USA > Pennsylvania > Blair County > Altoona > History of the city of Altoona and Blair County : including sketches of the shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. > Part 22
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First ward.
2,735
Sixth ward. 3,058
Second ward
3,343
Seventh ward.
825
Third ward ..
2.517
Eighth ward.
1,967
Fourth ward.
2.587
Fifth ward.
2,708
Total. 19,740
Gaysport borough.
764
Tyrone and East Tyrone borough. 2.957
BUILDING.
Probably five hundred buildings of various kinds will have been erected for the year ending on the 31st of December, 1880, in the city of Altoona. This is strong, practical evidence of the enterprise and progressive spirit of the citizens. Fortu- nately there has been but little difficulty in procuring materials. Good building stone can be obtained in the vicinity, and lumber can be transported from any point of the compass at very low rates. The best kind of clay for building brick can be procured within a stones-throw of the corporate limits. At the yards of Mr. J. R. Vaughn, pressed, common, paving and angle brick can be procured in any quantity, at any time. The Altoona Fire Clay works, officially conducted by Dr. S. C. Baker, president ; M. Kinkead, secretary and treasurer and W. L. Winkle, su- perintendent, produce the best article of fire clay brick.
252
APPENDIX.
We reproduce an article which appeared in the Altoona Daily Sun of July 26, 1880 : "Evidence of the prosperity of the building and loan associations of Altoona are plainly visible. Buildings erected through their instrumentality are located, at short distances, all over the city. Outside of this agency. and besides the buildings constructed by individuals at individual cost and for individual benefit, a few eiti- zens of means have aided less prosperous citizens in erecting dwellings, agreeing to receive what otherwise would be paid for rent as so much purchase money on the property, charging little or no interest on the amount invested, thus enabling the beneficiaries to secure homes of their own. One of these gentlemen is Mr. W. J. Heinsling, who has been engaged in this good work for several years. He has assis- ted quite a number in this way, thus setting an example to others, whiel, if follow- ed, will result in permanent benefit to the community."
THE CITY PLANING MILL
Is located in the south-western portion of the city. It was erected in the spring of 1873 by a joint-stock company, who gave to it the title of "Peoples' Planing mill." The officers were: John Geesey, president ; J. W. Martin, superintendent and treas- urer. These, together with James Clabaugh, Frederick Hesser and Louis Plack, constituted the board of directors. The land, buildings, machinery, etc., cost about $30,000. After the expiration of a year or so, failing to realize its expectations, and consequently unprepared to meet its financial obligations, the company asked for an extension of two years, which was granted by the creditors. Then failing in its payments, an assignee was appointed to dispose of its property. The property was purchased by William Stoke, who, in company with other gentlemen of capital, are now engaged in its conduct, with profit, we trust, to themselves, certainly with credit to the community. The price paid by Mr. Stoke was $11, 700.
The City Planing mill, with its office, a dwelling house, warehouses, sheds, sta- bles, etc., covers two acres of ground. The main building, (the mill) and office are "composed of brick, the former 60x 150 feet, and the latter a creditable structure, with ample room for the performance of clerieat labor. Among other "conveniences," so to term them, is a railroad siding capable of holding eight or ten cars. Additions have recently been made to the machinery, including the latest appliances for the abridgment of labor. Having thus far satisfactorily met the expectations of the public, Messrs. Stoke & Co. have the best wishes of the community.
EXCELSIOR PLANING MILL
Is located on Ninth avenne, between Eleventh and Twelfth streets. It was erected in 1869. John S. Booth and Martin 1I. Mackey have conducted the establish- ment since 1876. The frontage occupied by the Planing mill and its appurtenan- ees consisting of various buildings-office, sheds for the storageof lumber, etc .- meas- ures 150 feet. Since Booth & Mackey assumed control of the mill, of which they are owners, much additional machinery has been added, and other improvements made from time to time. Both these gentlemen being practical and experienced draughtsmen, carpenters and builders, are evidently the right men in the right place. Hence no difficulty is encountered by those who wish buildings. erected, for plans, estimates and specifications are quickly made out, and the work exeented in a manner entirely satisfactory. During the entire period in which they have been engaged in business no complaints have been made by any of those who have avalled themselves of their services, for they have conducted affairs, from the commencement up to the present time, upon the strictest principles of integ- rity. Their business has increased in arithmetical, or we might say, in geometrical progression ever since. Notwithstanding this, their facilities for the fulfilment of orders is fully equal to the demands made upon them.
