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Holland Marsh farmers return home to salvage belonging. Photograph from in Betty Kennedy's 'Hurricane Hazel,' found in the Local History Collection.

Springdale's main road viewed from above to see the extent of the flooding.

Holland Marsh farmers return home to salvage belonging. Photograph from in Betty Kennedy's 'Hurricane Hazel,' found in the Local History Collection.

Meeting on the Highway 400 for clean-up. Photograph from in Betty Kennedy's 'Hurricane Hazel,' found in the Local History Collection.

Robert Saunders (left) and numerous other companies came to the aid of the Holland Marsh, offering their equipment free of charge to pump out the flood water. The Marsh was dry again by November 13th.

Interior of Auke Ellens' store, flooded by Hurricane Hazel breaking the marsh's dykes.

The dePeuter family standing next to their house, surrounded by debris. The debris came from the flood by Hurricane Hazel breaking the marsh's dykes.

A wooden clog found in the debris field caused by the flood of Hurricane Hazel and the dykes overflowing.

Two articles relating to the memories of those who lived through the Holland marsh flooding due to Hurricane Hazel. The first is a continuation of Edo Knibbe's recollection, and the second is by Addy Ellens.

Bradford West Gwillimbury Times editorial

Description : "All those who were living in the Holland Marsh and other low-lying areas during the Hurricane Hazel flood on October 15, 1954, wish to express their deepest thanks for the help they received from the surrounding communities, such as Bradford and Schomberg. With unselfish effort, they went out of their way to help those who lost homes, crops and personal belongings on that terrible night. Many organizations and individuals put in great efforts to rescue people from their second storeys or attics, ferried them to "dry" land, supplied food and clothing, and opened their homes to those who had no place to go. They assisted in the rebuilding and repairing of the damage. They supplied the facilities to repair damage done to submerged tractors and other farm equipment. The session of the Presbyterian Church in Bradford and Schomberg offered the use of their church buildings, and the council of the Springdale Christian Reformed Church wishes to again express its sincere thanks. A tremendous effort was put forth to set up a trailer park with washroom and laundry facilities. All this, in spite of the damage they suffered themselves from Hurricane Hazel's fury. Last but not least, we should think the Mennonite Relief organization, whose members showed up every day by busloads to help repair our homes."