The American Red Cross Bulletin (Vol. IV, No. 1, January 1909) — John Shaqi
The American Red Cross Bulletin (Vol. IV, No. 1, January 1909)American National Red Cross
History
The American Red Cross Bulletin (Vol. IV, No. 1, January 1909)
American National Red Cross
American National Red Cross -- Periodicals; Red Cross and Red Crescent -- Periodicals
Proceeding to Marion on Friday night, with the expectation of being able
to complete the investigation in another 24 hours, I found a situation
which made it imperative that I should spend two or three days in that
section.
A very active and interested Relief Committee, with Mayor S. T. Miles
as chairman, was fully alive to the needs of the situation, and had
succeeded in raising a fund of over $500.00, in addition to what had
been sent by the Red Cross. I learned from this committee that the
four townships of Marion County had been practically submerged. These
townships form a tongue of land lying between Big Peedee and Little
Peedee Rivers. During the flood the water of Big Peedee had risen and
flowed clear over the intervening strip of land until they met the water
of Little Peedee. A sandy ridge extending North and South through the
interior ordinarily forms the water shed between the two rivers, and, at
many points, the water had covered even this comparatively high land.
Arrangements were at once made for me to proceed to Eulonia, the home
of Mr. S. U. Davis, who was said to be more thoroughly familiar with
conditions in the flooded section than any one else.
After dinner Mr. Davis drove me through several miles of flooded country.
It was a matter of regret with him that I had not come a week earlier
when—nearly two weeks after the flood—the whole country was still under
water, and boats were the only available means of transit from point to
point. At that time most of the homes were vacant, and the occupants,
with their cattle and household effects, were camping out wherever they
were lucky enough to find a spot that was “high and dry.”
[Illustration: PEE DEE RIVER FLOOD.]
In a little two-room shanty, near Mr. Davis’ place, thirty-four people
found shelter at one time during the high water. One resourceful farmer,
when forced to move out of his home, which, though partially submerged,
was still the dryest spot on the farm, provided for his live stock by
tethering the cow to the cook-stove in the kitchen, and quartering his
five hogs on the bed. In another instance a couple, who were determined
to stay in their homes at all risks, themselves “camped out” on the bed,
and at meal times paddled over to the cook-stove on a hastily-constructed
raft.
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