1968 flood memories

Parks Hall [residents] were rescued by a group of fellows from Gamertsfelder Hall, who called themselves the "East Green Marines." —William Patterson, BBA ’65, MBA ’67

I was the resident director in Wilson Hall in 1967. You could hear and feel cars parked in the garage banging against the first floor . —Rev. Judy Kolwicz, MED ’67

The floor (of the Grover Center gym) was flooded and so warped…that one was able to walk under and through the buckled portion. —Brian D. Murphy, BSJ ’67

I was living on Stewart Street…The flooding happened quickly overnight...We were forced to evacuate by way of row boats floating out over the lawns. —Jeff Weltzien, BBA ’69

The men [of Gamertsfelder], including my husband, built a bridge of desks…so that we could get out of Tiffin, through Gam, and to Shively Dining Hall. We loved those men. —Linda Everett Hayden, BS ’70

I was there 1964 to 1968. The floods were harsh, but for me, not nearly as bad as Bobby Kennedy's assassination.  — Alan Buck, BS ’68

On West Green, the water was just below the cafeteria windows. The garages under the dorms were flooded, but those living in the dorms that were facing onto the green were able to walk around and get to class without too much problem. Inconveniences from the flood were exacerbated due to the non-academic employees strike and some Vietnam War demonstrations at the time. The combined events got OU mention on the national nightly news. It was a big deal for us at the time.  — Vickie Valentine Bourassa, AB ’6

It was the spring of 1968. In the middle of the night of a persistent rainstorm, there was a knock on my door. The landlord said the Hocking was up to its old tricks and would soon be here. Sure enough, later that morning, the Hocking had invaded. I found housing for the rest of the semester with an elderly widow on the west side of town.  — Jesse Dunlap, BSCHE '68

I was there from 1963 to 1968. I remember building a raft with my buddies and offering fellow students (girls only) rides to go from dorm to dorm. No charge! It was great fun!  — Edward “Ed” Flickinger, BSJ ’68

I experienced two floods while living in Lakeview Apartments. In 1964, we were awakened at 3 a.m. by a loudspeaker telling us to move our cars to higher ground. In '68 we were cut off from campus, but not from boating to dry ground and a grocery for liquid necessities!  — Gertrude Eyman, AA ’68

I was at OU during the floods. Was working as a reporter for WOUB and living at Lakeview Apartments. Flooded out of my home and spent three or four days sleeping on a cot in the newsroom.  — Robert “Bob’ Leder, BSJ ’68

The biggest flood I experienced was in 1968. The water rose to the top of the West Green garages. We had no telephone communication in the dorms and, of course, no cell phones. We could not even arrange staff meetings, much less inform our parents of our situations.  — Joseph Popovitch, AB ’68, MED ’69 

We moved to Athens Fall, 1962, [the] same year [Vernon] Alden became president. I've never personally witnessed such a flood any other time in my life. Students on South Green made bridges out of desks topped with planks. Electricity and plumbing on campus was affected. Our friends on Morris Avenue had a flooded basement.  — Patricia “Pat” Tillis, PHD ’68, EMERT ’00, and Bill Baasel, EMERT ’93

[From 1964 to 1968 I] lived at the Sigma Chi house on Park Place right on the river. It never got up to us, but there was always high water back in those days. One of the things I seem to recall was that the railroad tracks were along the river and they would frequently get flooded. — John “Jack” Kolkmeyer, AB ’68

In 1968, Bryan Hall ("top o' the hill") was the best place to be when the Hocking flooded!  — Barbara Glenk Good, AB ’68, MS ’75

One year, guys were diving from windows in the West Green dorms into the waters. One year, we were told all roads were blocked and we could not leave Athens.  Classes were cancelled, so I weaved my way through country roads to Columbus to visit my girlfriend. We have now been married [for] 50 years.  — James “Jim” Leggett, BBA ’68

Spring of 1968, students protesting [the] Vietnam War took over a building, and the administration threatened to close the school. The non-teaching employees went on strike, and they threatened to close the school. Then we had the worst flood in 60 years: all roads in and out of town were closed, and they couldn’t close the school. I completed my classes and graduated in June.  — William Long, BBA '68 

As a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, a group of us filled sandbags to stem the Hocking River flood waters just outside Athens, as I recall. I had my Dad’s Pontiac and drove through hubcap deep water—he wasn’t too thrilled when the brake shoes rusted!  — Hunsdon “H” Cary, BSJ ’68

In 1969, I had one of the lead roles in “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way To the Forum,” which my parents were determined to attend on opening night regardless of the flooding. They finally made it to the show, but not the opening curtain. After checking in with me...they drove back to the OU Inn to retrieve Dad's camera, planning to turn around and come right back. Because the river had already washed over the bridge back to town, Dad tried another route back. That didn't work either…as water rose over the car [it] quickly took it and my parents down the river. Breaking both windows to get out before going down with the car, my parents were fortunately picked up by two men in a boat offering warm beer! Somehow, they got to the theater (a little late), and sat dripping wet through the rest the first act!  — Afton Auld Tuveson, BFA ’69 

