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Pittsburgh Dispatch in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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This newspaper page contains 28 articles. Subscribers can read the full text of each article.

Newspaper

Pittsburgh Dispatch

Location

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America

Date

Jun 01, 1889

Page

1

Johnstown and Cambria Mills Rise Amid River Flood Turmoil

The article describes Johnstown and nearby Cambria mills facing extensive damage as the river rises rapidly. It notes the vast Johnstown works covering over 60 acres with a 40 mile rail network and major local industries, while reporting disrupted communications and isolation of the town due to ruined roads and a threatened Everett bridge. Local officials and businessmen anticipate several days of being cut off.

Johns Own Ted Cambria I Johnstown Gautier Steel Works Cambria Company Johnson Street Railway

Johnstown Flood Tops Western Pennsylvania Disaster

Reports describe a massive flood along the Conemaugh after the Bolivar dam failed. Rescue workers race to save victims as waters sweep Bolivar, Lockport, and Johnstown, with hundreds feared dead and survivors recounting the chaotic scene.

River Rescue Sparks Conemaugh Flood Death Toll Fear

Bourvak Pa May 31 a man rescued from a river says at least 1 500 lives are probably lost in the Conemaugh valley after the Johnstown flood. He was swept away during the disaster and is certain of the widespread fatalities.

Disrarer Somerset Scarriage Bolivar Conemaugh Johnstown Aee Dan Bourvak

Scenes of Horror In Bourvar Floods Sweep Heights

A staff correspondent reports Bourvar Pennsylvania May 31 as floodwaters rise higher than ever. Two story houses barns stables forests of trees outhouses smokehouses and bridges float past with boats and driftwood. Rescue attempts on the banks are futile and tracks east of Bourvar are unstable.

Bourvar

Johnstown Flood Scene in a Prosperous Manufacturing Town

Description of Johnstown before the disaster portraits it as a thriving manufacturing hub with a population around 35,000 when including suburbs. The town is governed by a borough charter and lies in a picturesque mountainous county valley, with the Grimnagh Valley noted for its scenic setting.

Johnstown Grnemangh J Hastown

Devastating Flood at Johnstown Claims Thousands

Reports from the Pennsylvania Railroad say the Johnstown flood may claim thousands of lives, with entire districts swept away and debris damming the river. Officials warn no trains or mail can pass for days as rescues struggle to assess the catastrophe.

Bedford County Flood Forces Mass Evacuations and Losses

In Bedford County the worst flood since 1847 drenched the area after 24 hours of continuous rain. Western Bedford residents fled Texan area homes, while livestock perished and bridges were washed away. Cessna station reported 200 sheep lost. Everest traffic relied on flats as floods halted mail and travel. Ex-Sheriff Lashley reportedly closed his hotel due to rising waters.

Y Repforp Bedford Cessna Everest Lashley Ls Place

Railroads Hit By Destructive Water Runoff West of Altoona

May 31 report from Philadelphia says wires down and water rushes have halted westbound Pennsylvania Railroad traffic. Damaged bridges near South Fork and Johnstown, South Fork dam breach reportedly carried away coal tipple and telegraph tower. Train crews report drownings of several men and bodies seen downstream.

Philadelphia Pennsylvania Railromd Wilmore de Pittsburg Rybon Altoons Broad Street Uoent New York and Limited Pittsburg St Pugh Limited South Fork Johnstown Chtogen New York Cresgen Aes OS Ttsylvania Railroad South Park Station New York Limited Express Lille “Buch Lilleys Long Hollow

Flood Strikes Blairsville Pa as Bridges Go Down

May 31 Blairsville Pa reports the Conemaugh River flood as the heaviest here. The railroad bridge to Blaise ville is swept away along with the iron Coketon bridge. lower end of town faces collapse. A living woman and a dead man briefly surfaced under the railroad bridge before vanishing. Houses, goods, and coal cars swept downstream. water rises and cries echo as residents seek escape from flooded second stories. The West Penn Railroad fears loss of all bridges by morning.

