Vintage Johnstown

Thursday, August 20, 2026

April 21, 1957 - MANY AT FIRST SERVICES IN TENT - St. Andrew's in Benscreek

Pfc. Anthony Strapple - Nanty Glo

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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

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.