The Letters - October 11, 1915: To Mrs. Anna Hay in Johnstown from Sister Madge in Philadelphia

                                                                       Oct. 11^th 1915

My dear sister Anna,

Why did you go away before I came home? I was so disappointed to find you gone. Nellie said I should tell you the next time you go to Florida she wants you to stop off and see her. It is only a half hours ride from Washington Junction to Frederick and she don't want Madge to get all the visits. 

We are having such lovely weather now. Charlie & I went down to John's on Sat. Afternoon. They were all up in the city except John Jr., who entertained us till they returned in time for supper. They did not know I was home. I don't like their mail facilities at all—all my nice plan for having you folks meet Paul & Grace Kuhns was spoiled by your not getting my letter I wrote from L (?).

How did you find everybody in Johnstown? Cambria Iron Co. Is stirring things up out there. Ida wrote me Harry (?) had resigned his position and they were going to leave the old home of the Hay family. I did not know you were home till she wrote me as her letter had been forwarded to Frederick and then again sent here, so got it two days after I got home.

I have been very busy for the house was very dusty. I had been away eight weeks and really didn't know what to do first—but am taking things slow. I had a lovely time with the girls and was very well all the time. Just think I weigh 150lbs. George, I told Dr. G (?) that the only thing I needed was more breath to get around quick—can't run up and down the stairs like some years ago. 

I am glad to hear Mary is looking well and is well. My love to her and George who are the happiest couple I know now. Please write me soon and remember my visit is yet to come. Charlie joins me in much love.

Sincerely, 

Sister Madge

 

Harry Benshoff Printing - Unknown Year

 

Pvt. Anthony Stupsky - Twin Rocks

 

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

 

May 1869 - Odds & Ends

Child Desertion - Conemaugh Borough

Frank Hay & Napoleon Haynes

Johnstown Opera House

John M. Reese, boy named Watkins, 102 year old named Shehan

 

The Crusher Times - October 1954

 

Trolley Time - Corner of Washington & Franklin

 

Pvt. Chester E. Fuller - Nanty Glo

 

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