Cnte Huntingdon Eiverett J. Doty Springs Hotel Pedford Blaieville Blairsville Conemaugh Blaiseville Coketon West Penn Railroad West Penn Bolivar Bridge du Bois James Steen Union Chestnut Streets Pennsylvania Stevens Johnstown Gibraltar Pennsylvania Railroad Gauder Cambria Iron Works New Hib Weswea McCousanheyn Tit Cavers Ughe

Kanawha Valley Flood Washes Lumber from Region

Heavy rain began at noon and continued into night creating a flood in the tributaries of the Kanawha river near Charleston West Virginia. The storm overwhelmed mills and left extensive water damage in the valley areas.

Charleston W. Va

Ohio floods carry away bridge and timber along rivers

A railroad bridge over Cabin creek was swept away with booms in Elk and Coal rivers, causing millions in timber, lumber, and railroad ties to be lost. Authorities fear part of the city may submerge as rivers rise further. The temperature reading ends abruptly.

Ohio Cabin Creek

Destructive Potomac Flood Rears West Virginia Losses

PrepMont West Virginia May 31 The Potomac flood causes widespread ruin with losses near 250 000 and possibly higher The north bank stands higher than in 27 years rail lines on the Baltimore and Ohio and West Virginia Central are flooded bridges and trestles are wrecked Crops sod houses barns and lumber swept away One child reported dead with rumors of more casualties and many narrow escapes

PrepMont W. Va Potomac Baltimore and Ohio West Virginia Central

Dam fears and the South Fork Fishing Club story

The article recalls the Johnstown flood scare and the South Fork Fishing Club origins. It notes long feared dam danger, club members and officers led by Colonel Ruf and John A. Harper, the lake’s 214 mile water body, the 75 foot high dam, and a 600 to 700 acre property nine miles above Johnstown.

Johnstown Pennsylvania Railroad Company Pennsylvanian Railroad Company Mr. Reilly Altorna Reilly Ruf South Fork Fishing Club

Last Train LN from the East Arrives After Five Hours

Passengers on the Pacific express were transferred at Sheridan after the eastbound train was abandoned there. They reboarded at Johnstown and continued to their city, with several eastbound travelers among the passengers.

Pacific Express Sheridan Johnstown An Ieee Wellailinen Belinea

Unclear Transit Plan Notes Limited Service to Point

Fragment outlines a plan to limit local train service to a certain point. It mentions a superintendent and a named official, with trains to be run only to the specified location and not beyond.

Fearful Dam Disaster Foretold Yet Ignored

A long reminiscence recalls earlier warnings about the Johnstown dam and lake formed behind a 125 foot high barrier. Residents feared a collapse would unleash a 40 foot high flood across the Conemaugh valley, devastating a city of 40 000 and claiming many lives.

Jo i Johnstown Gautier Prett Pacer Conemaugh

Baltimore and Ohio line hit by washout and landslides

Brief reports say washouts and multiple landslides crippled the Baltimore and Ohio between Connellsville and Cumberland with westbound trains halted while mail is rerouted via Wheeling. Officials expect quick repairs though branches and bridges along the route face damage and replacement.

Day Somerset and Cambria Baltimore and Ohio

Disaster fear grips Pittsburg as rumors spread

Townwide anxiety rises after reports of a flood from Conemaugh Lake spreading toward Johnstown. Pittsburg Club members discuss potential devastation and the vast South Fork region’s exposure.

Local Club Meeting Hailed For Unbounded Spirit

A brief notice notes a local club meeting celebrating unbounded spirit and enthusiasm. Members welcome neighbors to join, with gathering details to be announced.

The Torrents Course After Dam Break

A special telegram describes the flood path from a broken dam at the lake foot to Johnstown about 18 miles away. Towns along the Conemaugh river such as South Fork Mineral Point Conemaugh Woodvale Johnstown and Cambria City face near total devastation with hundreds or thousands feared dead.

Johnstown South Fork Conemaugh River Conemaugh Pennsylvania Railroad Mineral Point Woodvale Cambria City Conemaugh Borough Prospect Cambria Iron and Steel Company

Colonel Unger Safe Amid East End Stay Amid Flood News

Mrs. Unger, wife of Colonel E. C. Unger, is with G. O. Wilson on Rebecca Street East End. A Dispatch reporter found no word from South Fork and Tony Keating said Unger visited friends in Harriamu last week and aims to visit his farm near South Fork. Unger owns about 200 acres with lake improvements and gave five acres to the South Fork Club. The flood threat could cut telegraph and rail lines isolating his farm, delaying any message until tomorrow.

