NATURAL DISASTERS
A Shocking Moment
(1892)
(1892)
In June of 1892, an extraordinary story about a near fatal disaster on the ridge above Dead Man's Hollow began circulating across the region. There had been severe thunderstorms moving through the area on that particular summer day. Because of the uncooperative weather, production at the Snee Oil well had been gradually slowing to a halt. Heavy rains eventually forced the two men operating the oil derrick to take shelter. Within minutes of leaving the drilling platform, a blinding flash of light illuminated the darkened sky. From the safety of a storage shed, the two men watched in disbelief as a bolt of lightning descended upon the wooden structure where they had been only moments before. Immediately, the derrick collapsed into a pile twisted and splintered wood. The flames that had appeared on the wet lumber were quickly extinguished by the rain. It was no surprise that the two men decided to wait out the storm before walking away from the smoldering wreckage with one incredible story.
The Great St. Patrick's Day Flood
(1936)
(1936)
Throughout the years, those living and working in Dead Man's Hollow often found themselves at the mercy of flood waters. There were numerous occasions when the Youghiogheny River spilled over its banks and into the hollow. One of the most devastating floods ever recorded occurred on March, 17th, 1936. Because it happened on the Irish holiday, it immediately became known as The Great St. Patrick's Day Flood. For the complete story of the flood and historic photographs, 'click' on the Shamrock logo below.