The Daily News from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania • Page 6

PAGI SIX THI DAILY N5WS, HUNTINGDON, SATURDAY, MARCH 22, 1947. Historical Sketch And Pictures Of '89 Flood RECOLLECTIONS OF THE 1889 FLOOD By Albert M. Rung Kid NORTH 18TH STREET, HARK IS BURG, PA. The devastating March flood of 1936 is fresh in our memory, while that of June, 1889, is recalled by our older citizens. There has been considerable debate as to which occasion- led the most damage, as well las the highest water; some lo- Icalities have claimed the '89 Iflood far exceeded the 1936 fin destruction, as well as in 'height of its crest.

Other frommunities will dispute this ind produce records to prove he later disaster was the greater. We can all agree that both MR. RUNG "were calamities and sincerely hope their like will never visit us again. Unfortunately, floods will continue as a constant menace, and records of years long past will show how fortunate we have been in the past 75 years with the few which have swept through the Juniata Valley. Again we are indebted to the memory of J.

Simpson Africa, who has given us a more thorough knowledge of events in days gone by than any other individual in this valley. Mr. Africa kept a book recording various transactions and events from January 1, 1851, to February 27, 1855. In this the size of an ordinary written local happenings, which now possess unusual interest, all appearing in neat penmanship for which the old historian was noted. In 1851 he has described the rapid rise of the Juniata and the ensuing damage, and recalls it as the third flood in his time; he was then only nineteen years old.

Here is Mr. Africa's record: 1851 July 14th Monday, 15th Tuesday, rained at night it rained very water fell in perfect torrents, accompanied with very frequent flashes of vivid lightning and deafening thunder. 16th Wednesday morning I arose at about and to my great astonishment, the Juniata river which, 12 hours before, was in a very low stage, had swollen to an unusual height and extended from the edoe of our town to the base of Piney Ridge It has ceased raining The people in the upper and extreme lower end of Allerigheny Street, and in the neighboring hamlets of Portstown and Smithfield were compelled in the night to leave their habitations and fly to higher ground. Those that were at the river during the night, state that quite early in the morning the surface of the water was completely covered with grain and hay boxes, boards and and S. Stone Creek were very latter entirely covered the meadow from the River to the 'bottom' almost to the farmers along the large stream lost their entire crop of wheat estimate can be formed of the amount of damage done property destroyed etc.

This is in my recollection three large floods which have destroyed this one has done far greater damage and injury than any previous we hope it may be many years before we are again visited with such a destructive more minute account may be found in the newspapers." With the passing of the flood in 1936, and general estimate of damage having been obtained, curiosity was aroused as to its comparison with the flood of 1889. The late D. M. Stewart was a spectator of both calamities and wrote an account of the damage done in Huntingdon and vicinity, which was given in The Daily News on April 1, 1936. We will therefore give some hig'hlights from Mr.

Stewart's well-written contribution of the earlier flood: Rain began falling about two o'clock on the afternoon of May 30 and continued for two days; "had never seen it rain so hard," the unaminous opinion expressed. Reports soon came thick and fast: "Water all over Smithfield and the old fair "Portstown in "old toll bridge to Smithfield, as well as the Broad Top bridge, are "water nearing the bottom of the Fourth Street bridge." It was not believed the latter bridge could withstand the tremen- dous force of the rushing wateY, and yet it proved to be the only bridge left standing across the Juniata between Huntingdon and the Susquehanna river. The pressure from Raystown branch as it met the Frarikstown, at Ardenheim, turned tracks of the Pennsylvania Railroad on edge until they resembled a picket fence. Just west of Mapleton had stood' the Robley home, but afterwards, its site could not be located, nor could the old well on the property be seen. Below Mapleton the railroad tracks at Jackstown were gone, as well as the old canal aqueduct at the sama location.

