Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Incorporated in 1893, Central City was originally an independent community just west of
Huntington, but in 1909, the little town's voters agreed to be annexed into Huntington. Here
the 1913 flood can be seen all but covering a number of one-story houses along Jefferson
Avenue in Central City. At the center can be seen a large painted sign advertising United
Woolen Mills (“All Suits $15”). At right are the water tower and smokestack of the Hunt-
ington Tumbler Company.
The Huntington Tumbler Company, located on West Fifteenth Street between Madison and
Jefferson Avenues, began in 1891 as the West Virginia Flint Bottle Company. In 1900,
German-born Anton Zihlman purchased the plant (shown here surrounded by the 1913
floodwaters), changed its name, and switched production from glass bottles and jars to bar-
ware and fine glassware for the home. At one time, the plant employed as many as 150
workers.
In the early 1900s, the Chinese community in Ashland, Kentucky, was small but industrious.
Pictured on this postcard from the 1913 flood is a Chinese store selling—the lettering on the
windows says—“imported teas” and “novelties.” Four men stand in the doorway surveying
the floodwaters. The man at the right appears older than the others. Perhaps he is the
shop's owner. A handwritten caption on the card identifies it as being on “Lower Broad-
way.” (Courtesy Charles R. Nichols.)
