Old Photos Show Flood Of 1917, Other Early Scenes

  • Thursday, April 26, 2018

Early Chattanooga photos that belonged to a Chattanooga estate show scenes from the 1917 flood as well as other early scenes.

Thankfully, instead of throwing them away, a family member donated them to Chattanoogan.com, and they were expertly scanned by Sam Hall of Chattanooga Deepzoom. They have since been turned over to the Chattanooga Public Library for its local picture collection.

Several show some of the buildings that were standing then in the vicinity of Main Street as well as one at Orchard Knob. Streetcar tracks at the entrance to Warner Park are underwater in one scene. By 1917, the grade had been raised several feet on Market Street so it was not inundated as in prior floods. However, low areas of South Chattanooga, East Chattanooga and Orchard Knob bore the brunt of the flood.

Other pictures show some Chattanooga couples.

There is one of a house at 2505 Chamberlain Avenue, a flier for evangelist Virgil Wallace, and a photo of well-known choral director Edward Schaefer with a Chattanooga musical group. 

There is also a program from a 1927 Dixie Portland Cement sales party at the Fairyland Club, where Edward Schaefer provided the musical entertainment. He was president of the Chattanooga Civic Chorus. The menu at the event is also included. Another program illustrates five local musical events, including one led by Schaefer.

If you find interesting old Chattanooga photos, please drop them by Zarzour's Restaurant for John Wilson and Sam Hall. We will make sure these are preserved for others to enjoy. Or call Mr. Wilson at 266-2325.

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