Existing comment:
The World's Charity:
When dawn broke on June 1, 1889, it revealed in Johnstown ghastly scene unparalleled in American history. Relief for the stricken town was immediate, and came from around the world.
One of the first messages sent from the destroyed valley summed up the situation...
"We are entirely without food and great suffering is endured. Send coffins. We are without an undertaker. Send at least 200 coffins of all sizes."
-- F.P. Martin, Solicitor for Cambria Borough
Among the first to offer help were the locals from the hills around town, including farmers and laborers. When they arrived, they saw scenes like this...
The Pennsylvania Railroad, knowing the need to have its trains moving quickly, swiftly rebuilt its tracks east and west of town.
Governor James Beaver sent Adjutant General Daniel H. Hastings to town. The state militia had a strong presence in Johnstown that summer.
The press told stories of looting, which rarely happened, and wild stories of lynchings, which never happened. Eventually, all who came to town, for whatever reason, had to have a pass like this.
Survivors had to complete forms like this to receive relief funds.
Among the most important and dedicated workers were the morticians and undertakers. Their work helped restore dignity to the Flood's victims.
Persons of many faiths and ethnicities wanted to be part of the Flood effort. For example, a group of Chinese residents from Pittsburgh sent $124 to Johnstown upon learning that some Chinese residents in Johnstown died in the Flood.
The Flood quickly became the biggest news story of its day. Reporters wired thousands of words from Johnstown. Much of what these reporters wrote was nonsense, but their words opened the hearts, and wallets, of people around the world.
The American Red Cross arrived on the scene just a few days after the Flood. Part of the effort was led by its founder, Clara Barton, who was 67 at the time.
"For five weary months it was our portion to live amid these scenes of destruction, desolation, poverty, want and woe. sometimes in tents, sometimes without; in rain or mud..."
-- Clara Barton
By providing food, clothing, and shelter, as well as medical attention, the Red Cross helped thousands of survivors in these painful months of recovery.
For the Johnstown effort, the Red Cross employed over fifty men and women, both paid and volunteer. It has been estimated that nearly 25,000 people were helped, at a cost of about $250,000.
In the months after the Flood, the threat of disease was held to a minimum, thanks to countless hours of hard work dedicated to cleaning the disaster area.
All 38 states and the District of Columbia provided financial aid to the relief efforts. International support for Johnstown came from fourteen countries, including:
Austria -- $1,481
Canada -- $8,254
England -- $42,909
France -- $25,025
Germany -- $37,065
Ireland -- $18,252
Saxony -- $2,637
The work continued even beyond May 31, 1892, when this monument to the Unknown Dead was dedicated.
The effects of the Johnstown Flood would be felt in this area for generations.
Nearly everyone wanted to help in some manner. Businessmen, celebrities, politicians, and everybody else opened their hearts and wallets for those in the Conemaugh Valley.
Persons of all faiths and ethnicities, including African-Americans, worked together to rebuild the city from the destruction caused by the cataclysm.
A major priority was the clearing of the rivers, especially near the Stone Bridge. Sometimes it was too much for human muscle; dynamite experts were brought to town.
A total of $3,752,818.78 was collected for Johnstown from around the world. |