A half century of effort to secure flood control for Williamsport culminated today with the groundbreaking ceremonies marking the beginning of work on the first unit of the five-million-dollar local project. Several hundred persons braved the freezing weather to witness the program.

After congratulatory addresses from a specially constructed platform in the field between Fourth Street and the ballpark along Lycoming Creek, Mayor Leo C. Williamson turned the first spade of ground with a bronzed shovel. The ceremonies were arranged by the flood control committee of the Community Trade Association

To the accompaniment of the Williamsport High School Band, the assemblage sang “America” and the heard John C. Youngman, chairman of the flood control committee trace the history of “How We Got the Dikes.” He paid particular note to C.E. Noyes, manager of the C.T.A. as the guiding genius of the flood control effort.

The speakers expressed great satisfaction that the long-awaited project is now underway and also emphasized the employment benefit to the city.

Bordering the creek along the east bank were small white, red, and yellow flags. They mark the course of construction. It was explained the red flags denoted the right-of-way, the yellow — the slopes and the white — the center of the levee.

Mr. Murray, a representative of the construction company expressed his hope that the enthusiasm with which Williamsport citizens promoted the flood control project would continue during construction operations and his company would have the benefit of it. He also said local labor will be used wherever possible.