The Colebrook Historical Society (CHS) invites you to a social gathering on Friday, August 9, at 7 p.m.  Highlighting the evening will be a presentation by special guest, Milly Hudak, “The Flood of ’55, Before and After.”

In mid-August of 1955, back-to-back hurricanes, Connie and Diane, brushed southern New England.  They brought tropical storm-force winds to the northwest corner, and catastrophic rainfall.  Two feet of rain poured down on Winsted in a very short space of time. The Mad River virtually exploded from its banks and took out Main Street.  Milly Hudak was there.

Hudak, a child at the time, lived on Elm Street, where the water climbed to the first floor of her home. Her father took her downtown, where they watched and listened as the incredible devastation took place.  They heard the roar of the flood waters and were eyewitnesses to the massive destruction they caused. Hudak, through video and her personal recollections, will share that experience with us.

Hudak was born and raised in Winsted and has lived there most of her life.  She has always been, and still is, very involved in her community.  She’s president and curator of the Winchester Historical Society and president of the Auxiliary for Community Health. She’s also chairman of the board for the Winchester Youth Services Bureau and has received the Paul Harris Award from Rotary International for service to the community, as well as the Distinguished Alumni Award from Gilbert School.

The gathering will be held at the home of the CHS, the historic Seymour Inn, located at the intersection of Routes 183 and 182A in the center of Colebrook.   Plenty of refreshments will be on hand.  All are most welcome.

For further information contact Carol Lord at carol.9508@yahoo.com or 860-738-8244.