Pat Woods New Port Richey, Fla.
I was 9 years old, living in Canton during the Flood of '55. The things I remember are the helicopters landing in the area of the now Saybrook Fish House with evacuees from all around because all the bridges were destroyed and there was water everywhere.

I went to grammar school at St. Mary's School in New Hartford with my cousins & brother but that was put on hold until a bridge could be built over the Farmington River in Collinsville that would take us up and over the flooded areas because the Pine Meadow, Satan's Kingdom areas couldn't be reached.

I remember attending Mass at the old Canton High School because the bridge next to the Collins Company was washed away and we couldn't get to St Patrick's Church.

I remember the basement in our home flooded with over 3 feet of water. With no power the sump pump didn't work so all our things had to be thrown away.

I remember spending our days at my aunt & uncle's snack bar - Judy's - because the grill was gas so we could eat, and they had a transistor radio so we would know what was happening.

I know it was a terrible time for all, many lives were lost, homes destroyed, property damage and such. The bridges that were built to replace the damaged and destroyed ones are taller & stronger and hopefully will never have to be tested.