Family prepares to lose store too after home fell into Blue Earth River

Losing the land itself with no hope of rebuilding is a crushing blow. The Dam Store may only live on in memories. Prayers the store survives and that they may yet be able to move it to safety for another 100 years.

My heart goes out to you guys! It was so sad to watch your home go, now praying you dont lose the store!

How devastating. I feel sorry for them

So terribly sorry for their loss. Not many can relate to their land disappearing. Trying to wrap one’s mind around that can’t be easy. Truly devastating.

I'm so sorry for their loss. It is devastating to loose your home in any manner. My heart goes out to the family.

My husband is a truck driver and has passed through and stayed in the area over the years. We are praying for your family and praying the store is saved.

Who would have imagined a century ago when they moved those buildings out of the path of the dam that the river would return to claim them .... Condolences from Ontario .... Hoping it doesnt claim your store

I feel so bad for this family. So many years. They must be the only folks saying, "Bust already, bridge...how much do you need to take from us?" especially if it's bound to happen at some point. If it holds, it's going to take so much work to get it back to safe. I think it was built in 1910? That's just amazing from a quality workmanship standpoint. There was still nearly 20 years to go before the Great Depression at that point. Only 11 years departed from the 1800's. Anyways, I hope this family can rise from the ashes and start the next chapter of their legacy.

As she said. We are not in control. Thankful for each day and everything that you have

During Irene, we lost about 34’ of land. I watched as all of the sudden, my car trailer and the Apple tree planted by my great grandfather disappeared into the abyss. But thankfully for us, it stopped. But in that moment, I felt that same feeling of helplessness.

Watching this from Melbourne, Australia. Looks like such a lovely store and gardens (what’s left) of them around the store.

I’m so sad for this family..crazy this can happen.

I trust the community will come together and help them and everyone restart the parts of their lives that have been affected. Despair must diminish and human compassion and inspiration must prevail!

I am so sorry for you poor folks and everyone that's been devastated by these horrible floods and fires and tornadoes. Darkest before the dawn!

Sad. Heartbreaking for you. Everyone pull together and help these beautiful people.

God bless you sweetheart. I truly cannot imagine your loss, but I feel it and will pray for you and yours along with all who read this.

My prayers and thoughts go out to those who are being affected by the flooding. I'm in Waterville Minnesota

I'm very sorry for your loss. I clicked on this story because of the reference to Mankato, the home of Virgil Flowers. Since then I've been captivated by the unfolding tragedy. All the best wishes from Nelson Bay, NSW, Australia.

😢 in Florida we are used to this kind of events and I know exactly what this family is going through. May the Lord give you the strength that you need to surpass this

My great Uncle and Aunt George and Fern (Mendenhall) Eldrege owned the dam store for years and years and use to live upstairs There. Fern's brother Roy Mendenhall helped build the dam and was electrocuted while sweeping up down inside the dam. Let's pray the Dam Store stands