[During the] flood of 1968, I was living in Parks Hall on West Green with a car parked in the garage. I managed to get it out before the water got to it. I split my time working air shifts at WOUB and doing flood reports at WATH in the evening. They were allowed to stay on the air full time because of the flood emergency. — Steve Matela, BSC '69

From 1967 to 1968, I lived on South Green. We were almost completely an island with one small bridge connecting us to a bit of dry land. We got so sick of the cafeteria food (sparse at the time because of delivering difficulties) that we relied frequently on hamburgers from a tiny restaurant that sold them for five cents.  — Judy Herskovitz Silbermann, BSED ’69

I lived at 4 Elliott Street, a quarter mile from the Hocking River. I tried to leave the house before the street flooded. Unfortunately, the river banks overflowed and the water rapidly rose leaving me stranded. I remember watching students floating down the street in various types of homemade crafts.  — David Brush, BBA ’69

I remember the VW floating in [the] parking garage as I also lived at Boyd Hall. Some of my friends and I went to the Armory and trucks transported us to neighboring towns to help with the cleanup.  — Catherine Martin, BSED ’69, MED ’93

I did not live on West Green, but my car was parked in a garage down there. We were notified to get our cars out when water started to rise. [I remember] watching folks jump in the river then end up going to [the] health center for a tetanus shot!  —Mary Ellen Racich, BSED ’69

I lived in Irvine Hall on the West Green. In spring 1966 the Hocking flooded so badly that many cars in the dorm basements were in water above their roofs. In spring 1968 my roommate’s car was washed out of the parking lot at our apartment near the South Green.  — Jim Sandham, BBA ’69

During the flood of 1968 we used Joe’s canoe and floated through the East Green. Residents were waving out the dorm windows. We got caught in the current and were vigorously floating over tree tops—no idea how we escaped that one! Our minds’ eyes will never forget those images.  — Joe Scaletta, BSED ’69, MED ’76, and Phil Sansone, BSED ’69

Nothing compared to the 1968 flood. We could see that the river had already left its banks, so we decided to make a quick run to the A&P on Stimson Avenue. I called my favorite professor and friend Dr. Leonard Ferguson to see if we could bring back some groceries. Days later after the water receded, the Fergusons had us over for dinner.  — Doug Strasser, AB ’69

Had my car parked down by Treudley. Had to move my car because of the flooding.  — Marsha Rosenberg, BSED ’69

Crook Hall* on West Green was an island surrounded by rushing water. Phones at the ends of the halls rang in the middle of the night telling anyone with a car in the garage to remove it immediately. Students were jumping off the Crook Hall bridge into the flood water, and then going to the health center for shots.  — Margaret “Peggy” Panko Machingo, BSED ’69

They woke us up in Crook Hall around 4 a.m. and evacuated us to another dorm. The water was right under the bridge that we walked across to get on the West Green. It didn't rise any higher, and we got to return the next morning. To add to the drama, the housekeepers were striking. So, we were sent home eventually without taking finals.  — Yutonia Watson-Armstrong, BSHEC ’69

My recollection is that the University closed due to floods in the spring of 1968. We immediately viewed this an extra spring break, quickly organized ourselves, and headed to Florida. The spontaneity was great fun. It provided an opportunity to use organization and leadership skills under time pressure!  — Bud Wise, III, BA ’69

During the spring flood of 1968, several of us in Grosvenor Hall went onto the cafeteria roof and did "synchronized jumping" into the water between the bridges. We did this two or three times before being caught and sent to the health center for shots. A huge audience gathered.  — Rand Albrecht, AB ’69, MA ’73

[I lived in Read Hall during the] flood of 1968. Got out of town to make my wife's high school graduation and made it to West Garage just in time. Drove over roads with water sheeting over them—a big no-no. [That was] 51 years [ago] and [I’m] still willing to do it again. — Alvin “Al” Podboy, AB ’69

I was a student from 1965-1969. I lived in Treudley Hall on the West Green. In 1968, there were warnings posted to get our cars out of the garages and to higher parking lots. Unfortunately, a few didn’t make it. We could hear the floating cars knocking against the support columns until the flood waters receded.  — Diane Alexander, BSJ ’69

I lived on the West Green from 1966 to 1970. [The] water got up over the bridge to Crook Hall. I was in ROTC and we built alot of sand bag levies around Athens.Interesting memories for students, but many local residents lost a lot of property and personal items.  Was not a fun time for them.  — Jack Clevenger, BBA ’70

I was an undergraduate at Ohio University in the late 1960s. The floods were somewhat surreal. Without notice, much of OU quickly became an island. As a student, the whole experience was more of an adventure instead of an inconvenience. There were so many unique events at Ohio University in the 1960s. This was one of them.  — Daniel “Dan” Leinweber, BSJ ’70

