77 years ago, O’Fallon was drenched by historic and damaging rainfall

During the night of Thursday, Aug. 15, 1946, and into the next day, O’Fallon was drenched with a historic rainfall, which, up to that time, was unprecedented with regard to the damage it caused. Here is how the O’Fallon Progress reported it at the time.

“O’Fallon experienced the worst damage from water in the history of the city last Thursday night as the result of an all-night torrential rainfall which at times resembled a cloudburst.

“Streets in all parts of the city were inundated to various depths at some places as much as 14 inches, the sewers, already overtaxed from torrential rains the night before, being unable to carry the excess water.

“As a result the waters backed up into basements and in other cases surface water filled basements.

“In Lincoln Heights (the residential area adjacent to Community Park on the west) the water in a number of basements almost reached floor level. Many citizens who watched the swirling waters in the inundated streets held an all-night vigil in their basements and started moving the furnishings to the first floor.

“Others were not as fortunate as the onrushing water reached the basement before they were aware of the amount of rain which fell.

“One of the city’s business houses where much concern was in evidence was the O’Fallon Locker Company (in the Opera House building at 220 E. State). Here the water entered the large basement, flooding the refrigeration units and equipment. Several nights were required by the fire department in pumping out the basement.

“The department rendered a similar service to the residential sections. Highways were flooded and traffic came to a standstill as the roads were barricaded by state police.

“On the State street cutoff at the Joseph Feder home near the western city limits an Industrial bus was caught in the swirling waters across the highway and some passengers were marooned for several hours.

“The water reached a depth of three feet and nearby residents declare it was the first time that traffic was stalled at that point since the road was paved.

“Traffic on U.S. 50, between here and Lebanon was suspended during Thursday night due to flood waters across the pavement in Silver Creek bottoms where it reached a depth of six feet between the slough and channel bridges.

“The highway was reopened late Saturday afternoon.

“Traffic on the B. & O. railroad came to a complete standstill due to the numerous washouts.

“At Ruby, west of this city, the two large culverts were completely washed away, together with a large amount of new trackage, recently completed. In other places large trees were uprooted and thrown across the right-of-way.

“At Caseyville, Willows and Cone tower, near East St. Louis, damaging washouts occurred, section crews working night and day to temporarily repair the damage. Partial service on the railroad was restored by Monday afternoon.

“In Belleville, East St. Louis and Washington Park thousands of people were rendered homeless due to the flash flood which swept through homes, inhabitants being rescued by police and volunteer crews.

“At Washington Park the Coast Guard assisted with the work. The rain was the worst in the 109-year history of the St. Louis Weather Bureau which recorded 14.97 inches which fell during the week, the rainfall with Thursday’s downpour measuring 20.25 inches for the month.

“Much damage resulted to growing crops and fruit on trees. Farm Advisor B. W. Tillman estimated that the loss to St. Clair County farmers would reach $500,000. The damage in rural and city areas is estimated at $4,000,000.”

75 years ago, July 29, 1948

R.H. Braun, for the past five years, superintendent of O’Fallon Township High School and the grade schools, has resigned to accept a position as principal of the high school at Urbana, Ill.

Mr. Braun has already departed for that city where he will enter on his duties Monday to assist in arranging the school program and in the registration. His wife and their 10-year-old daughter Myra and seven-year-old son Bobby will remain in O’Fallon until he can locate suitable living quarters in Urbana.

Superintendent Braun came here from Lebanon in 1943, succeeding J. E. Hinchcliffe, Sr., as head of the schools.

During his stay here he and his family formed a wide acquaintance who will be sorry to learn that they will leave O’Fallon.

Mr. Braun, aside from being an outstanding school man also took an active part in the civic life of the community, being a member of the Rotary Club where he was on the Board of Directors.

His wife was equally interested in O’Fallon. She was active in Woman’s Club work, being past president of the organization. Braun is well-qualified for the position tendered him at Urbana. He received his Bachelor’s Degree at McKendree and Master’s Degree at Washington University.

For the past five years he has been attending the summer term at the University of Illinois, studying for a Degree of Doctor of Education. His successor for the local post has not yet been named.

50 years ago. July 26, 1973

Floyd Miller, 312 West Second, will be installed commander of American Legion Fischer-Sollis Post 137 Saturday evening, August 4 at 7 p.m.

Other officers to be installed include Wayne Haukapp, Senior Vice Commander; Jack Denz, Junior Vice Commander; Bernard Schwarz, Adjutant; John Klingelhoefer, Finance Officer; Phil Schildknecht, Service Officer; Arthur Villhard, Chaplain; Charles Heitman, Sergeant-at-arms; and Marta Pascuzzo, Historian. The retiring officers are Herman Devine, Commander; Laverne Malare, Senior Vice Commander; and Wayne Haukapp, Junior Vice Commander.

Following the installation ceremony a dinner will be served and dancing will be held from 9 to 1 a.m.