A Flood of Memories: Commemorating the 65 Years Since the Flood of ‘55 Part II

December 22nd marks 65 years since the Flood of 55, known to many as the “Christmas Flood.” This was a major event in the history of our area. From the mountain communities to the beachfronts, many lives were touched by the floodwaters. To honor this occasion, local historian Daniel Model has spent the past year interviewing residents who experienced the flood first hand, collecting their stories, and photos and other memorabilia related to the flood.
Part I of the video presentation is a 25 minute documentary about the flood, including stories from some of the interviews. Part II of the video presentation includes more in-depth interviews of two local residents who experienced the flood first hand. The video presentation focuses on the impact of the flood on Downtown Santa Cruz, residents, businesses, and our beloved San Lorenzo River.
Daniel Model invites local residents to contribute their stories, photos, and memorabilia to this history project. Email [e-mail] or call [phone] to share your memories

[@44bett]

Thank you for this informative presentation of the 'Flood of 55'.

[@thecaptainb1]

I remember the Christmas floods. I remember the boardwalk flooding at high tide and I had never seen anything like that.

[@Poppageno]

I remember Meri Kay, First grade Holy Cross!

[@jamescoe4765]

Yuba County was one of the poorest counties and yet the leaders and their voters passed a $150 million bond issue to build one of last dams in the State: New Bullards Bar with a reservoir the size of Folsom Lake. The bonds have been paid off by the power generated by this project. Floods are controlled and Yuba County continues to benefit from the water and power generation. This happened before the Sierra Club took control of the State's environmental legislation.