Grand Forks in Grand Forks County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
A Flood of Assistance
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, July 26, 2020
1. A Flood of Assistance Marker
The flood showed how powerless man is against nature. It also reaffirmed the sheer strength of the human spirit.
Even before the water receded, material goods and money flowed in, gifts from across the land to the people of a small community that had caught the attention of the world. The Red Cross and Salvation Army set up kitchens and relief stations. Service clubs, religious organizations , and groups no one had ever heard of extended help. Semi trailers crammed with donations arrived daily and continued coming for months, laden with everything from sheetrock to toys. Volunteers streamed in from the far reaches of Canada and America.
And people began to tell their stories; stories of helping hands and selfless acts, of unknown benefactors and strangers becoming friends. It was a deeply emotional time.
Erected by City of Grand Forks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Disasters. A significant historical year for this entry is 1997.
Location. 47° 55.588′ N, 97° 1.975′ W. Marker is in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in Grand Forks County. Marker is at the intersection of North 3rd Street and 2nd Avenue North, on the right when traveling north on North 3rd Street. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Flames and Flood (here, next to this marker); Digging Through the Muck (here, next to this marker); Returning to Devastation (here, next to this marker); Rebuilding and Recovery (a few steps from this marker); A Story of Triumph (a few steps from this marker); Dinnie Block (a few steps from this marker); New Hampshire Apartments (within shouting distance of this marker); Security Trust Company (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Forks.
Also see . . . Grand Forks Marks 20th Anniversary of 1997 Flood. (Submitted on March 30, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota.)
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, July 26, 2020
2. A Flood of Assistance Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 30, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 76 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 30, 2021, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
