Thursday, March 28, 2024
Miles from the Mainstream
D. R. ZUKERMAN, proprietor
The 50th Anniversary of the
Winsted Flood

AUGUST 21, 2005 --

LPR attended an evening of reminiscences of the devastation that Hurricane Diane, following by a few days, on Hurrican Connie, caused in Winsted and many other towns in Connecticut, Pennsylvania and New York, fifty years ago.

The Winsted week of remembrance began August 15 at the Elks Lodge, with speakers recalling their experiences the night of August 19. Dan Smith is one of the heroes of that terrible night, having helped in an attempt to rescue flood victims.

Mr. Smith, a retired government official, traveled to Winsted for this anniversary
from Washington, D.C., where he is president of Smith and Associates.

David J. Leshay traveled from Belleview, Florida to talk about Maney Leshay, his grandfather and one of Winsted's seven flood victims.

Mr. Leshay told LPR that his grandfather came to Winsted in 1920, where he opened a news store, seeking better opportunjities for his family, moving them from Brooklyn. And 35 years later, going to work at his store, flood waters swirled around his car, carrying it away -- drowning the popular Mr. Leshay.

Official speakers included State Rep. George Wilbur who presented flood anniversary committee-person Candy Perez a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly honoring Winsted for the spirit of endurance it has exemplified.

Mr. Wilbur also recounted, as did other
speakers, how the people of Winsted pitched in and helped their neighbors -- and how the Elks Lodge opened its doors to businesses that had been wiped out at their Main Street locations.

The spirit of Winsted, not the aggrandizers, should be the example of democratic free enterprise -- and guide to candidates seeking to lead us.

 

 

Photo of the front page of the original 1955 edition of the Winsted Evening Citizen as it reported the Flood Damage.


State Rep. George WIlbur presents committee member Candy Perez with a citation from the Connecticut General Assembly.


Dan Smith travelled from Washington D.C. to tell of his flood memories.


State Representative George Wilbur reminisces.


The crowd looks on at the Winsted Elks Lodge.