But when a devastating flood hit the valleys in 1913, the need to tame the river was felt.
A concrete spillway bowl was also built to allow independent regulation of the upper reservoir.
As soon as this phenomenon was discovered, the Linesville spillway became an impromptu tourists attraction.
The frenzied feeding scene has been described by some as ugly and fearsome.
“If you threw a child in there, they’d eat it,” said another.
This fantastical scene has become the basis for much of the local tourist industry.
Linesvilles motto, as seen on signs when entering the borough, is Where the Ducks Walk on Fishes.
In 2008, officials wanted to ban the practice of tossing bread to the carp.
However, given the cultural, historical and tourism value of the spillway, the ban was not enforced.
Photo credit:David Kanzeg/Panoramio
Photo credit:David Fulmer/Flickr
Sources:NY Times/Wikipedia/Ashtabulacurrent.com/Roadside America/www.dcnr.state.pa.u
