The story of Johnstown : its early settlement, rise ... - JohnstownCafe

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a wecather-beaten house reinforct-s it. The car is lalicilcd "B. A: ().." which
settles its identit\', but none can recoLjnIze the tenement. Below Dibert's two
doors is the Savings Bank, not criiipled, but very moist. The cashier of tlie
First National Bank— Moward J. Roberts—has paid his lasttlrnft, which a man
of his sterling worth could do without protest.
This is Alma Hall, four stories in height, a store and a gas-iiftice below,
law oftices and lodge rooms higher up. The flood washed swarms of people
toward the hall, where they were rescued. Three hundred found refuge witliin
it all night, some coming over mountains (if obstructions at the peril of lite
and limb. What an an.xious time the\- had !
assemblage divided iiito
three parties, one each on the second, third and fourth tloors. in charge of the
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Rev. Dr. Beale. 'Squire A. M. Hart and Dr. Matthews. Ligius nere not allowed
and specific rules were formalh' adopted. The sick, the injured, the
weaker women and the children had the best accommodations that could be
obtained. Sobs and moans, tears and supplications, vows and prayers were
heard continually and no person slept. Two women gave birth to infants, and
two more had broken limbs. Dr. Matthews had thre-e cracker! ribs, yet forgot
his own pains and brui=;es in inini^tering to those who so grt.'ath' required li'.s