Did You Know?

Did you swim in Lake Susan? Go fishing there?

Did you swim in Lake Susan?  Go fishing there? Hop rocks along Flat Creek? Dam up crawdads in some of the smaller streams? See how far a paper boat would float? Many recreational activities in Montreat have always centered around water. And then came the day when the water turned destructive.

Flat Creek became a raging river during both the July 1916 and the September 2024 floods. “Will the dam hold?” was a question in the minds of many at both times. In 1916 the earthen portion of the dam gave way early on Sunday morning, creating what Robert McClure described as a “raging current” between Calvin Auditorium (situated on what is now Moore Field) and the bookstore, just at the foot of the dam. Near Lookout Road it created a whirlpool before continuing on, damaging bridges so that they either disappeared or became impassable. The Woman’s Conference was scheduled to begin that day, and some conferees had arrived the night before. As it so happened, all of the hotel cooks lived on the east side of Flat Creek and the dishwashers lived on the west side. Thus, the guests in Hotel Montreat (west side) ate improvised meals while those in the Alba Hotel (east side) washed the dishes so they could dine.  A log was soon felled across the creek, enabling employees to report for work. Shortly thereafter, a more sturdy foot bridge appeared.  In less than a week most utilities had been restored and the conference season continued.

In 2024, the dam held and operated exactly as it was designed to do. But the raging creek so seriously overflowed its banks that asphalt roads and bridges were swept away. Well-pumping equipment was knocked out of service and the high winds brought down trees on homes and power lines. More than one lineman remarked that they had never seen such a tangled mess. While this disaster occurred after the end of the conference season, Montreat had many more permanent residents and a more complex infrastructure than in 1916. Recovery would take much longer.

A common thread was the sense of community and cooperation that permeated Montreat at both times. People immediately donated funds to help with the cost of recovery. Residents in 1916 crafted ways to span the creek. In 2024 they grabbed their chain saws and joined town workers to open up roads. Dr. Robert Anderson’s words to the 1916 General Assembly could also describe Montreat in 2024: “…the adverse conditions seemed to bring all closer together and added greatly to the spiritual power” that permeates this place.

The Presbyterian Heritage Center currently has an exhibit on the 2024 flood and its aftermath, featuring a video showing the power of rising water. It is open Tuesday-Friday (10-4) and Saturday (12-4). 

Thanks to the Presbyterian Heritage Center, especially Nancy Midgette, for this glimpse from the past. Stop by the PHC for additional Montreat missionary history and so much more. Have an idea for a future “Did You Know?”? Let Nancy know at midgette@elon.edu.