Barracks house flood refugees;

spirits bright, look to future

By Doris Eggers

 

On the northwest side of the Augustana campus stand two barracks which now house Sioux Falls flood refugees from the air base housing area, their pets and belongings.

The particularly interested observers might note that they are, in general, a congregation of dejected, yet relieved individuals who had previously enjoyed better times and quarters.

There was a time a few weeks ago when they were fancy-free and personally content, but today and until the muddy flood waters of the Sioux river recede, these people will have `to make the best of things.

A little boy from the barracks came up to some Augie co-eds the other day and innocently stated, "You know sump'n, it'd sure be nice to be a duck . . . all you'd haf to do is swim around all day, with nuff'n to do but play."

Really, he had a point there, but by the looks of the youngsters exploring the grounds, they're having almost as much fun as if they were ducklings.

On the other hand, the adult group seems to feel differently about the subject. One exception was an elderly lady who seemed to be enjoying her "vacation."

She pictured a bright side to the situation, musing that "we don't have to worry about our dishes, meals, beds OD housework.

But I hate to think of going back to all that mud and water that has to be cleaned up, though."

However, one young couple stated seriously that they would never go back, saying, "We've been caught twice and that's enough."

Under happier circumstances, we hope these people will return to visit us, but until they do, let's do everything we can to make their stay a little brighter!

 

The Augustana Mirror, Vol. 33, No. 26, 1952