Payson in Gila County, Arizona — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Great 1970 Rim Country Flood Disaster
Photographed By Peter Fischer, October 10, 2020
1. The Great 1970 Rim Country Flood Disaster Marker
The deadliest natural disaster in Arizona history occurred over Labor Day weekend in 1970 when a tropical storm named Norma swept north into Arizona and turned deadly releasing a downpour of heavy rain. One weather station measured nearly 12 inches of rain in a 24 hour period, a record unmatched in Arizona history. Wind striking the Rim Country reached 60 miles per hour and torrential rains sent walls of water thundering down Tonto, Christopher, Horton, and Dick Williams Creeks. The raging torrents washed out bridges, sweeping away people, cabins, automobiles trapped in their destructive paths. Named below are the victims of this event who have been identified. The exact number may never be known.
Day Hamilton Campbell, 71 · Mina L. Hinton Campbell, 69 · Moris Orval Rhodes, 36 · Beverly Guffey Rhodes, 33 · Tasha Rhodes, 10 · Tara Rhodes, 8 · Eric Rhodes, 6 · Gilbert Andrew Duthie, 39 · Marguerite Dickinsen, 55 · Kyle Riggs MacDonald, 43 · Ina Randall MacDonald, 34 · Tempe Sue MacDonald, 10 · Nan MacDonald, 8 · Kyle Randall MacDonald, 6 · Robert Conklin, 24 · Donald George Salz, 48 · Richard Dewey Fellars, 36 · Nancy Jane Fellars, 34 · Sloan Carol Chandler, 5 · Todd Michael Chandler, 3 · Everett Batholomew, 60 · Elizabeth Banks Batholomew, 60 Ethel Parker · George Schabacker,
this page online
In memory of the victims, the survivors, and those who carry on their memories, showing us how beauty and hope can come from grief.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. A significant historical year for this entry is 1970.
Location. 34° 13.956′ N, 111° 20.663′ W. Marker is in Payson, Arizona, in Gila County. Marker is on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 802 W Main Street, Payson AZ 85541, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Ranger Station (a few steps from this marker); William H. Goettl Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Zane Grey's Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Mogollon Rim Country Firefighters Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of Rock Store (approx. 0.4 miles away); Historic Mail Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); Site of the Herron Hotel (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ox Bow Inn (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Payson.
Photographed By Peter Fischer, October 10, 2020
2. The Great 1970 Rim Country Flood Disaster Marker
Photographed By Peter Fischer, October 10, 2020
3. The Great 1970 Rim Country Flood Disaster Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on October 13, 2020, by Peter Fischer of Phoenix, Arizona. This page has been viewed 601 times since then and 109 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 13, 2020, by Peter Fischer of Phoenix, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
