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| Souvenir of Johnstown |
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Johnstown, one of Pennsylvania's leading industrial communities, is located in Cambria County, about seventy-six miles east of Pittsburg, and is well-known as the center of an extensive business in iron and steel manufacturing. The city was founded in 1891. The first settlement was made in the irregular and narrow valley formed by the junction of Stoney Creek and the Conemaugh River. From this small beginning has developed the present metropolis of nearly fifty thousand inhabitants. On May 31, 1889, a heavy rainfall caused the dam across the South Fork, a branch of the Conemaugh River, to give way, releasing the waters of Conemaugh Lake (about three miles long and two miles wide) which submerged the city of Johnstown and the surrounding villages, causing a loss of twenty-two hundred and thirty-five lives and a property loss of nearly ten millions of dollars. The country responded generously in aid of the stricken city and fully three millions of dollars of cash and material were distributed immediately. The rebuilding and present day prosperity of the city dates from this time. Johnstown is now the headquarters of many establishments producing iron manufacturer, steel rails, street cars, iron plate, furniture, pottery and cement. Coal and iron, clay and limestone are found abundantly in the surrounding territory. The city has many public buildings of special architectural interest, splendid churches, and beautiful residences, also nearly twenty-five acres of well-kept public parks. These are all tangible evidences of the prosperity and civic pride of its inhabitants. Johnstown affords an inspiring example of the recuperative powers of an American community. It is hard to realize that this city with its fine streets and miles of substantial edifices was the scene of terrible wreck and disaster only a few years ago. The energy and indomitable will of her citizens which has brought about this magical transformation will eventually place Johnstown in the forefront of progressive American cities. Published by J. G. McCrorey & Co. - Johnstown, Penna. A. L. Campbell, Manager Copyright, 1906, by L. H. Nelson Co., Portland, Me. |
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