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Event Will Recall The Great Flood Of 1993

Blake Roderick

Twenty five years ago, one of the worst natural disasters in the country’s history took place. The Great Flood of 1993 resulted in major flooding along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. 

But it also showed the best in people who came to the aid of those in need.  

On Wednesday, a gathering in Pike County will commemorate the work that took place.   

Blake Roderick, Executive Director of the Pike and Scott County Farm Bureaus, helped with 1993 flood relief and he’s organizing the event. 

"I think 25 years is one of those kind of anniversaries where people need to look back," he said.  "People who lost their homes and farms, people who came and helped them...to get together and reminisce."

Roderick recalls people from all over the midwest coming in to help in west central Illinois.  Whether filling sandbags, helping people move, work on levees or providing other aid.

"I think if you take a look back at a bright side of the flood of 1993, you saw a lot of comaraderie, you saw a lot of people from all over central Illinois, from all over the nation, coming in to our area and helping their neighbors and making good friends," Roderick said.   

The event commemorating the Great Flood of 1993 will happen Wednesday July 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Hull Community Center in Pike County.  The center is located in the old Hull Elementary School at 215 S. Elm Street.  A supper is being provided.  

Credit Blake Roderick
Sandbagging at Pittsfield High School in July 1993.

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