The image shows the Hallowell Post Office building at the intersection of Water and Central Streets (known as Beeman's Corner) in downtown Hallowell during the crest of the flood of early March, 1896. The record high water level, caused by spring melting of ice on the Kennebec River, stood for 40 years until the big flood of 1936. Notice the chunks of ice floating in the water, and the buildings on the Chelsea side of the River in the background.