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

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254 T^'^- •'^/'-'A'l' OF JOJ/XSTOirX.
cation \\\l\\ Jolinstown propiT 1)\' a pniccss almost as dizz\ as tho ^[oslein
inprc-ss to Allah's domain.
a committee looking after their disposal.
0\cr tliis rickety structuic- the -oods werti carried,
Sunda\- was one- of the ure.ilcst davs in Altoona's history. .\ construction
train from Soiuli Fork had on board several passengers from
Johnstown.
Fi\-c thousand excited people were at the depot, frantic li.n authentic news.
Six hundred of them ^vere belated passentrers, who could £,'0 no further and
were quartered at the principal hotels. The local tlailies had issued Sunday
editions, containing' wiiat reports could be gleaned in the absence of direct
telegraphic connection. These details only increased the desire for fuller information.
Such eagerness to learn the exact facts \
fairly tumbled
over each other m their eflorts to hear what any of the tra\elers from
the wasted region could -ay. Public meetinus were called for the afternoon
and the enthusiasm grew apace. Pastors and their flocks \ied in earnest
work. Casli and contributions poured in. The firemen sent out a huge
wagon which returned in thirt\- minutes piled six feet abcne the l)OX with supplies.
AL;ain and again it went out. to come back speedily with a great cargo.
^^on^en stood in their doors waiting to hand out garments, bedding and food
when a wagon should come their way. The spectacle was inspiring, ennobling,
glorious !
fellows solunteered to go to Johnstown and help for
three, six, ten da\-s. free of charge. Cars were loaded and started to Ebensburg,
where teams were engaged to repeat the trip of the' pre\ious niglit.
Altoona has many things to be proud of. but the grand response to tlie cr\- of
stricken ]ohnstown is the liri^htest page in her annals.
As soon as the water began to subside on Friday evening, about tv.-entyfive
men from Brownstown repaireii to the stone bridge to assist in rescuing
people. For da\s 1.300 people were entertained by Brownstown's fifty-three
families, in houses, stables, school houses and other shelters.
Ebensburg. usually quiet and ,-edate as a mumm'.', caught the generous infection
and forwarded loads of suj)plies on Saturday night and Sunda}'.
Farmers came with their horses and wagons to haul the offerings so cheerfully
given. Gallitzin and Loretto did not sulk in their tents, but raised a handsome
consignment of clothing and edibles. P^very hamlet and cross-road
witlun reach of Johnstown war, he.ird from t^y Sunday e\-ening. This commendable
promptness averted a famine, showed the good will of tlieir neighbors
toward the sufferers and was a forecast of ',\hat might be expected when
the great world beyond stretched forth its helping luind. The tir>t droppings
gave promise of a plenteous sho\\"er, which slioiild refresh alike tho-e wlaj bestowed
and thoae v.ho received :t.
Un^clfisli acts .111.1
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PrLMiipt t'J rtllwYi; tlic paucnt >un ret s iiceil'i.
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