While searching for info, I found this link on the Hurricane of ’38 which really sums up the day.
Here are some old photos of the Providence, RI area that I have donated to NOAA.
With the predictions about the oceans rising and the contested climate change, I believe that we will be seeing more great hurricanes in our lifetime.
Boat Yards at Port of Providence, Coolest Photo of building, taken the day after the hurricane. High resolution reprint available for $20
Barber shop of the Grosvenor Building with barber chairs reflected in the remnants of storm surge waters. New England Hurricane of 1938. Rhode Island, Providence
Houses with foundations eroded near East Providence, RI.
HURRICANE OF 1938, FOREGROUND DESTRUCTION, BRIDGE, CRANE, PROVIDENCE,RI.
BOATS PUSHED UP ONTO ROAD FROM STORM SURGE, PAWTUCKET AREA, RI, HURRICANE OF 1938.
General destruction in the upper harbor, Providence, RI. Workboat floated up on land by storm surge. New England Hurricane of 1938.
Harbor area destroyed by storm surge. New England Hurricane of 1938. Rhode Island, Pawtuxet Village 1938 September 22!
GASPEE TUG DAMAGED IN PROVIDENCE HARBOR, PROVIDENCE, RI, SEPTEMBER 22, 1938.
The Modern Grain Company building at India Point in the upper reaches of Narragansett Bay was destroyed by the storm surge. New England Hurricane of 1938.Providence, Rhode Island.
Walking down Ship Street after the waters receded. Men have their trousers rolled up to navigate areas of standing water. New England Hurricane of 1938. Providence, Rhode Island, September 22, 1938.
These are incredible—what a find, and so nice of you to donate them. And agree with your comment. We WILL see more hurricanes in our lifetime. At 60, I already have!
How did you get a hold of these Susan? I am guessing they were passed down? i watched a documentary on a super storm in that area. It has been awhile so I don;t remember all of it, but it was about that time period. The devastation was heartbreaking. I agree… our climate is changing and far too many people are ignoring the facts. Such a pity, because we have the ability to change things.
I agree with both of these comments – it is tragic that our government can’t stop disagreeing long enough to acknowledge that climate change exists and that it is time to make plans on how we are going to deal with the consequences because I personally feel that it is too late to stop it. This is not political – it is catastrophic.
I was born on September 23rd – in 1938 – the day AFTER the hurricane – SO i can’t be blamed for it::). I have heard about it and these pictures are the best I have ever seen. Thank you so much for sharing
These pictures are amazing and sobering. I hope you don’t see anything like this any time soon, but one never knows. All we can do is plan now to be more prepared. I wonder how in ’38 they had the equipment and know how needed to clean up. The losses must have been heart breaking.
Thanks for sharing……images are amazing and terrifying!