In March 1936, a two-day heavy rainstorm melted the foot of snow along the banks of the Shetucket and Yantic Rivers, pouring tons of water into the harbor and raising the water level into Franklin Square, Franklin Street and Bath Street. This was known as a freshet. The harbor water flowed up City Landing, the street in front of the Palace Theater, and into the bowl-shaped Franklin Square. To the right of the Palace Theater is the famous Duke’s Diner under water.

Ken Keeley is the author of 12 pictorial books of Norwich history. To purchase any of his books he can be reached on Facebook, or via e-mail at kenekjr000@comcast.net.