Back in Huntingdon, Muddy Run was an open stream, flowing far beyond its bounds to the consternation of all, who had previously given it little thought. At Seventh and Penn streets, up to the present site of the culvert, waters of Muddy Run, as well as the mill-race, had backed up to an alarming extent. The millrace was used to operate the Fisher and Miller flour mills, which then stood on the site now occupied by the freight station. Unable to find sufficient outlet, the swirling waters were forced to run down Allegheny Street. This area gave an appearance of a a veritable lake, with the old mill standing in its midst as an island.

the river, on what is known as the McMurtrie farm, lived the family of Joseph Logan, and it was here that one well-remembered tragedy occurred when Mrs. Logan lost her life in the swollen waters. Many acts of heroism have been recorded when flood waters swept through the Conemaugh Valley, one of America's greatest calamities, in 1889. On the eastern slope of the- Alleghenies, and down through the Juniata Valley, other deeds of heroism had also taken place which were lost to the outside world by the far-greater catastrophe in the former area. Some time last Summer, several clipp ngs were left at The Daily News office by Mr.

Isaac Hawn, which were in reference to the late Stewart Lindsay, who had died as a result of being struck by an automobile; believed to have happened in 1931. The clippings tell of the unfortunate Logan family, and the heroism of Lindsay and Thomas Long, as will be noted by the following from Mr. Lindsay's obituary: "He will be remembered for his heroic work performed at the time of the June flood in 1 889. Many will recall how he, together with Thomas Long, risked their lives in saving several persons who were in the midst of the flood. Lindsay and Long, in a flat-bottomed boat, with fence- palings as oars, rowed from the vicinity of the Stone Creek bridge across the deep, swift waters to what was then known as the Joseph Logan farm." The pair first rescued Mr.

Logan from the rising waters after he had mounted a horst in an attempt to escape. Mrs. Logan, also attempted to escape in the same manner as her husband, but the horse she had mounted unfortunately was carried into a swifter moving current. In making valiant efforts to control the animal, she was thrown into the raging torrent when her dress became fastened in a barb-wire fence with resultant loss of her life. Three of the Logan children had taken refuga in their barn, and this was swept from its foundation and was being carried down the river.

Again rhe daring rescuers went into action, and the closing paragraph of the obituary tells the result: "After the rescue of Joseph Logan, the two men again set out to overtake the barn in its down-stream course. At what is now known as Snyder's arch they took from the barn the three children and car- ried tRem safely to a farm house up Henderson's hollow. Again they braved the swift waters and went to the Womelsdorf farm, also surrounded by water. From this farm they removed Mr. Womelsdorf and his son, Harry, and took them to Henderson's hollow.

Both men were highly praised by the citizenry for their bravery." Only those who have seen the Juniata in time of flood can fully realize the hazardous undertaking of the rescuers. Mr. Logan and his three children would have perished in the swollen wafers and the Womelsdorfs would undoubtedly have met a like fate. To accomplish this mission in a flat-bottomed boat, with fence-palings used as oars, would seem to make the daring deed of this brave pair rate of monumental stature. The writer does not recall either Mr.

Lindsay or Mr. Long, nor being aware of their heroic action until reading the clipping. He does however, welcome the as it may recalling the brave deed to others; many of whom may likewise never have learned of the adventure. TYRONE VET DEAD, (Continued from First Page) numerous face and head injuries. Eugene Orwi-k also of Port Matilda, suffered a fractured shoulder blade of both arms head injuries.

His condition was listed as "not ao good." Treated but not admitted were Norman Harper, 22, of Port Matilda, and Robert Hospand 21. of Port Matilda. Investigating- officers reported that Zimmerman, who had just bought tile car from Harper two months ago, had been returning with Harper from Flat Rock where they had been to a dance. On their way home, they picked up the other three boya to take them home. Shortly after midnight, the coupe carrying the five boys, failed to make the curve near the Port M.itiMa foundry, Ad crushed Into three 7 said that the first tree, which measured about 12 inches through, was badly scraped the second tree was hit with such a force that it broke the top out and the third tree, about 6 inches thick, was bent completely over before the careening car came to a stop, upside down and completely demolished.

