jan 1, 1903 - Flood Evacuation

Description:

1903 flood waters ravaged the west bottoms, forcing residents to evacuate their homes. A large number of people moved to Strawberry Hill. During the 1890s, more housing was built, and because the departure of large numbers of Swedes, Germans, and Irish happened during the same period of time made more houses available. Majority of immigrants were Croatian, German, & Slovenian with smaller numbers of Irish, Lithuanian, Polish, Slovakians, and Russians. Ethnic-owned businesses played a prominent role in providing a sense of self-containment. New immigrants who were unable to speak English had often been victimized by American shopkeepers. The ability to trade with their own countryman was a source of comfort and security. Source: Strawberry Hill: A Neighborhood Study, Susan Greenbaum 1978