Henry Wilson Storey's History of Cambria County, V.II, p.487

You are here: Cambria > Books > History of Cambria County, V.2

History of Cambria County, V.2

HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY. 487

whom made appropriate addresses. While Herman Theil, the Master Mason, was lowering the stone, Gov. Stone spread the cement to receive it and when it was properly set, the Governor sealing it with a stroke of the hammer, said: "As Governor of Pennsylvania I declare this stone which is to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Johnstown, now in place."
    In a copper box laid in the center of the stone were placed a copy of the Johns' charter of the town, the current newspapers, a list of the victims of the flood of May 31, 1889, and rare coins and souvenirs. While the stone was being lowered a chorus of seven hundred boys and girls, under the leadership of Professor S. A. Ferrell sang "The March of the Men of Columbia." It was one of the artistic features of the occasion, with the children well arranged in the form of a flag. Dr. C. C. Hays pronounced the opening offering of gratefulness and the Rev. Father John Boyle the benediction.
    In the evening the Ellis Opera House, which stood on the corner of Franklin and Locust streets, was filled with an enthusiastic people for a period of music and oratory, Mayor Woodruff again presiding. The instrumental music was under the leadership of Edward E. Hohmann and a chorus of 275 voices was conducted by Thomas E. Morgan. A valuable historical address was made by William Horace Rose, which has since been published. Cyrus Elder spoke on "Johnstown as a Result of Environment," and J. M. Berkey, the superintendent of the common schools, on "The Progress of Education." Dr. W. A. Shipman made the opening prayer, and the Rev. E. E. Haskins closed with the benediction.
    On Saturday afternoon the largest and most magnificent pageant ever seen in Johnstown marched through a throng of 70,000 happy people. The parade was assembled on Broad street by Col. H. H. Kuhn, the chief marshal, with an ample staff. About 7,500 men were formed in line in twelve divisions. The parade was about five miles in length and required one hour and forty minutes to pass a given point. Adjutant General Thomas J. Stewart with his staff was present, as were also the companies of National Guard from Hollidaysburg, Blairsville and Indiana, and Company H, of the Fifth Regiment of Johnstown.
    At dusk an elaborate and brilliant display of fireworks gave pleasure to the 25,000 people who had assembled on "The Point" and vicinity. The set pieces were arranged on the Mill mine

Title Page

Contents

Image

	HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.	487
whom made appropriate addresses. While Herman Theil, the Master Mason, was lowering the stone, Gov. Stone spread the cement to receive it and when it was properly set, the Governor sealing it with a stroke of the hammer, said: "As Governor of Pennsylvania I declare this stone which is to commemorate the hundredth anniversary of Johnstown, now in place." In a copper box laid in the center of the stone were placed a copy of the Johns' charter of the town, the current newspapers, a list of the victims of the flood of May 31, 1889, and rare coins and souvenirs. While the stone was being lowered a chorus of seven hundred boys and girls, under the leadership of Professor S. A. Ferrell sang "The March of the Men of Columbia." It was one of the artistic features of the occasion, with the children well arranged in the form of a flag. Dr. C. C. Hays pronounced the opening offering of gratefulness and the Rev. Father John Boyle the benediction. In the evening the Ellis Opera House, which stood on the corner of Franklin and Locust streets, was filled with an enthusiastic people for a period of music and oratory, Mayor Woodruff again presiding. The instrumental music was under the leadership of Edward E. Hohmann and a chorus of 275 voices was conducted by Thomas E. Morgan. A valuable historical address was made by William Horace Rose, which has since been published. Cyrus Elder spoke on "Johnstown as a Result of Environment," and J. M. Berkey, the superintendent of the common schools, on "The Progress of Education." Dr. W. A. Shipman made the opening prayer, and the Rev. E. E. Haskins closed with the benediction. On Saturday afternoon the largest and most magnificent pageant ever seen in Johnstown marched through a throng of 70,000 happy people. The parade was assembled on Broad street by Col. H. H. Kuhn, the chief marshal, with an ample staff. About 7,500 men were formed in line in twelve divisions. The parade was about five miles in length and required one hour and forty minutes to pass a given point. Adjutant General Thomas J. Stewart with his staff was present, as were also the companies of National Guard from Hollidaysburg, Blairsville and Indiana, and Company H, of the Fifth Regiment of Johnstown. At dusk an elaborate and brilliant display of fireworks gave pleasure to the 25,000 people who had assembled on "The Point" and vicinity. The set pieces were arranged on the Mill mine