Contributed by Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media
- Item 116281
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Description
The capital city of Augusta sustained significant damage when the Kennebec River’s water volume reached the highest on record to that date. The post office, with large castle-like turrets, is shown surrounded by water. A shadow from the airplane obscures the lower right of the image.
Aerial photography was dangerous and technically challenging for photographers. To capture an aerial photograph, according to publisher Guy Gannett, the pilot had to bank the plane "well over on its side" while the photographer leaned "well out of the plane's open door." Depending on factors like the time of day, direction, or angle, these shots could unintentionally include parts of the airplane or its shadow.
Gannett flew as co-pilot on several trips, likely present in the plane during the 1936 flood aerial photo shoots. Gannet penned several articles that vividly told of the suffering caused by the massive flood. Accompanying Gannett were Portland Flying Service pilot Gilbert F. Pond and photographer H.F. Troxel.
About This Item
- Title: Aerial view of flooding in Augusta, 1936
- Creator: Portland Press Herald
- Creation Date: 1936
- Subject Date: 1936
- Location: Augusta, Kennebec County, ME
- Media: Glass negative
- Dimensions: 12.7 cm x 17.8 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 1949, 2005.061.553
- Collection: Portland Press Herald glass negative collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Aerial photographs--Maine--Augusta
- Bridges--Maine
- Disasters--Maine
- Floods--Maine--Augusta
- Floods--Maine--History
- Kennebec River (Me.)
- Natural phenomena--Maine
- Photojournalism--Maine--History
People
Other Keywords
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society/MaineToday Media489 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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