CONFIDENCE VOTE (Continued from First Page) nounced shortly before the balloting that Communist cabinet ministers would vote for Ramadier while the Communist rank and of assembly members would abstain. This face-saving device was designed to give Ramadier the formal support of all his cabinet ministers and still indicate Commu- niat opposition to his policy in Indo-China. voU of confidence wu on 34,000,, francs 283,4000,000) in. credits to carry on French military operations against the Viet Namese forces in Indo-China. IN MEMOKIAM In loving memory of our dearly beloved mother, Jessie S.

Oburri, who died March 23, 1943. This week sad memories, Or a loved one gone to rest- But those who think of her this week Are the ones who loved her best. She bade-no one a last farewell, She said goodbye to Her loving heart had ceased to beat And before we knew it she was grone. Some day to meet her, faome day, we know not when, To clasp her hand in the better Never to part again. Sadly missed by her husbind, OBURN and (Other 1 Pictures Of 1889 Flood On Page 7) Old Covered Bridge Had Narrow Escape racle emed t( save the Id Fourth Srteet covered bridge.

Here is shown the Hood ebris hitting the under-flooring of the old spsn. Henry Co. Mill In Portstown Thi, feed store. vievv of lhe hei ht of the watcr ySarS Sti11 haS tw stories sta din and houses the Lane Middle Span Of Broad Top Bridge Gone The Broad Top bridge is seen In the center of this 1889 flood view, showinr plainly the mlssine- middle span of the railroad bridges wept away by the high water. snowing piamiy tne missing Another View Of Portstown CONSPIRACY CASES (Continued from First Page) vitw of JPorUtowa high waUn trial reached seven the 17th day of the Charles J.

Margiotti, of Pittsburgh, former state attorney general representing- the Johnsons, twice called for "withdrawal of a juror and continuance of the case," and later seconded a similar request by Stanley Coar, of Scranton, Memolo's counsel. Coar, whose objection was supported also by Thomas D. Caldwell, Harrisburg counsel for Greenes contended Hammack emphasized to the jury the fact that defendants did not testify when -he said the defense had used the "ancient" you have no defense try the prosecution." Donald Johnson was the only codefendant called to the witness stand. Testimony of government witnesses, Hammack said, "establishes the absolute guilt of Judge Johnson that he was a member of this conspiracy and that he was the head of it that he was the very fountain-head of corruption in this district." Other co-defendants, the government prosecutor charged, "received enormous fees for one reason they controlled justice in this district." "Alt of this money, or part of it, was being funneled to Judge! Johnson," he said. "Money is the thing that has taken a beautiful thing like the! administration of justice and dis- torted it and corrupted it and they (the defendants) were right there to see that they got their price for doing it." The government produced evidence, Mammack told bhe jury, "showing a concert of action from Memolo to Greenes to Donald Johnson, testimony to bring the conspiracy right into the judge's chambers." Hammack said "conclusive proof" was- submitted "of the guilt of these defendants beginning with Greenes and ending up with Judge I Johnson himself." i THE DAILY NEWS Pounded Itt32 by Joseph F.

Bid HI. John H. Biildltf, Pres. and B. illair Shore, Managing Rrtltor Entered at the post office at Huntingdon, Per-gylvania, January 31, 1922, as second-class mall matter under Act of March 31, 1870.

Published Evfiry Day Except Sunday cansville Oct. 29, 1897, and he) was first employed by the railroad company on Nov. 20, 1916, as a laborer in the Altoona Machine Shops. John H. Weller, of James Creek, welder-repairman another shopman to retire this month.

Born at Marklesburg Aug. 13, 1894, he started as laborer in the Altoona Machine Shop Dec. 14, 1916. He was ra.t= ed as a welder-repairman April 16, 1931. Subscribe for The Daily News.

DON'T MISS our first article in a series about'Dry Cleaning, Rug Shampooing, Fur Storage. Turn to back page of today's paper. HENDERSON BROS. St. Phone 330 TWO COUNTIANS ON PRR RETIRED LIST George E.

