1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Anna Bridges

Mrs. Anna Bridges
307 Mercury Ave.
Phone 539-2035

At the time of the Flood she lived on "Old McConaughey St. (R.R. St.)
(Cambria City Redevelopment Area)

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Anna Swank

Anna Swank, age 79
227 Locust St.

At time of the Flood - - lived below Prospect - - then known as "The Lock." An area known as that during the canal era.

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - J.W. Hutzel

J.W. Hutzel, age 75
RD1 South Fork, Pa.
Phone 495-8153

Living at the time of the Flood in South Fork in a place now called Swampy Doodle.

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mabel Kennedy Wright

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Mabel Kennedy Wright, age 87
8 Sunset Drive
Fairmont, W. Va.
Phone 366-2498

(At the time of the Flood) My home was on present site of electric co. building, Vine St.

201 S. 20th St.
Richmond, Indiana

Jan. 25 - 64

Jaycees, - Committee, - Survivors,

I have just received the enclosed coupon, am returning it with additional information, which I hope will not be confusing.

I was Mabel Kennedy, my father Henry D., was drowned in the Flood of 1889, my mother and five children survived, I am the only one now living.

I was married to Edwin (?) S. Wright, Bethlehem Steel Co. - - he died in 1931, at our home 236 Fayette St. Westmont.

I left Johnstown, as a resident, in 1945, residing since with my daughter, Helen Wright Schmidt, 8 Sunset Drive, Fairmont, W. Va. I am now with our other daughter, Mary Wright Tarr, and will be in Richmond until Feb. 15th.

I am most interested in the coming celebration, and will be pleased to receive any information about it.

Incidentally, the enclosed picture I clipped from local paper, it may be of interest to you.

Wishing you success.

Sincerely,
Mabel K. Wright

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Unsigned

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The letter is not signed.

May 1 - - 64

Mr. Snyder--

Hearing that some time ago you put in an appeal for relics that were in the Johnstown Flood of 1889 - - I have two relics I could loan you or maby (sic) let you have for keeps. Now that I am getting old and none of my family will bother about them when I am gone.

I have a small piece of tile 3 inches square. On the back of it there are AET CO LIMITED NO. 4-18 that I think I would like to only loan. My dad gave it to me to play with when I was a baby. And the other relic is a small cubbard 36x26x10 inches. Looks like it had been a little home built cubbard nailed together with square nails.

Only one drawback now maby (sic) you wouldn't want it now after all these years. It was a dark brown looking thing and a lot of wear and rubs. Looked awffel (sic) l so I painted it white and am still using it in my kitchen as a little soap cubbard, I call it.

At time of the Flood my father was a young man of 18 years old. Not married yet and lived up in the mountains. He helped to red up the Johnstown Flood such as pulling dead bodies out of the mud and everything they would see they would pull it out.

He use (sic) to tell us kids a lot of what he saw and helped with. Told of how they would see a hand or a foot or arm or leg sticking out of mud or other piled up things and give them a pull, as he expressed it, and out would come a man or woman or a baby or boy or girl. Sure must have been awffel (sic).

So he pulled out this little cabinet and took it home with the tile also for a keepsake. Then he and my mother meet and married and used it in the home ever since.

If you would happen to want it, someone will have to come and get it. I have no way to get a thing that big to them. I have no way or no one that would take that much interest in it. They think it's a silly idea of me. I have a phone no. - - 736-9173. My address is 812 Vine St. Portage, PA. 

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Augusta Knorr

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Mrs. Augusta Knorr, age 79
220 Durrance St
Punta Gorda, Fla.
Phone--??9-1903

"Punta Gorda, Fla.
Feb. 17, 1964

Dear Sir

My son Karl Jessel sent me a form to fill out.

I am a survivor of the Johnstown Flood. I am a daughter of Jacob Knorr and Mary Bosart Knorr.

We lived on Jackson St. back of the Turner Hall. At the time of the Flood it was the Viering Furniture store.

My mother and two sisters were drowned, Bertha and Emma Knorr.

If my health permits I expect to fly up. I will be eighty years on 7th April. That makes me five years old at the time of the Flood.

Yours truly,
Augusta Jessel
220 Durrance St
Johnstown, Pa. 333 950

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors.

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mary E. McCloskey

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Mary E. McCloskey, age 86, of 2767 Bedford St, Phone 266-3888, who lived across the street from the P. R. R. Station at the time of the Flood.

On the attached note she lists one brother: Owen McCauley, age 78, of 15160 Warwick, Detroit 23 Michigan.

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors.

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Nellie C. Jones

Mrs. Nellie C. Jones, age 81, of 530 Franklin St., Phone 536-7688, who lived below the breast of the dam at South Fork at the time of the Flood.

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Matilda Eckel

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Mrs. Matilda Eckel, age 88, born April 24, 1875, of 615 Pine St., Johnstown, Penna, Phone 536-3163.

"I lived on Portage St. - - where the Gautier Works are.

Telephone - - 535-3616

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Sylvanus Custer

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A Stone Bridge survivor. ❤️

Johnstown Pa
Feb 13, 1964

The Jaycees
219 Franklin Street
Johnstown, Pa.