James V. Long Dispatch South Fork Damocles Johnstown Long Western Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Association South Fork Fishing Club Fishing Club Sportsmen’s Association South Fork Club Buff Unger E. C. Unger G. O. Wilson Rebecca Street East End Tony Keating Wilsons Harriabu Colonel Unger Trients Lske Cumbria Iron Company Pennsylvania Railroad Philadelphia Pittsburg

Flood Sidelined Distress as West Penn Reports Surge

Reporter crowds fill the Blairsville dispatcher's office seeking flood news amid widespread devastation. Bridges on the West Penn and county lines fell, boats and rafts carried people downstream, and rescue efforts mobilized from Blairsville shops as waters rose and spread.

Rivers Rise Flooding Towns Near Tyrone and Clearfield

The Juniata River floods Tyrone causing widespread property damage and evacuation by wagon. Curwensville reports drownings as residents flee rising waters. The Susquehanna overflows at Clearfield with the town under water and escape routes cut off. People take shelter in the Court House and Opera House as rain continues.

Tyrone Juniata Curwensville Clearfield Court House Opera House

RAILROADS WASHED OUT IN USIINGDON AREA

Heavy rains flood streams causing record overflow in the Usiningdon region. Rail lines and surrounding property suffer extensive damage as the downpour continues through the holiday period. Local authorities assess transportation disruption and property losses amid continuing rainfall.

Usiingdon DigPaTon

Tremendous Flood Crisis Reaches Johnstown Area

A telegraph from Superintendent Pitcairn reports Johnstown wiped out and tracks blocked by debris and 40 foot drift. He warns of terrible suffering among survivors and urges a public meeting to organize relief of food and clothing for Johnstown and surrounding communities.

Robert Pitestrn Pennsylvania Railroad Pittsburg Colonel Unger South Fork Johnstown Conemaugh Lang Hollow

Johnstown Flood Reflections On Dam Break And Bridge Collapse

Eyewitness accounts describe a frightened resident fearing the new dam and a Pennsylvania bridge gave way. He mentions families lost and the flood’s reach through Union and Chestnut streets, tracing how river narrowing and railroad works worsened the disaster and hinting at broader community suffering.

The Last Words of a Johnstown Operator

A Johnstown girl operator speaks as flood waters rise three feet inside the first floor of the Western Union office and alarms flood around, then silence as dam failure follows and connections break. Electrician Bender notes her calm voice amid mounting danger and rising water.

Johnstown Bender Western Union

Anxious Towns Await Flood News From Representatives

Along the Pennsylvania Railroad towns were on edge as sparse flood reports arrived. In Wilkesbarre a young man rushed to the telegraph office crying for his parents in Johnstown and began to calculate the situation.

Pennsylvania Railroad Wilkiesburg Johnstown

Also Mentioned on This Page

Ing Saaee Portage Allegheny Mountains County of Cambria Gallitzin Westmoreland Indiana Rockwood Cumberland City of Pennsylvana Lockport Bolivar Junction James Curry Edward Harsten Cambris City Conemaugh Valley Culp Canal Iits Reese Ena Trump Ena Trump, of the Poceupreaiety Bedford County Legram de Millen Altoona Kanaywha Valley The West Virginia Club Cloude Ful Dam W. C. Biddle J. J. Lawrence M. KX. Moorhead Ee Lull Calvin Wcott Mgoe Lous Irwin William Mullins Charles J. Clarke C. B. Shea MB. Suydam Ib Joseph Horne Walter McClinton Comeny J Teer Ia Jim Blaine G. W Connellsville Wheeling Baltimore Piedmont Cumberland and Pennsylvania Coal Road Lowaconing Jim” Blaine James West Vi Central Jimmy J. Patton Conemaugh Lake South Park Doren Hyndman Bedeford Mount Dallas Raystown Everett Porte Town Destro MR. Pitcairn FP. ER. BR Prightfal Hle Pittssburg Laecal Qui
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