Description
Book SynopsisPaints a picture of how a small town in the West coped with disaster at the turn of the twentieth century. This book illustrates that even the smallest things we do have consequences - good or bad.
Trade Review"…the horrifying but spellbinding tale of a deluge that flashed through the heart of a small Oregon town and, in a matter of minutes, claimed more than 200 lives."
* The News Tribune *
"The book's ultimate strength is the way it recaptures the human dimension of the story by showing how various individuals attempted to make sense of what happened to them and their community as a result of an overwhelming natural disaster."
* Oregon Historical Quarterly *
"This tale is at once gripping and poignant—a fascinating read with resonance today."
* Everett Public Library *
"Byrd's compelling, heartbreaking story— and its interesting comparisons to some contemporary disasters such as Hurricane Katrina— paints a vivid picture of human resilience."
* Seattle Times *
"Byrd's research is extensive and well documented. But this book is much more. It is a fascinating look into how the people who experienced a terrible natural disaster survived, rebuilt and carried on with their lives."
* Heppner Gazette-Times *
"Writers of historical non-fiction face a greater challenge than those who are privy to flights of fancy through the magic of fiction, particularly when it comes to seeking to provide a riveting experience that not only informs the reader, but keeps the pages turning effortlessly. Byrd somehow manages to include the most essential of details while not overwhelming the audience . . . . Through her tireless efforts, Byrd has both shed important light on a major tragedy and compassionately chronicled the last days of a number of Morrow County pioneers who deserve to be remembered."
* East Oregonian *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
Introduction
1. Up Until the Heppner Flood
2. An Ordinary Sunday
3. June 14, 5:20 p.m.
4. June 14, 6 p.m.
5. Side Effects
6. The Worst of It
7. Leadership
8. After Effects
9. Forward and Back
10. Loss and Optimism
11. Resilience
12. Counter Effects
Epilogue: After the Heppner Flood
In Remembrance: The Victims
Notes
Bibliography
Index
