1937 Press Photo Sections of spillway weir to receive Mississippi flood waters

This photo, by Joseph Cermak of The Item staff, was taken at noon today. It shows one of the many sections of the spillway weir that have been opened to receive Mississippi flood waters as soon as they rise above the wall, or sill, seen now to be only a few inches above the surface. It also shows the traveling crane in process of yanking up the heavy timbers, or "needles", that would otherwise hold back any flood. Although the spillway, which stretches beyond to connect with Lake Pontchartrain, is ready, it will not receive its first flood baptism until late Saturday night or early Sunday. Note one of the "needles" in midair.

Photo is dated 1937.

Photo measures 10 x 8 inches.