February 4, 1887 New-Haven-Register
GORGE AT ZOAR BRIDGE.
ICE PILED THIRTY FEET HIGH
People Residing Near the Housatonic River Compelled
to Take Refuge in the Attics of Their Homes. No Destruction
of Property Yet Reported But some Apprehension Felt.
BIRMINGHAM, CONN. Feb. 4 -- There are apprehensions felt that the ice gorge at Zoar Bridge may be the cause of some destruction of property. The ice just along the bridge is piled thirty feet high and the rising water and the floating ice have so surrounded a number of dwellings near the verge of the Housatonic River that are completely isolated from communication with dry land. People live in their garrets, and today a force of about twenty men are at work trying to open the ice gorge with axes and other tools, so as to relieve the occupants of jeopardized homes. Considerable alarm is felt as to what extent this state of things may be carried. Some homes are so surrounded by water that they are likely to be floated away.