Customer Reviews

Devastation on the Delaware: Stories and Images of the Deadly Flood of 1955

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This book does not read like a typical non-fiction book. You'll be riveted by the accounts of the flood and the people who went through it. I had a hard time putting this book down. One moment I'd be smiling and the next moment tears would come to my eyes. Mary Shafer's account of this devastating flood is exceptional.

Mary Shafer's book about the 1955 Flood that created havoc like no other weather incident to hit the middle Atlantic is highly readable. Engrossing stories and intricate weather details make this book wonderfully entertaining despite some of the tragedy that takes place throughout.


Shafer's research into what seem like tiny details help to round out the tale of an era we'll never see again. Using old photos, weather charts and graphs to illustrate clearly what would otherwise be difficult to comprehend for those not familiar with the topography of the area, Shafer has certainly given the reader a grand opportunity to gain a sense of the experience of the floods devastation 50 years later.

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good story with a fabulous chance to learn something new and interesting, in this case the subject being the weather, this is the book for you!

Whenever I read a book about a natural disaster I cannot help but wonder how I might react in such a situation. As the new day dawned on August 18, 1955 folks in the Delaware Valley had absolutely no reason to believe that this day would be substantially different from any other. And yet, an unlikely series of weather events would unfold over the next 72 hours that would severely test the mettle of just about everyone in the region. In "Devastation On The Delaware" author Mary Shafer chronicles the heartbreaking events of those three days in August 1955. More than one hundred people would lose their lives. Some of the victims would not be found until months or years later. And those lucky enough to survive would quickly discover that for them life would never be the same. It is hard to imagine the utter devastion that took place. Many residents lost just about everything they owned. Houses were literally torn off their foundations and ripped to shreds and two ton automobiles were tossed about like childrens toys. In many of these communities the raging waters damaged or destroyed most of the infrastructure. All along the Delaware the bridges that were vital links in the lives of so many people were laid waste and many would never be rebuilt. All over the Delaware Valley mom and pop businesses would be wiped out forever and scores of people would find themselves unemployed in the immediate aftermath as the water inundated manufacturing plants, retail stores and tourist attractions. Mary Schafer does an outstanding job of conveying the full scope of the problems and emotions these people were forced to deal with during those tumultuous days. "Devastation on the Delaware" also chronicles how government officials, private businesses and so many ordinary people managed to rise to the occasion and assist with the recovery effort. Interspersed throughout the book are dozens of gut wrenching black and white photographs that really help to illustrate the story that Mary Shafer is trying to tell. Many of these photos are from the private collections of those who lived through the tragedy but somehow had the presence of mind to record these events on film for posterity. Even though I am not from the immediate area I must say that I found "Devastation on the Delaware" to be quite compelling reading. It compares favorably to other outstanding books I have read on the subject of hurricanes such as "Sudden Sea", "Black Cloud" and "The Great Hurricane:1938". And for those who hail from the Delaware Valley this book will serve future generations as an important piece of regional history that will be a fixture in local libraries for decades to come. A wonderful book by a very gifted writer. Highly recommended!!

It is ironic that I read this book just prior to my 50th high school class reunion. This is a time for nostalgia and Mary Schaffer accurately portrays a sad time of our teen years.
I read the book with a map at my side, ready for quick reference. Mary provides an overview that was not available to many of us at that time. I was fascinated by her grasp of the weather conditions of that era as well as her human interest stories.
Of course I recommended this book to my peers but also to my weather wonk grandson. I want to discuss with him the unique situation when the river "stopped' in Shawnee, for example. This is a book for all ages.
One of our classmates is pictured in the book, in addition to comments from his family memebers, so this book will be a hit at our reunion. We lived the history and the author enables us to share it with others.

Mary Shafer's book Devastation on the Delaware is the amazing result of years of research and emotional commitment. Written to commemorate the August, 1955, Delaware River Valley Flood, the book takes the reader on a "roller-coaster ride" through those days of death and "devastation." Ms. Shafer describes in detail the Flood as experienced in all the areas of the Delaware Valley during August 18-20.

Her professional commitment to her "craft" and her personal commitment to the survivors and victims of the Flood are extraordinary. The survivors' stories (remembered in minute detail 50 years later) are heart-wrenching. The graphic details are horrifying.

The author is an exceptional writer, one who weaves historical and scientific facts into a compelling "story." The fascinating history of the Delaware River and its tributaries, general information about hurricanes (and Hurricanes Connie and Diane in particular) and the status of weather reporting in the mid-1950's and the abandoned plans to dam the River after the Flood all become part of the drama of one of our country's worst natural disasters. This book will hold everyone's interest. It is a great "read."

For those of us who lived through the Flood, it is also a priceless gift. Many people waited over 50 years for the kind of closure only Ms. Shafer's book has given them.

Mary Shafer's "Devastation on the Delaware" is an engrossing account of the tragic Delaware Valley flood of 1955, created by Hurricanes Connie and Diane. Told as a narrative timeline of events, this book introduces us to the people and communities overcome by the wrathful waters of the Delaware and its tributaries. It reads like historical fiction rather than documentary, with many amazing and touching stories uncovered by the author's interviewing diligence. I couldn't put this book down and highly recommend it as a full and varied account of an unbelievable event and its effect on the Delaware Valley.

Mary Shafer has approached a detailed account of a tragic flood with unusual thoroughness, compassion, continuity, and research. It is a non-fiction book like no other, holding the reader spellbound throughout. One cannot help but become emotionally involved with those who suffered through this event, and one cannot help but admire Shafer for her accomplishment. Obviously, Shafer was passionate about her subject; it shows in throughout this book.

An excellent portrayal of the effects on the entire Delaware Valley interwoven with stories of personal impacts and tragedies. Masterful research. Reads like a first person report at the time of the event.

Although I was born after the flood, I visited all the high-water markers in my hometown in the Pocono Mountains and listened intently to the haunting stories told by teachers, neighbors, and family friends. I believe the author of this book has done a marvelous job recounting the days and hours leading up to the region's greatest disastser, mostly through the eyes of those who witnessed the terrible events of August 1955.
--Ben Gelber, author of "The Pennsylvania Weather Book"

Mary Schaefer's Devastation on the Delaware is an eye-opening account of what happens when people forget the power of flood waters. Extreme natural events can't often be tamed by mankind.

There are many very sad as well as hearwarming and uplifting accounts of people's response to the flood.

Ultimately the 55 flood created a National Park on the Delaware River. Although the Tocks Island project displaced and did great harm to some, the net result - - the National Park - - is a good thing, if only because it keeps people from forgetting again and trying to live too close to the banks of this great river.