A Night of Terror on the Telephone Lines: Sally Rooke's Last Stand during the Disastrous Folsom Flood
What would you do if you held the power to save your town from an impending disaster? Experience the riveting tale of Sally Rooke, a heroic telephone operator from Folsom, New Mexico, who, in 1908, put her life on the line to warn her fellow townsfolk about an imminent, catastrophic flood. In one of history's most tragic chapters, Folsom, located precariously along the Cimarron riverbed, fell prey to nature's wrath. The town's susceptibility to flooding, coupled with the limited opportunities accessible to women like Sally, paints a compelling picture of the era.
Fasten your seatbelts as we journey through the stormy night of the Folsom Flood of 1908 and the brave actions of Sally Rooke. Through local narratives and historical records, we learn of Sally's valiant efforts to alert her community, a task she pursued until her very last breath. Sally's legacy lives on in the annals of history, a beacon of courage in a world fraught with challenges. Listen in as we pay homage to an unsung heroine, whose story continues to resonate across the decades.
A special thanks to James Steinle for graciously allowing us to excerpt his song "The Tale of Sally Rooke" in this episode. Check out James over on Spotify and watch for him in the hills of West Texas or on his excursions into New Mexico!
For more on Sally Rooke, check out these links: Sarah “Sally” Rooke: NM Historical Women Marker
Folsom Flood Primary Source Accounts from the Folsom Museum.
And keep listening to the Enchantment Chronicles for the discovery after the flood that changed our understanding of North American history!
Check out the Enchantment Chronicles on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Music, or anywhere podcasts are found.
Follow the Enchantment Chronicles on your favorite social media!
Instagram: @EnchantmentChronicles
Twitter/X: @NewMexPodcast
https://www.enchantmentchronicles.com
