Looking back

By ANN O'HARA
Posted 8/14/19

After a devastating flood swept through Wayne County on May 21 and 22, 1942, the two main bridges leading into Honesdale had been destroyed. As a result, the borough was isolated, reachable only by …

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Looking back

Posted

After a devastating flood swept through Wayne County on May 21 and 22, 1942, the two main bridges leading into Honesdale had been destroyed. As a result, the borough was isolated, reachable only by circuitous routes from the countryside outside. On Saturday, May 30, the Scranton Tribune reported that the state administrator of the WPA (Works Progress Administration) had authorized the Scranton WPA office manager to proceed with plans to build a temporary bridge over the Lackawaxen River near the Hotel Wayne. Wayne County officials requested permission from President Roosevelt to use WPA facilities to assist in the restoration of the devastated town. They said, in part, “In the name of the families of the drowned and those other hundreds of homeless throughout these towns and counties... we appeal to you for uninterrupted continuation of the great service rendered by the Scranton District Works Progress Administration.” The WPA was a New Deal agency designed to provide work for the unemployed on projects of this nature.

From the collection of the Wayne County Historical Society. The museum and research library are open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and museum only 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

wayne county, Honesdale, work progress administration, hotel wayne, bridge, flood

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