Ionia-Statewide County MI Archives News.....RISING OF THE WATERS March 13, 1893
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Marilyn Johnson McDowell texas26@gmail.com May 7, 2009, 10:53 pm

Trenton Evening News, New Jersey March 13, 1893
General Alarm Turned In at Ionia, Mich.
Ionia, Mich., March 13 - Never before in the history of Ionia has Grand river
been so high as the present time, and the water is still rising. A general alarm
has been turned in - a warning that the danger point had been reached - and
great crowds of men flocked to the scene to do what they could to protect the
flooded property. 
The capital wagon works plant is now practically surrounded by the flood, the
basement and lower floors being inundated. The furniture factory plant is in
almost as bad shape, and all that can be seen of the fair grounds is the upper
portion of the buildings. Most of Ionia's manufacturing concerns are located on
what are known as the "flats" which have hereunto been considered safe ground.
The bed of the river lies at least half a mile away, but a raging, rushing
torrent. The bridges at that point are all in place but are in great danger.
The bridges on the Detroit, Grand Haven and Milwaukee road are in imminent
danger. In the morning men were engaged to weight them down, and tons of
sandbags were piled on them. Trains on the Detroit, Lansing and Northern are in
confusion, The trestle at Portland gave away last night, and the passengers must
be carted round the washout and loaded on other trains.
There is no ice in the river now to speak of, but the current carries large
trees and debris of every description down with terrific force, and whatever is
in its wake must go.
A force of men will be kept at work all night, and every effort is being made to
keep the water under control a few hours longer, when it is hoped the greatest
danger will have been averted. The water rose here in less than 36 hours, a
thing never before known for Grand River.
It is expected that the lower Milwaukee Railroad bridge is in great danger. The
water is undermining the piers, and it is now feared the bridge will go out. A
freight train which attempted to cross was obliged to back off and the bridge is
condemned. 

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