Flooding hits historic buildings in Bethlehem

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Officials are trying to determine the extent of flooding damage to four structures in the historic area of Bethlehem.

Flooding along the Monocacy Creek following rains early Saturday damaged four structures in the Colonial Industrial Quarter. Historic Bethlehem Partnership president Charlene Donchez Mowers says tree branches also slammed against the buildings and a couple of windows were broken.

Officials worry that the damage might be worse than during Hurricane Ivan six years ago. They say about four or five feet of water seeped into the 1761 Tannery and 1762 Waterworks, a national historic landmark. Water also seeped into the 1869 Luckenbach Mill, which houses the partnership offices.

A few months ago, repairs were completed to the waterwheel system at the Waterworks building, but Mowers said that part of the system was underwater Saturday.