1937 Flood Footage in Evansville, Indiana shot by Ed Rech

In January and February of 1937, Evansville, Indiana, endured the worst flood in its history. The Ohio River crested at a record height of 53.74 feet and destroyed many homes and businesses in the Evansville area and in the Ohio Valley. Over 1200 blocks of the city were flooded. This footage of the flood and its aftermath was shot by Evansville photographer Ed Rech. The original footage is in the collection of the Evansville Museum of Arts, History and Science.

[@l1961g]

I did not even realize any footage existed from this event. I had seen photos over the years. My Great Aunt passed away as a result of this flood. It is very interesting to see it as it was in the day. Rare indeed and a very important part of Evansville's history.

[@tonynewman597]

So sorry for your loss.

[@TheGuitologist]

Fabulous footage. Thanks for posting this.

[@kathypayne4380]

I LOVE Evansville Indiana and the People that lived there !!!

[@1968toddcarter]

Thank you for sharing this rare footage

[@tonynewman597]

Thank you so much for sharing this video.
My mom was born in Evansville. She gave me a picture of the 1937 Evansville Flood that I would like to share a digital copy of with the museum) with my Grandfather standing in a rescue canoe with what looks like a portable stove in front of 306 Chandler Ave. Does anyone know if this address still exists or what the web site is for the Evansville museum? I would like to know more about this picture and also be able to share this picture with others.

[@ericnancewoehler3888]

Yes, thanks for posting this. I love the smiles on the faces at the end; people are so freaking resilient. Also, what a great structure Bosse High School is. Not only was it inundated here, think, too, about all the tornadoes that have passed through Evansville in the decades since. Think about all the schools that have been consumed by fire or simply demolished. And yet there still stands Bosse. I've never set foot inside, but it's certainly a beautiful thing to look at from outside.

[@gingerp6631]

Eric Nance Woehler : Bosse HS never changed over many decades. The lawns are manicured and the structure has aged well.

[@sherryonan5245]

Thank you for this rare footage....my great grandmother died from this flood 😭

[@tonynewman597]

So sorry for you loss.

[@4Score747]

😮 my parents were 12. They met in 46 then moved to Oregon in ‘47. Dad mentioned the flood a few times.

[@supermanbatman20056]

75th Anniversary of Evansville, Indiana worst flood its history of 1937 OHIO RIVER crested at a RECORD HEIGHT OF 53.74 FEET.

[@mercedesbenz422]

My gma survived this and my mom wasn’t even born yet.

[@savagezyt9340]

I wasn’t alive when this happened