Browse Items (533 total)

Michael was 18 the evening of the Flood when the 1962 Chevy panel truck he had just refurbished stalled in the fast moving water on Omaha Street. He and a group of others eventually made it to a roof where Michael describes the fires, buildings and…

Arlen K. Mesteth, 9. Young foster child who perished with his foster father. They lived on East St. Louis Street. He was survived by his parents and many brothers and sisters. Buried in Oglala, SD.

Melissa was nine years old at the time of the flood and lived on Tepee Street.

Annette Melby, 16. She was working in the Rapid City area during the summer and living in a camper where she perished. She was survived by her parents and one sister. Buried in the Faith Lutheran Cemetery, Blair, WI.

William G. Medley, 50. He was a Major and Commander of the Rapid City Salvation Army. He perished in his truck while trying to save others when the Canyon Lake Dam broke. He was survived by his wife, one son and one daughter. Buried in the Salvation…

[Southeast quarter, southwest quarter, section 8, township 1 north, range 7 east] Home flooded by water in short period of time; Mr. Corwin in attic when house broke up, clung to piece of roof; Swept down creek, circled Canyon Lake three times, went…

Harry McPherson, 76. He was an Auto Mechanic. He lived in the Dark Canyon area where he perished with his wife. He was survived by one son and two daughters. Buried in the Black Hills National Cemetery.

Beatrice H. McPherson, 73. She perished with her husband in the Dark Canyon area. She was survived by one son and two daughters. Buried in the Black Hills National Cemetery.

KOTA Interview with Mayor Don Barnett in 1972

[Southeast quarter, southeast quarter, section 35, township 1 north, range 7 east] Observed rise of water in Rapid Creek near place of business; Evacuated to high ground on Omaha Street and returned to home in Canyon Lake area about 3 a.m.; Depth of…

Otis Matthew, 36. A Staff Sergeant from Ellsworth AFB that perished in rescue operations. He was survived by his wife and three children. Buried in the Sierra View Memorial Park, Yuba City, CA.

Timothy W. Masters, 2. He perished when he was swept away by the torrent water. He was survived by his parents and two sisters. Buried in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Stephen R. Masters, 12. He perished with his brother in the family car that was submerged by water. A 10 year old sister survived in the car by finding an air pocket in the back seat of the car. A younger brother was swept away by the fast water. He…

Johnathan W. Masters, 8. He perished with his brother in the family car that was submerged by water. A 10 year old sister survived in the car by finding an air pocket in the back seat of the car. A younger brother was swept away by the fast water. He…

Written Memory

Marjorie was born and raised in the Mennonite community in Eastern South Dakota. She was living in the Black Hills the evening of the Flood. Her cousin was the South Dakota Mennonite Disaster Director. A disaster relief headquarters was set up by the…

Marilyn evacuated her home in Dark Canyon the evening of the flood for a cabin they owned on higher ground. She discusses the clean up involved afterward and difficulties they experienced in trying to maintain their residence in Dark Canyon.

Written Memory

Margaret Kovarik, a retired nurse, shares her story of helping the DCI and managing incoming phone calls.