Farmington Remembers Devastating August Flood Of 1955

FARMINGTON, CT — Farmington was spared the worst of Sunday and Monday's heavy rain that caused historic flooding in western Connecticut and claimed the lives of two.

But it wasn't so lucky 69 years ago on nearly the same date, Aug. 19, in 1955.

Monday, Farmington officials posted an interesting account of that horrific day when Ike was president, saddle shoes were the rage and World War II was only 10 years prior.

Not one, but two, hurricanes struck Connecticut in August 1955, causing immense damage to the state, with Farmington hard hit.

And the accompanying flooding proved catastrophic.

According to town historians, in a little more than a week, Hurricane Connie dumped 6 inches of rain Aug. 11-12 and, a week later, Hurricane Diane hit and dumped 20 inches over two days.

It was more than Farmington — and other communities — could bear.

"The subsequent result of these storms on the Connecticut River Valley was a swift and dramatic rising of area rivers, considered the worst natural disaster in the state's recorded history," wrote Farmington officials Monday.

When it was over, 13 Farmington residents were killed.

They were men, women, children and, even, two people who perished when they were trying to rescue a flood-trapped family.

Farmington policeman Charles Yodkins Sr. and University of Connecticut student Joseph J. Morin Jr. were in a boat attempting the rescue when it capsized. They were never found alive.

The horrific incident and the duo's heroism is preserved for all to see in town.

"Today, the Yodkins-Morin Memorial Park on Route 4 stands at the site where 12 homes once stood, torn away by the raging Farmington River behind them," wrote the town.

Citing the late Stephen Flis, the town manager at the time, officials said more than 90 homes were completely washed away while 110 other homes and 15 businesses were damaged beyond repair.

"In spite of the loss and destruction, countless tales of bravery, heroism, and selflessness emerged, illustrating the great sense of community and resiliency in Farmington and Unionville," wrote the town Monday.

Folks looking to learn more about how that historic flood impacted Farmington can visit the Unionville Museum.

For more information on the 1955 flood's devastating impact in Farmington, click on this link.