Hamilton, of Entri- i ken, a welder-car repairman in the Altoona Car Shops, was one of thirty employees of the AI- i toona Works to retire from active service with the Pennsylvania Railroad during the first three weeks of March. Mr. Hamilton born in Dun- First Methodist Church Huntingdon, Penna. Ariel R. Turner, Pastor Sunday, March 23, 1947 Church School, 9:30 A.

M. Morning Service, 10:45 o'clock "The Church's Task" Youth Meeting at 6:30 P. M. Evening Service at 7:30 o'clock "God And Man" Fine Music Invitation To All TODAY'S RADIO PROGRAM -WNBC- -VYOR- -WJZ- -WCBS CiW 7:15 7:30 7:45 8:15 8:30 8:45 roo :30 10:00 10:15 10:30 10:45 11:00 11:15 11:30 News, K. DlDfhart.

Ballot Box: Ben Grantr; sUhjIon im tar Foreifi Policy: CnrtalallaacUrama, Harry Elders Ufe of Riley, comedy William Bendix. Trulk or Conse- Rij Refers Skew: Dale atLers Yon Jokes program Canon Show, totatty-aancml jrane! Ole Opry: Red Foley, olkeri Ben Grnner. Vews.W.W. Cnnpli'n la? Lomisrdo's Orchestra George C. Putnam' Gucil Home News- VauDeYenler Sports, Stan Lomax Gacn Wko? witfc Hippy FeltoD Ike Listener Reports tkc Answer TVentj Question: Guest Scrimbj-AmliT Miffcty Casey.

Hijk Adrentiru '64tk SL Safari'. Chicago Tkcatcr: 'Mssic in AiV Virginia Parker, Bruce News, VanDeventer (crild Tribuae newi Emil Coleman's Orchestra Nrwi; Jimmy Blair Cbittijon Sports, HarryWismei Ubor, U. S. Id Yom Bniinen Sottf Splancrl Tie Music Library: Betty R. Ftmoas Jnrj Trials dramatic sketch 1 Deal ia Crime, William Gengbusters, drama MurdertMr.Malone, dramatic Professor Quiz Dr.

Craig Earl. Haylofl Hoedown: Jack Steck, others News Gea Hicki Presents Carmen Orchestra. News, Harry Mar.J. One. Upon a 'NoMoreRaiaySaU' L.

Leinear, Bews. Palb CUyloB, Jrtr Saalvsi, Mngs. GoldeaGataQvartat Holly StarTiata Ckestcr Major of Ika Lionel Your Hit Paraaai Andy RaiieH, Mark Warsww Or. Hollace Saaw, Bill Perry, rtii HoUrwMdt Danny Talk. CM.

Bryan. Qniacy Howe; aewi Frea- Record Sunday, March 23 A.M. 9:15 9:30 9:45 10:00 10:15 10:30 4S 11:00 11:15 11:30 IMS WNBC 660k World Your City. Kurt Maier, piano. Male quartet; news Nal'I Radio Fnlpit: Dr.

R. W. Sockman Children's Hour: Variety show, Herlihy Ntwi, C. McCarthy Wardt WOR 710k Your Problems Sermon ei Week. Radio Chapel: Dr.

Ralph £. News, G. C. Putnam Frank Kinjdon. Time forRem'brance Stardust Time News, G.

C. Putnam Branch witK Dorothy Dick ml Sonda Ber Coast M'ssa Rabb Jouthi The Ed Hour A. Sondjj Men'j RovaAvp. Bert Backtrack It Power B.gf*. orfiiuit News, Harry Mar.f.

i Israel: Rabbi Binstock le Ed and Pegeen. Faith: Msfr. Sawkins. Chare, of lit Air: Rer. E.

A. Coaway Cbarch of thi Ain Dr. T. B. DoBglaii News; Wiap Orer Jordan Salt Lake City Taberaacla CkoW AFTERNOON PROGRAMS 3-23 Kooa 12:15 12:30 12:45 1:00 1:15 1:30 1:45 2:00 2:15 2:30 2:45 3:15 3:30 3:45 4:00 4:15 4:30 4:45 5:00 5:15 5:30 Jinx Falkenbnrf, McCrary 'Trad dick ol Nuernberg' News, Ed Frank Parker show 'Moscow Peace Conference Robert Merrill, Roy Shield Or James Melton, Frank BUck Orch.

