Postcard showing a photo of the Michigan Central Railroad tracks looking westward toward the Ward building in the center background during the flood of 1908. Battle Creek experienced major flooding in the downtown area in 1887, 1896, 1904, 1908, 1912, 1918, and 1947. By the mid-1950's local leaders worked with the federal government to vacate properties in the flood-prone neighborhood southwest of downtown Battle Creek known as "the bottoms." By 1954 a coalition of local industries and foundations and the federal government was formed to clear housing in the Bottoms. Displaced residents were encouraged to move to the Washington Heights neighborhood. Work began with the Army Core of Engineers on the "Cement River Project" to straighten the Kalamazoo River and channel it so that it no longer could flood the downtown area or displace homeowners. Written on back: Looking E to West toward Library & Mich Central Depot Building on Cap Ave S.W. Dear Friend. We wish you a very happy birthday. With love Mr. & Mrs. Elisha Crawford. 7-13-08 Sent to: Mrs. M. P Robens 49 West Goguac St. Battle Creek, Mich. Sent on: July 13, 1908