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Tuesday, August 18, 2026

Cambria Theatre - 1927

Currently playing is "Orchids & Ermine" starring the famous bobcut actress Colleen Moore (she helped start the trend), plus the film debut of Mickey Rooney and rounding out the cast is Blair County native and later on gossip columnist Hedda Hopper who was born in Blair County and is buried in Altoona. She was so broke at the end - when she died in the 60's that famous screenwriter (one of the best ever and a personal favorite) Frances Marion - paid for her funeral and burial. For extra credit - her son was William Hopper of Perry Mason fame. Who ended up dying shortly after his mother.
The movie was released nationwide in March of '27 but as you can see from the leaves on the trees - it started playing here I would say in late April at the earliest. Probably due to the very strict Pennsyvania Film Censorship Board - up until the 30's - each state had their own censorship board for all the Hollywood films to go thru. That's why sometimes for rare films bits are cut out due to local censorship rules. 

 

1942 - Mrs. Guy Ceria & her brothers Stephen Stefanchick & Joseph Stefanchick - Nanty Glo


 

Sunday, August 16, 2026

November 22, 1902 - Hinckston Run Dam Fatal & Powder Mill Fatal in Seward

Hinckston Run Dam Accident

Killed in the accident - Joseph France & William Norris




 

The Letters - August 24, 1915 - To Mrs. Anna Hay currently in Philadelphia on a visit - From Clara R. Austin also (Phila.) - Woodlyn




Oak Lane, August 24, '15

Dear Mrs. Hay,

I have just received a note from Mary, saying that the two names she omitted were "poppy" and "elder": so our guess was right in those cases.  Yesterday afternoon Mrs. Goodwin called, purposely to see you. She wished for me to tell you that she was very sorry she could not come while you were here. 

This morning early Mrs. Curll telephoned to invite us out to Wayne today. She too, wanted me to tell you that she regretted very much that she did not see you. If you had been here we would have gone to Wayne, but since I can go any time, I shall wait for a cooler day. Miss Crowell called yesterday, too, bringing for Mary one of those power puffs she was describing to you. I shall send it on by mail. 

Madame Girond brought her guest to call: a young lady who teaches French in the High School at Tarrytown, N.Y. She took Prof. Girond's course at Cornell, for advanced work, and he was so pleased with her, that they are now having a visit from her. 

A cousin of mine (Horace Philips) whom I have not seem for over twenty years, called on us yesterday. His home is in Topeka, Kansas, and is taking his vacation visiting around his old home. I can assure you I was glad to see him.

Mary says her party passed off all right; only Mrs. Wagoner couldn't come; Alice Suppes was sick, & Mrs. Lewis did not come, but she said there were fifteen there. She is well, and there was nothing else, except that after sending us the list of those she had invited, she added Mrs. Davis and Mrs. Wild; the latter had invited Mary to a reception she had gave Miss Crowell. 

The man is here taking down the greenhouse; so it is pretty noisy. I hope you had no trouble reaching Woodlyn. With kind regards to all, 
I am

Lovingly Yours,

Clara R. Austin


 

Johnstown Police Department - 1950's

1942 - Pvt. John Soyka - Nanty Glo


 

Saturday, August 15, 2026

CIVIL WAR - Week of March 26, 1863 - Letters Home from Local Troops

FROM OUR VOLUNTEERS
133d PA Co. F
NEAR STONEMAN'S SWITCH,VA
March 12, 1863





11th PA - Cambria Guards
March 18, 1863


Lt. W.J. Nugent - 78th PA Co. D
Sgt. Casper W. Easly




 

April 29, 1940 - PARTIAL NEWSPAPER - The Johnstown Democrat