Victims of the 1955 Flood

WINSTED — A memorial plaque in the front of East End Park serves as a memorial to the seven victims of the 1955 Flood. The plaque was erected and installed by the Winsted Chamber of Commerce on Aug. 19, 1956, and memorializes the following victims:

• John Gould, 28, of Highland Lake, who drowned as he alerted other residents to evacuate.

• Mary Machrone, 46, of New Hartford Road, who drowned when her rescue boat hit a bridge.

• Josephine Cornelio, 49, of Main Street, who drowned when the boat she was being rescued in capsized.

• Sinclair Meggison, 52, of Main Street was found in the Hotel Clifton building. The building was torn from its foundation and carried down the street due to the flood waters.

• William Samele, 56, of Main Street was killed when his building was washed away as he was watching a rescue.

• Concettena Zappula, 58, of Main Street drowned because she refused to leave her home near the Still River.

• Maney Leshay, 67, of Gilbert Avenue drowned when he drove his car into the Still River after a bridge washed out.

Click here for full story on flood.