As far as the song goes, I am sure that I heard it first in the St. Louis area, done by a local group whose name escapes me at the moment. I am sure Art would likely know them. I'll think of it eventually, but probably not before I finish this post ~~ Peter something, Mississippi Mudcats, maybe? A recording by the Indian Creek Delta Boys (I still have a tape) is my main source for the tune, and a good one it is. As to the possible date of 1976 that Art gives, I just don't know ~~ seems I heard it in St. Louis at least that early, but I cannot date it exactly.

Years ago, my family had a number of photographs taken at the time of the Shawneetown flood. What with the mobility of families (and pictures) that occurs over time, I am not sure where they are anymore. I also have a stack of Outdoor Illinois/Illinois magazines which might have some Shawneetown info ~~ I'll look.

My father's family was from McCormick, Pope County, Illinois, and I have fond memories of childhood summers spent in Southern Illinois. (I spent my early years in Northern Illinois, but lived most of my adult life in Southwestern Illinois until retirement.)