1. Pictured are flood waters surrounding a distant church building. Written on the photo, "Flood of C.P.
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WWU Archives Digital Photo Collection : Walla Walla Valley : 1931 Flood


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