South Side High School - Totem Yearbook (Fort Wayne, IN)

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We Saved Our City Fort Wayne is the city that saved itself. In March of 1982, in the worst flood since 1913, the rivers swelled out of their banks and rose into the ci- ty, destroying homes and businesses as it inched its way higher. One-third of Fort Wayne's population of 173,000 fought the rising waters by sandbagg- ing. Two-thirds of these were teenagers. President Reagan even helped throw sandbags. Creeping in the lives of many, the flood forced thousands of people to flee their homes. Some stayed with friends or family, while others had no place to go and were put in emergen- cy shelters at Trinity Episcopal Church and Precious Blood School. Mayor Moses called for teenagers to help fight the flood and they arriv- ed in large numbers. Many from South Side signed out for the day and went to help with sandbagging. It was the teenagers who saved the city, and they restored the city's faith in the youth. As we fought the swirling, muddy waters, an entire world watched. Fort Wayne became a major story in newspapers around the globe. Paul Harvey spoke in Fort Wayne with a note of encouragement. Ann Landers dedicated a column to the youths that saved a city. We even made the Johnny Carson Show. But all this attention was not just for fun and games. Damage was estimated at 21.8 million dollars. Homes were damaged beyond repair. Businesses lost their inventory. Clean-up began with volunteers from all over. The mayor of Berne sent Berne high school students to Fort Wayne to help with the long process. The rivers have receded now, and lives are getting back to normal. This is the city that can do anything. u ▲ Those living by the St. Mary's River were the first hit bv the water levels. H20 was the factor in the fandscaping of this house.

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• As pretty as a princess. Tammy Mendez. senior, appreciates the honor of her title as Tim Manges, senior, crowns her Ivy Day Queen. ▲ The 1982 Ivy Day Court: Heather Crandell, Natalie Nunez. Tricia Clark, Tammy Mendez, A Jimmy Davis, Amy Zoch, Jennifer Cartmel, and Sara Gregory. • Parading inside, the Senior Class of 1982 marched through the gymnasium rather than down S. Calhoun Street.

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This lonely, deserted van waits for its owner to rescue it. Meanwhile, the owner waits for the waters to recede. T Hoping to escape the high waters, this little boy hangs on dearly to the fence, trying to keep his balance on the ledge. ■4 Canoeing was a sport taken up by many, and it was also a vital necessity for transportation around Port Wavne. ■ Golfing, jogging, and Sunday drives through the park were unheard of during the long and wet weeks of the Fort Wayne flood. »« i