July 13, 1951

The flood up here is awful. Worse than 1903 flood. We stayed up till 2:30 this morning. Northtown may be flooded. Moved people out of Harlins(?). Awful. 

She’s right . . . it’s awful. Northtown is flooded, and has been ordered evacuated. Other areas as well . . . The Kansas, Missouri, and Kaw Rivers are all out of their banks, and destroying homes and businesses all along their way. They probably stayed up so late because they were listening to reports about the flooding on the radio. Announcers were giving updates throughout the entire ordeal, and repeating the evacuation orders over and over again, trying to warn people to get out while they could. Miraculously, only 5 people died.

Hazel made this note on the calendar page of her diary:

This is one of the worst catastrophes to ever hit the Kansas City area. The devastation was as bad as if the city had been hit by a bomb. The Kansas City Star has a good book out that chronicles in detail the days of the flood. It’s by Brian Burnes, and it’s titled: “High & Rising: The 1951 Kansas City Flood” — if you’re interested in reading about this historical event, I highly recommend this book — it’s captivating, and has great photographs throughout. My sister loaned me her copy, and I read it through in one night, it was so interesting.

Option 1 (large quilt):

Today you’ll need some pieces from your “Setting Block 5” baggie. Take out two of the Fabric #4 triangles, and two of the Fabric #6 triangles. Lay them out as shown, making sure that you have them turned correctly, and that Fabric #4 is on the left.

Match a pair of triangles up, right sides together, and stitch along the short edge. Press the seam toward Fabric #6, and trim the dog ear. You should now have a larger triangle.

Repeat with the other pair of triangles. Store in the “Setting Block 5” baggie.

Option 2 (small quilt):

There is no step today for all you Option 2 folks.