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RPPC Decorah Iowa Flood Disaster House Floated from Washington St. to South of Broadway
Original early real photo postcard showing a dramatic flood-disaster scene, believed to be from Decorah, Iowa, likely from the same Decorah-area group as the G. F. Baker Lumber and Milwaukee Stock Yard flood/washout RPPCs.
The image shows railroad tracks running through a damaged residential area, with debris, mud, displaced fencing, outbuildings, and houses along the line. A black X on the image appears to mark the house identified in the handwritten note on the reverse.
The reverse bears a period handwritten description, appearing to read:
“This house was on Washington St. and floated down the tracks to a street south of Broadway. Note the front bay window is torn off, making it open through which the furniture left house.”
This is an excellent early flood/disaster RPPC with unusually detailed period identification. The note places the scene around Washington Street and Broadway, both associated with central Decorah, and describes a house being carried by floodwaters down along the railroad tracks. The photograph captures severe local damage, including washed-out ground, scattered debris, displaced structures, and damage to the marked house.
A scarce and historically interesting image for collectors of Decorah, Iowa, Winneshiek County, railroad scenes, flood disasters, storm damage, and early real photo postcards.
The postcard has an AZO stamp box, dating the real photo postcard stock generally to the early 20th century, approximately c.1907–1918. The exact flood event is not confirmed, though the image appears consistent with the early Decorah flood-disaster group.
Condition:
Original real photo postcard. Unused and not postally mailed. General age toning, surface wear, light spotting, and soiling. Noticeable discoloration and foxing to the reverse, especially around the edges and lower right area, with additional light spotting and toning visible on the image side. Minor edge and corner wear, with some roughness and small wear along the lower edge. Black period ink/pencil X mark on the front identifying the house. Please see photos for full condition details.
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