Warden'sCriaeCases Official News, G. C. Putnam Word Stories Caraie CaTalla Orch.j C. Oat Man's Family, dramatic iketck. Qaiz Kids witk Jo.

B. C. Symphony, Artnro Toicanni, all-Italian concert Ika Shaw Shop: Waller Special Auijament. Ntwi, Melvin Elliott Canary Show Sijmimd Spaeth Jury, with Jack Barry. Quiz of Two Cities: N.

Y. and Chicago Crimes of Carelessness, Alan Baxter House of Mystery: Dramatization Amer.United: 'Good Deiectivt Mystenei Policy. F. U. 12:25, Sunday Raymond jahnny Thompson Melodies to Rem'her Saunmy Kayt'i Serenade; lade.

People's Platform: U.S. Foreign Palicj Ljmaa Howard K. Invitation to Leant 'Buddha's Vritbti U.ucrs See Un Larry Weekly NewtRaTM Pkil Haana, Loaiia drama, M. Dunne National Vespers: Dr. John S.

Bonnell Warriors of Peace: hew Yo7aTPlaTrharT; MSMC'. Hollywood Present. Efrtm KnrUj Samnel Petlengill Isaac Stersi, Are These Our oli Dr. Children? drama Stafford W.rresi Wk. Around World: All-Girl Orchestra, Lincoln Phil The Shadow, Qnizdom Clasi, with Rise Stevens: V.ra Appleton, M.Fi*lc] HOUJJ Carmichaal.

William L. Bret Morrison. Quick Flask, quiz, Ktn Roberts Joe David Harding Counterspy, drama -WNBC- EVENING PROGRAMS WOR WJZ- 7:15 7:30 JMS: 8:30 9:15 IMS) 16:30 11:45 Mdal 1 -WCBS Catholic Fulton J. Sh.em. 'Bob Bmai, Shirley Ross, stags Jack Benny, Rocheiler, etktrt Bandwagons fail Harris, Alice Edgar Bergen: Ann Baxter, guest Fred Allea: Rodgers IL Hammersteia Thomas Thomas, Marian McMaau Donald Dame, tenor Jean Dlckenson.

others Meet Me at Parky 'si Harry News, Ben Grantr Cesar Henry Rvssell's Music News; George Town Orchestra Charles Orchestra; news. Those W'bitera, comedy series. Nick Carter, elraasa, Lon Clark Mjiterion Traveler: Maurice Tarplin. News, Mtliia Elliott Mai Leiltr A. L.

Alexander's Mediation Board. Special Investigator Ntws, C. C. PMaam Exploring Unknown: Atro-DjnamicRMch UoshU Nothing, Tttdd Rasitli Gabriel Hnlter: Germaine SaMoa Tke Family Tkeaten Pat O'Brien, others News, Milvh Elliott Herald Tribute news Jick Edwards and NtwsiKomK-Ulm taady Braoks Orck. Art Moaney's Orch.

Dance Drew Pearson lAeSvintures News, Don Gardinerl and Harri The Graafeil Story Kate Smith Ever Told, drama' Basil Rat Conrt Missing Heirs, drtma. 'The 'drama Detroit Symphony! Dr. Karl Krutger; Tchaikovsky'a 'Palaeliqiie' Waller Lo aella Jimnsie Policewoman, drama Theatre Guild) Frank Craven') The First Year, Geae Tieraty News S. Wolff, interviews Lrighton Nokle'i Orchestra h'rwi; Mic'nigal Mnsic Shop poaalar rscerdinfi, J. McCarlavi Gent Astry Cats Bloadie: Pas SSagkt.a, Adveatares Spade, dr Crime Docla drama i Hildegardt: Urdoa, f.

Eddie Brack Rntaerferd Take ar PhiJ We, the Peo Harcld Rn News: news Report from Mcsic Yon 1 Alfredo News; Bine Brawn's Sam.