Residents of the great Central Plains vividly remember the spring of 1997, for it heralded the flood of the century. Setting records for its growing height, the swelling Red River poured over its banks and flooded the streets of the cities and towns that adjoined it. Especially hard hit was Grand Forks, North Dakota. The entire city of over 20,000 residents had to be evacuated because of the threat to human life.
That flood is long past but not forgotten. Each spring as the snow melts residents wonder what the crest of the river will be like that year. It was with interest that I happened upon this unusual piece of street art in downtown Grand Forks.
“Flood Rescue”, a bronze documenting residents being evacuated by boat, was created by P. Richard Szeitz in 2000. It’s placed in the front yard of an apartment complex. I couldn’t find out much about the piece, but I’m quite sure it was one of several memorials commemorating the historic flood of 1997. I expect we’ll see a number of these pop up in the Houston area as it recovers and rebuilds from its recent flooding.
