Cincinnati's Great Disasters (OH) (Postcard History Series)

Cincinnati's Great Disasters explores catastrophes from 1905 to 1937, featuring floods, tornadoes, fires, explosions, winter storms, and crashes. Although tragic, disasters became popular postcard subjects in the early 1900s, with many of these photograph postcards being taken by professional photographers. The postcards documenting the 1907 and 1913 floods make up the bulk of this book, as these disasters dramatically affected Cincinnatians' lives and led to innovative flood prevention planning and health initiatives. Flooding ultimately determined where businesses and residences were located in the city and was a driving force behind urban renewal of the riverfront.

Betty Ann Smiddy has received outstanding achievement awards in local history from the Ohio Historical Society and the Hamilton County Recorder's Office. Smiddy is a Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year and was given a key to the city of Cincinnati for her volunteer activities. She is also the author of Cincinnati's Golden Age. Smiddy has donated her royalties from this book to the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County Foundation.