Brooktondale Community Lends a Hand in 1972 Flood Relief Efforts

In 1972 Hurricane Agnes became one of the most destructive hurricanes in US history, with 117 lives lost and more than $3 billion in damages across 12 states. Some of the worst damage was in New York's Southern Tier, especially in Corning and Elmira. In Brooktondale the flooding was so severe that it broke through an old railroad grade above Middaugh Road and created a 60-foot deep chasm.

Fire departments from Brooktondale, Varna, Freeville, and Lansing had to help homeowners across the county pump out flooded basements and cellars for weeks following the hurricane rains.

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IMAGE 1: Early Brooktondale image.

IMAGE 2: Ithaca Journal - June 22nd 1972.

Images courtesy of The History Center in Tompkins County, 2022.

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