Times-Advocate, 1979-06-13, Page 39Freak flood of 1969
inundated basement
July 24, 1969, was a day to
remember. Exeter was hit by a
freak, torrential rain and hail storm
that turned the down town area into a
lake and a raging, flooding river of
water seeking a way to escape down
Ann Street past the back entrance of
the hospital.
It was the hardest hit building in
the town as the water rushed in like a
tidal wave and completely filled the
basement. Records, drugs, medical
supplies, furniture and equipment
were swept away. The damage
amounted to around $100,000.
One nurse, Mrs, Ivan Bennewies,
R.N., almost lost her life when she
was trapped in the basement
pharmacy. Although she climbed on
a cupboard, the water had reached
her neck before she was rescued by
other hospital staff, Alex Meikle,
William Berends and Richard
Mellenger.
During the height of the flood, a
pipe from the propane tanks in the
basement burst and set the basement
ceiling on fire. It was extinguished
by the flood water but the upstairs
was filled with smoke.
Administrator, Alice Claypole,
R.N., quickly had the patients moved
to the east wing “in case the whole
thing went.”
All vital operations of the hospital
were cut off and by the following day,
the 36 patients had been evacuated.
Those who could, went home, while
others were moved by ambulance to
nursing homes or to Clinton Public
Hospital.
Miss. Claypole stated it was just
like starting over again with all
supplies having to be reordered.
The cleanup of the hospital was the
story of the day as dozens of
volunteers converged to take part in
the massive mop-up. After the flood
water had been pumped out, the
entire place had to be hosed down
with disinfectant. Three truck loads
of sodden records were hauled to the
dump.
The drugs and medications that
hadn’t floated away were either
water soaked or had the labels
washed off. All had to be destroyed.
Every motor for the equipment had
to be “baked” dry.
Some floors, windows and doors
had to be replaced, and redecorating
had to be completed before patients
were allowed into the building after
about three weeks.
The flood was perhaps the worst
and most dramatic setback to ever
hit the hospital, but once again it was
overcome by conscientious and co
operative citizens.
DAY TO REMEMBER — was July 24, 1969, when a flash flood inundated
downtown Exeter with a swirling torrent of water. Above, the South Huron
Hospital Ann Street entrance is shown as cars float by. The basement was
completely filled with water and drugs, records and equipment were swept
away.
of Zurich. He is being treated at the
therapy department of S.H.H.
CANDY STRIPERS — were organized by the ladies' auxiliary in 1978.
Above, Mrs. Mary Fisher gives 400 hour awards to Donna Stewart and caps
to Janet Shapton and lenore Coates for completing 300 hours each.
Page 7
NEW WHIRLPOOL BATH — is a boon to arthritic patients or those suffer
ing from bad backs. It is also used for the treatment of fractures and for
persons recovering from strokes. Margaret Lawson, Physio-therapist aid,
gives a patient a whirlpool treatment.
moves patients and freight from the main level to the lower. Above, Norma
Lindenfield RN takes Gordon Koch to the therapy department.