The whole matter began, so far as I am concerned, with the historic and unprecedented Vermont floods of November 3, 1927. I was then, as now, an instructor of literature at Miskatonic University in Arkham, Massachusetts, and an enthusiastic amateur student of New England folklore. Shortly after the flood, amidst the varied reports of hardship, suffering, and organized relief which filled the press, there appeared certain odd stories of things found floating in some of the swollen rivers. – “The Whisperer in Darkness“

A photo of the flooding in Bolton VT; from the Vermont Historical Society

Today we turn our gaze upon one of the real-life inspirations for the Lovecraft story quoted above.  In early November of 1927 upwards of 9 inches of rain fell in parts of Vermont, causing widespread death and destruction, with 84 deaths and about $50 million in damages (roughly $350 today).

Here are some links of interest about the flood-

• Photos from the Vermont Historical Society
• A US Geological Survey report on the flood, with maps and illustrations
• A US Weather Service summary of the storm with rainfall totals
• A calendar about the flood produced by the Rutland Historical Society included many pictures
• If you’re looking for roleplaying material to incorporate the floods into your game, here’s a 1927 directory for Rutland, VT (no maps sadly).

Here is a Vermont Public VT special about the floods –

Anybody want to work on a Vermont issue? 🙂   No promises, of course.