Friday, October 20, 2018
Being that we wanted to go to the Staple Bend Tunnel Unit of Allegheny Portage Railroad NHS and we seen a sign that it was only six miles from the interchange that we just exited from before going up to the Visitor Center for Johnstown Flood NM, we made a quickie here and just took a photo to say we were here a the building itself was closed as it was during the shoulder season and a Friday at that. Alas, we took a quick shot to say we were there and proceed to Staple Bend Tunnel, then to the last three quilt shops of the Country Roads Shop Hop.
Park Synopsis
The South Fork dam failed on Friday, May 31, 1889 and unleashed 20,000,000 tons of water that devastated Johnstown, PA. The flood killed 2,209 people but it brought the nation and the world together to aid the "Johnstown sufferers." The story of the Johnstown Flood reminds us all, "...that we must leave nothing undone for the preservation and protection of our brother men."
In 2006 several historic structures in the St. Michael Historic District and 1889 Clubhouse were acquired by the National Park Service as part of Johnstown Flood National Memorial. They were donated by the 1889 South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club Historical Preservation Society. These structures were part of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, owners of the South Fork Dam and Lake Conemaugh when the dam broke on May 31, 1889, killing 2,209 people. The most intriguing of these properties is the three story clubhouse which had forty-seven rooms and lodged most of the members of the club.
If You Go
Nearby, in the community of Saint Michael, remain some of the original buildings of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club. During the summer months, the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club Clubhouse may be accessible during a ranger-guided tour; ask at the park Visitor Center. In all cases it is worth the drive through the historic area, the large National Park Service signs mark the turn to the clubhouse.
Visitors have three options to view the Clubhouse: During a ranger-guided tour, usually held during the anniversary weekend; during a Journey Around Lake Conemaugh Van Tour; and/or during a Path of the Flood Van Tour. Please call (814) 886-6170 for more information. Visitors can see parts of the original structure including wood grain floors and the original colors on the walls. Hazards such as mildew, dust, and mold may greet you as well. A 12-foot-high brick and ceramic tiled fireplace is a focal point of the small portion of the clubhouse open for viewing. Water damage has softened ceilings, cracked plaster walls in 24 guest rooms and peeled away wallpaper.
Accessibility
The first floor of Club House is accessible to those with mobility impairments.
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