The Johnstown Flood

[PennState1985]

In the weather thread I mentioned the Johnstown flood, but I'm curious how many here has heard of this disaster that's happened three times? It happened in 1889, 1936, and 1977. The 1889 was the deadliest for the simple reason that people didn't know just how deadly the flood could be, the death toll was around 2300. In 1936, people had learned from their mistakes, and the death toll dropped to around two dozen. The 1977 flood was the last of the three, and if it weren't for the technological advancements, it could have been the worst.

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDwmZu88hJU"]YouTube - Terrific Floods Sweep Cities In Western PA 1936/03/18 (1936)[/ame]

Here's an old newsreel of the 1936 flood with live footage of Johnstown and Pittsburgh. The first two minutes show what happened in Pittsburgh, while the rest focuses on Johnstown.

 

[NJ-Buckeye]

I'm somewhat knowledgeable since my parents came from Johnstown...
first generation Italians... most likely left around 1930 or thereabouts...



Not sure how much technological advances there were as much as
not re-building shacks where the water floods...

 

[tibor75]

the worst tragedy from this is that PA still places an 18% Johnstown emergency tax on all alcohol sales. At least I've found some wine stores willing to break the law and sell directly to me over the internet...

 

[JCOSU86]

the worst tragedy from this is that PA still places an 18% Johnstown emergency tax on all alcohol sales. At least I've found some wine stores willing to break the law and sell directly to me over the internet...

Surprisingly much nicer than I thought you'd be.

 

[Deety]

I've been up the incline looking out over the valley... seeing the area affected from that vantage point is pretty amazing.

 

[DaytonBuck]

the worst tragedy from this is that PA still places an 18% Johnstown emergency tax on all alcohol sales. At least I've found some wine stores willing to break the law and sell directly to me over the internet...

@ Kitna

Don't you load up when you're in Ohio?

 

[tibor75]

@ Kitna

Don't you load up when you're in Ohio?

I did when in town for the Illinois game, but I am not in Ohio that often. There's a wine store in Weirton, but I haven't been there yet and I don't know how good it is.

 

[Fungo Squiggly]

I did when in town for the Illinois game, but I am not in Ohio that often. There's a wine store in Weirton, but I haven't been there yet and I don't know how good it is.

It's Weirton, home of Weir High. Can't be that good.