I attended Ohio University from January 1968 to May 1970. Fortunately, I was "residing" at Scott Quad on the [East] Green when the Hocking River overflowed. I could just "watch" with anticipation as students on the South Green struggled with their "belongings"! Actually, I think I moved a suitcase or two!  — James “Jim” Stupar, BSJ '70

Lakeview Apartments were very near the Hocking River. In 1968, the Hocking overflowed to the 100-year flood stage, which was documented on an exterior wall near the railroad tracks, along with a previous record. I relocated upstairs to a friend's apartment and had two to three inches of water when I returned.  — Lyndol Michael, MA ’70

Flooding was such an inconvenience when I attended OU (1966 to 1970), but there were also trains running alongside the river. After a friend died by being hit by a train, I met with Provost Robert Savage to deal with safety. He had a plan to solve the student safety issue, and move the river and the tracks while creating bike and walking paths. What an accomplishment!  — Bruce Tabashneck, AB ’70

I remember my future husband driving my car out of James Hall garage. It was the last car to get out before it was flooded! Crazy times! Uniquely OU!  — Susan Hallett LeVeck, BSED ’70

Canoed around East Green. Lived in Lakeview Terrace. [I] don’t know how it got its name because there was no lake until the flood.  — Ronald B. Sarstedt, BARCH ’70

It was 1960? Volkswagens were still very new but we heard they floated. They did. One student didn’t get hers out of the Jefferson underground garage. It was a mess after hitting every wall and support column. My Buick found a place on higher ground than the railroad lot behind Gam (Gamertsfelder Hall).  — James “Jim” Askren, BBA ’70

Those certainly were exciting days for all of us living in Athens. I was a broadcast student working with WOUB and we covered the floods. Many students used to jump from the Grosvenor cafeteria like it was a diving board into the murky waters. Lucky no one got hurt. I do remember a few athletes do the "swan dive."  — Arthur “Art” Greenberg, BSC ’70

During the flood of 1968 or 1969, the campus police discovered my vehicle was the only one remaining in the Boyd parking garage, which was soon to be under water. I ran across Richland Avenue and drove back to the east exit and out onto the road next to the river. I gunned the car and shot down the road, hit the water and did, in fact, float across. Fortunately, I had enough momentum to get all the way across and found a grip on the road as the current was beginning to turn my car, and [I] was able to drive to higher ground. Looking back, I realize how foolish that maneuver was, but it worked. I am certain I did not relate this to my parents.  — Ward R. Ransdell, BS ’70

My parents came and got me. I was there 1966 to 1970. At least twice I elected to leave. I lived in Treudley, which was high enough up that my dorm never got flooded.  — Rebecca Bickel, BS ’70

[In] 1968 l was living in Parks Hall. Since it was not connected to the green with a bridge, we had to evacuate. Grover Center was still the basketball arena, as the Convo (Convocation Center) was still under construction. The water surged across what was then US 33 (Richland Avenue) and into the building, causing the wood floor to expand and buckle up. When the water receded, if you walked on the floor, it would undulate up and down like a giant wooden wave! — John E Denti, BS ’70

[It was the] 1967-1968 school year [on] New South Green. Underground garages flooded. Cars floating out on the old golf course. Bridges built so we could walk uphill to campus. Strangely enough, it was an enjoyable time. Brought out the best in everyone! — Susan Claus Palermo, BSED ’71

[I] lived in Scott Quad in 1968. A bunch of us went down to south green and were jumping into the water. — Larry Fritinger, BBA ’71

Wilson Hall [was] not evacuated but [the] garage was flooded and cars were floating.  — Marcia Severin McGee, BSJ ’71

In the spring of 1967 flood, all cars were removed from the Sargent Hall garage but one white Firebird convertible. We used concrete blocks to raise it up, but still the water was above the top. The workers strike at the same time forced us to leave early for break. Headlines were, “Hell and High Water Forced OU to Close.”  — Rodney “Rod” Sauer, BSED ’71

I lived in Jefferson. Girls from South Green were brought over to stay in Jeff. We called them refugees. Boys from Lincoln walked a wooden plank from Lincoln to the side door of Jeff just so they could eat in Jeff’s cafeteria...yep, cold foods. Water covered the parking meters out front. Memories!  — Sally Fairfield Miner, BSED ’71

Spring of 1968. [I] lived in Bryan, we kept out feet dry. My boyfriend lived in Perkins. [I] remember walking along the street watching the river water creep up.  — Suzanne Welsh-Edwards, BSHEC ’71

[I] lived in Perkins in 1968. Woke up on Saturday morning to water rushing through the street out front. Sun was shining. A beautiful day. — Ronald “Ron” Moss, BBA ’71 

I was there in 1968. First spring there and lived in Jefferson. Kids took their closet doors off and floated down Jeff Hill. Crazy times!  — Linda Clements, BSED ’72

Looked like Venice! Water level almost to Shively. Student desks made nice bridges.  — Carol Lockard Rupert, BSED ’76

*Crook Hall was renamed the C. Paul and Beth K. Stocker Engineering and Technology Center in 1986.