Hello Listers --- I remember the Vanport Flood, but not from an adult viewpoint. I was 7 years old at the time. My father Arnie Gabriel was a fireman with the Portland Fire Department at the time and I remember the smell. He had to go work with the sand bags. I am sure he did more but that is what I was told. I remember my mother Alice, telling him to go to the garage to change clothes. The smell stayed with us for a long time. I have enjoyed reading about it thank you all for sharing. Jo Gabriel Slingerland