The plaque honouring the “Great Belleville Floods” is the fourth of five commemorative plaques to be enshrined in Belleville this summer. These are done in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, the 200th anniversary of the naming of Belleville and the Hastings County Historical Society’s 60th anniversary. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
Another memorable historical event was commemorated in downtown Belleville Wednesday afternoon.
The fourth of five plaques was unveiled by the Hastings County Historical Society to honour and remember the great Belleville floods of the 1800s and early 20th century.
Society President Richard Hughes explained that spring flooding was a regular occurrence in those days, thanks to the violent nature of the Moira River, which ran close to the downtown. This was the case until modern ice control measures were introduced to monitor levels.
March 1936 was the biggest flooding disaster in the city, with 75 acres flooded up to seven feet in some places. Losses of $250,000 were reported at the time. In today’s dollars, that is about $4.4 million
The floods also caused significant damage to businesses, factories, homes and bridges.
Hastings County Historical Society President Richard Hughes stands beside the plaque honouring the great Belleville Floods of the 1800s and early 20th century following an unveiling Wednesday afternoon. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
This plaque and others are commemorating the 150th anniversary of Canada and the 200th anniversary of the naming of Belleville. Hughes mentioned that 2017 also happened to be the 60th anniversary of the Historical Society, and adds that it all came together for them to do something special for these milestones.
Other plaques that have been commemorated this summer include:
- Fire Station No. 2- 394 Front Street, Housed fire department, police office, cells and town council. Built in 1867, closed 1950.
- Simpson’s Tavern – northwest corner of Dundas and Front St., the hub of political, military and social events in Myers Creek, built 1797 and replaced in 1799.
- Griffin Opera House- 65 Bridge St. East, centre of theatre, opera and minstrel shows, built in 1884.
The fifth and final plaque will be revealed at 210 Pinnacle Street to honour the old Pinnacle Street Railway on August 23.
Two pictures from the Quinte-area archives that showcase the scene from two deadly floods in Belleville in the early 20th century. (Photo: Brock Ormond/Quinte News)