Dear Sirs:

I am sending this information for my mother, Mrs. Sylvanus Custer. Her present address is. 802 Palm St, Lantana. Fla. She is survivor of the 1889 Flood. She was living in the Rr of what is now Joseph Johns High School. She is 89 years of age, and in good health. She spent the night on the roof of her home, along with her family, before the house moved off the foundation into the mass at the stone bridge.

I am leaving for Florida in a week or so, and expect to bring her back North, about the last of April. If her health is good I know she will want to be included in the celebration of the 75th Anniversary.

I will call, when we return. I am entering her name in the 1889 Flood Survivors. My name is Mrs. William G. Horn, 1108 McKinley Ave., Johnstown, Pa. Phone 536-2155.

Yours for a successful celebration.

Mrs. William G. Horn

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Louis Moses

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project

The letter is not signed and she doesn't give her name, only her sister's, but I love how she gives her address - - third house from the Post Office.

Sidman, Pa. Nov. 15, 1963

Dear Sir,

I read the write up in the paper, and want to say I am a survivor of the Johnstown flood of 1889. I was born in Johnstown July 8, 1879.

We was living on Beach Street in Woodvale the time of the flood. Father, Mother and us four girls of which I and a sister Mrs. Martha Weil are the only two living. My address is Sidman Pa Box 32 third house from Post Office. My sister's address is

Mrs. Martha Weil
2820 2nd St. N.W.
Canton 8 Ohio

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Eunice (?) Dunmyer

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Feb. 10 - 64

Jaycees

Dear Sir,

My oldest sister, Mrs. Eunice (?) Dunmyer who is 86 years old at present is visiting her daughter in Miami. Was a child in the path of the 1889 Flood. Her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Wolfe lived at 617 Maple Ave. & lost everything, home & all. They rushed to the hills.

She has a very keen mind. I don't know if you could entice her to fly here or not for the Flood celebration. She has not been here since about 1928 or 29. I am sending her the Jaycee blank from the Tribune. She lives in Birmingham, Ala but is with her youngest daughter now.

Mrs. B. La Pointe
5850 S. W. 84th St.
Miami., Fla. 33143

But not knowing if this information interests you or not, you can call me on phone 535-5283

Sincerely,
Mrs. Aldaretta Rorabaugh
344 Marie St.
City

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivers

1889 Flood Survivors Project

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Rhoda Hummel

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Mrs. Rhoda Hummel, age 81, 698 Messenger St., phone number 535-2086, who lived on Adams Street between Main and Locust at the time of the Flood

The form indicates that she is a shut in, and the accompanying note says, "If you want to get in touch with this woman - - send a post card. She is deaf and cannot hear over the phone."

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodproject

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Ida Graham

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Seanor, Pa
Jan. 24, 1964

Survivors Committee
Johnstown, Pa.

Seeing this information coupon in the Johnstown Tribune, I am filling it out for my mother, Mrs. Ida Graham, who is making her home with me, and has for the last 8 years. Up until then she had been a lifelong resident of Coopersdale in the West End of the city.

It was here at the age of 8 years that she experienced the 1889 Johnstown Flood. She and those of her family at that time took refuge in the old school building known as the Academy, which still stands on Academy Street in Coopersdale. In 1936 she traveled practically the same route when we were flooded out then.

I hope you have a very successful celebration for the anniversary of the 1889 Flood.

Thank you,
Mrs. Paul Wiand

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors
Box 306, Seanor, PA.

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Mabel C. Rudge

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Jaycees
c/o Survivors Committee

Dear Sir :

I am one of the Survivors out of a family of eight children and parents.

Captain H.J. Hite and Mary J. Litz Hite
61 Dibert Street

My eldest sister, Nancy E. Hite Horner, deceased
Sarah A. Hite Himes, 900 1/2 Lemon St. Dale, 89 years
Mary E. Hite Gramling, 330 Arthur St. Dale, 87
Florence J. Hite Smith, Los Angeles, Cal., 85
Mabel C. Hite Rudge, 923 Lemon St. Dale, 83
Olive S. Hite Kurtz, Los Angeles Cal., deceased
Caroline L. Hite Rigby, R. 920 Vickroy Ave., 79
Henry J. Hite, Akron, Ohio, 77

Sorry I'm late sending this in.

Respectfully,
Mrs. Mabel C. Rudge
923 Lemon St.
Johnstown, Pa. 15902

Courtesy of Debra Orner - Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Harry C. Allendorfer

Harry C. Allendorfer
80 Bucknell Avenue
Johnstown, Pa. 15905

Jaycees
Johnstown, Pa.

Re: Survivor's Committee
1889 Johnstown Flood

Gentlemen:

I was living at time of Johnstown 1889 Flood at 20 Potts Place, later named Lee Place, in a house owned by my father, John H. Allendorfer.

Family included my father mother, Mrs. Lynn Gobin (Lillie Allendorfer) sister and my sisters, Mrs. Lucy (Allendorfer, Wilson, now deceased, and Mrs. Rosa Born (Allendorfer, now residing in Sarasota, Florida. My sister, widow of Lynn Gobin, resides at 834 Edgehill Drive, Westmont.

