1,500 Flee as Water Invades Homes; One Dead From Fright

By the Associated Press.
Oklahoma City, Ok., Oct. 3.—A half dozen rivers in widely separated sections of Oklahoma, gorged by torrential rainfalls, Sunday night were on the rampage, driving thousands of lowland dwellers to higher and safer spots.

The flooded streams were the Caney, Verdigris nad Neosho Rivers in Northeastern Oklahoma; the Chikaskia and Salt Fork in the North Central part, and the Washita in the Southwestern portion of the State.

Perhaps the most damaging flood was on the Caney River at Bartlesville, which was a veritable peninsula with water racing through the streets on three sides. Two deaths—one drowning and one from fright—were reported there. About 1,500 refugees, driven from their homes by angry waters, were quartered in Bartlesville churches, schools and private homes.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, TX 4 Oct 1926

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Deny Death at Bartlesville.
By the Associated Press.

Bartlesville, Ok., Oct. 3.—The Caney River, which all Saturday night was surging around and inundating perhaps a fifth of this city Sunday virtually had had reached a stationary level. It left access from the outside world through one railroad track and the State highway which runs to Pawhuska. A check of rumors of deaths attributable to the flood revealed that they were erroneous. All refugees were comfortably housed, for the most part in private homes.

There was some apprehension concerning a new rise which is expected to reach here at 9 o’clock Monday. Reports from Caney, Kan., to the north, were that the Caney River had risen six feet. How much this rise will affect the river here was problematical. Some persons expressed belief that the additional water might somewhat widen the flooded area, but might not increase the damage greatly.

Reports of rescues include the finding of a motor car stranded in swirling flood water, on the Tulsa highway, by Jim Gardner, patrolman of the State police. He obtained a boat and took out the terrified and drenched occupants whose names were not learned. They included women and children.

A penchant of many persons for duck hunting on lakes of this region proved helpful. Numerous boats also were rushed to the scene by the Phillips Petroleum Company from Osage County.

The boats plied from police and fire headquarters through the night. Pleas for help were received there by telephone, the wire service remaining virtually intact.

Oklahoma
Bartlesville—1,500 homeless heavy property loss, Caney River out.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, TX 4 Oct 1926

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Flood Waters Receding

By the Associated Press.
Bartlesvulle, Ok., Oct. 4.—Flood waters from the Caney River which left hundreds of persons homeless in Bartlesville and along the course of the river, were gradually receding Monday after having submerged many blocks of residences and business buildings.

Relief workers estimate that approximately 150 refugees are being cared for at churches civic buildings and business places, while the number of persons who are being cared for in private homes can not be estimated.

The Red Cross, the American Legion, police and civic organizations are joining in caring for the homeless.

Hundreds of persons were left destitute by the floods, especially in the sections of the city where the water crept into the homes, forced the dwellers to flee and either washed away furniture or ruined it.

The water began rising early Sunday morning. The flood reached its peak at a late hour Sunday night, then began receding slowly.

Reports that another rise in the river would reach the city during the next twenty-four hours were believed untrue here, as no reports of especially high waters to the north have been received.

Although the damage will reach several hundred thousand dollars, there is no way of estimating the loss, rescue workers said.

Only One Death.

The only known death attributable to the flood of the Caney River was that of Will CLARK, 30, an invalid. Reports that Ike INGUS had been drowned in the stream could not be confirmed.

Salvation Army workers said that CLARK died shortly after he had been removed from his home in the flooded district Sunday night and taken to a church. His death was believed to have resulted from shock.

The Bartlesville Light and Power Company plant was forced to shut down as the water ran several feet deep into it. The city is being furnished with light from a cement company plant at Dewey.

Water for drinking purposes is available although its use is being curtailed.

Ice, too, is almost unobtainable. The ice company’s plant was inundated and had not resumed operation this morning. The only ice sold is the slender reserve stock of the plant.

The gas supply from the Osage country was interrupted.

A milk famine was apparent Monday. Trains from the North East and South were unable to reach the city.

Dallas Morning News, Dallas, TX 5 Oct 1926
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