All of the family were in the house at the time the dam burst, we did not escape. Our house floated down the Stonycreek River to the Stone Bridge, and by the arches being closed with the debris of floating homes, our house backed up and settled in the old Union graveyard on Carr Street, present location of War Memorial Building.

We were in the house until the next afternoon - - when the water receded we were able to get out of the house, and went to the Shaffer home in Frankstown. We resided there until my father rebuilt at the present location. The new house he built is still standing at the present location.

Mrs. William A. Grady (nee Annie Reese) 126 Venango Street, Westmont, is a survivor of the 1889 Johnstown Flood.

Wishing you success with your preparations for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the 1889 Flood.

Very truly yours,
Harry C. Allendorfer

HGA/ABA

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Edith (Owen) John

Mrs. Edith (Owen) John, age 75, of 107 Union Street, phone number 539-4848, who lived on Union Street at the time of the Flood and spent the night in the Union Street School.

She would have been just a baby.

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Catherine Molton (sp?)

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Catherine Molton (sp?), age 82 May 21, 1964.
55 Bertmin St., phone 266-2260, lived in Cambria City at the time of the Flood.

Jan. 4, 1964

Flood of 1889
I was born May 21, 1882
in Cambria City on Chestnut Street
Johnstown, Pa
Phone No. 266-2260

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Ada Dixon

Mrs. Ada Dixon of 541 Pine Street, age 85, who lived on Bedford Street near Vine Street at the time of the Flood.

Courtesy of Debra Orner - #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Lillie F. Leckey

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Mrs. Lillie F. Leckey of 222 Cooper Avenue, phone number 539-9236, who lived in Lower Yoder Township at the time of the Flood.

Courtesy of Debra Orner: #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Della (?) Gillman

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Mrs. Della (?) Gillman, age 76, born June 2, 1887. South Fork RD, Pa. Phone : 495-5119.
Living along railroad in South Fork at the time of the Flood.

"Mrs. Cora Burnheimer lived on a farm above Gramlingtown, Adams Township. They heard the dam burst. She is 82 or 83.

Courtesy of Debra Orner: #Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Elizabeth Harris

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Clipping: Mrs. Elizabeth Harris, age 77. I think she is saying she currently lives at 4183 W. 220 St., Cleveland, and New Florence at the time of the Flood. The phone number is 235-8301.

The letter reads:

New Florence, Pa
Feb. 3, 1964

Gentlemen:

I am Mrs. Harris' sister, Mrs. F. R. Clawson of New Florence, Pa.

My mother and two daughters were in downtown Johnstown visiting over Memorial Day in 1889.

A baby was born the night of the flood in the same house. I understand he lives in town now. He is Moses Flood Williams.

My sister knows of a man who lost his entire family. He lives in Cleveland, O. I have asked her to send me his name.

Yours truly,
Mrs. F. R. Clawson

Courtesy of Debra Orner - Jayceesfloodsurvivors

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. L.E. Storck

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Feb - 4 - 64

Sirs

Our home was never replaced. It was on the corner of Haynes and Somerset, across from Pickings lot. I was 14 years old at the time. I carried my step sister, who was a baby at the time to higher grounds. She was ill at the time.

I remember quite a lot.

Mrs. L. E. Storck
RD#2 Box 422
Johnstown Pa

PS--I lived in this area since the Flood.

#Jayceesfloodsurvivors

Courtesy of Debra Orner.

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Miss Linnie Smith

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November 17 -- 1963

Dear Sirs--

My brother and I are survivors of the 1889 flood. We were at our grandmother's, Mrs. Malinda Smith, home 410 Vine Street the day of the flood. A freight car struck her house. My father, George W. Smith, knocked a window out and we went across the debris to the Dr. Swan's residence, where we spent the night. I have a few things that was in the flood. Among them is a receipt for leather that my grandfather bought in 1871. It is stained with flood mud. My brother Elmer Smith is 76 years old. I am 86 years old. (over)

Miss Linnie Smith
2214 Franklin St.
2nd floor
Johnstown Pa.

#Johnstownfloodsurvivors

Courtesy of Debra Orner.

Cochran Band

Cochran Junior High School Band - 1920's

St. Francis

St. Francis in Morrellville - built on the site of the old Morrell School.

Trolley Time

Franklin Street

1889 Flood Survivors Project - Mrs. Daisy Boyer Harshberger

Mrs. Daisy Boyer Harshberger, who lived at the Club House at the South Fork Dam at the time of the Flood.

#Jayceesfloodsurvivors

Courtesy of Debra Orner.

1889 Flood Survivors - Mrs. Robert Bridges

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Mrs. Robert E. Bridges Age 83
1603 S Jamestown
Tulsa Okla
74112

JAYCEES

I lived on Front St. Cambria City between McConaughy St. and Broad St.

My wife lived on Market St. between Washington St. and Locust St. Her maiden name was Margaret J. Stinger.

Robert E. Bridges
1603 S Jamestown
Tulsa Okla
74112

PS - - I went down several miles below the city before I got out on the roof of the house.

‪
#Jayceesfloodsurvivor