MOUNTAIN CITY STAR MILL.
The Mountain City Star Mill, of C. Hauser & Son, located at the corner of Eighth avenne and sixteenth street, Altoona, is a large and substantial structure fitted with all the most approved machinery for the rapid and economie production of the best grades of flour. The engine room is well adapted to its use and contains a forty horse power engine of modern construction and is provided, as are also the
APPENDIX. 253
boilers, with the best safeguards against accident. Mr. James Hauser is the engin- eer, and the splendid condition of the machinery, under his care, proves that he is the right man for the place.
A twenty-four inch belt connects the engine with the main shatting of the mill which contains fonr run of stone adapted to various work. The burrs, at great ex- pense, are provided with Hoffner's patent coil back lash spring whieb seeures a steady and regular motion without jar.
All wheat is put through one of C. D. Hanna's steamers and dryers before going to the burrs and the firm make the celebrated new process flour which finds so mneh favor with the best judges. A patent middlings purifier and a Enreka smut machine-the best in use-are among the machinery of the mill, which also con- tains one of Richmond's smint machines with combined breaker and cleaner.
From the third floor of the mill a fine view is obtained of the city and shops, while the floor itself is crowded with machinery, all in active motion ; there being four bolting reels on this floor, each 21% feet long, which bolt the flour and separate the bran, ete. Here are stored eight thousand bushels of choice wheat selected with great care and especial reference to its flouring qualities. The grain is re- ceived at the second floor where it is carefully inspected and weighed and dropped into the receiving bin, and from thenee is elevated to the fourth story and con- veyed to the smut and brush machines that we have spoken of. These machines separate all impurities and thoroughly eleanse the grain from dust and leave it in a golden shower, pure and clean, on its way to the burrs which grind it. It is first, however, passed through the steamer, and is steamed and dried before it is gronnd. The burrs are four feet in diameter. and grind fifteen bushels per hour each.
The ground wheat is elevated again and goes through the bolts, purifiers, etc., on the third floor. It descends to the second floor where it is weighed and packed into sacks or barrels to snit the requirements of patrons. The miller is Harry G. Gard- ner, a prince of good fellows and a practical man, who always makes A No. I flour. His assistant, William Hauser. is also a practical miller of rare judgment and great experience.
C. Hanser, sr., one of Altoona's oldest, most reliable, energetic and safe business men, is the senior partner and general manager of the firm while the office business is transacted by his son. C. Hauser, jr .. who, to all the good qualities of his father, adds a genial pleasant manner that always attracts and retains friends.
The flour of these mills finds ready sale because of its excellent quality which is even and ean always be depended upon to give satisfaction. The firm also deal largely in all kinds of mill prodnets. bran, feed, shorts, grain, seeds. etc., and can always be depended upon to sell at the lowest market price -. Their mill consti- tutes one of the institutions of which Altoona is deservedly proud and their popu- larity and business are daily increasing.
NEW AMERICAN SEWING MACHINE.
Agencies are established in every eity of the United States, all the countries of Europe, Mexico, Canada and South America. The "American" has taken the first premium at nearly every publie exhibition at which it appeared, including the Centennial, where it received two first-class awards, one for the ingenuity and sim plicity of its construction, the other for the work done on it. The company claim, with propriety, that it is the best family and light manufacturing machine in exis- tence. D. R. Betts, a polite and conrteous gentleman, is the general agent of Cen- tral Pennsylvania. Ilis residence is in Harrisburg. E. C. Reese is the popular agent in Altoona.
TERRA COTTA WORKS.
In February, present year, John 1. Canan erected a building on Margaret ave- nue, near the Branch railroad, for the display and sale of Terra Cotta merchandise. On the 20th March he commeneed business, and has been doing well ever since. He keeps a complete stock of chimney tops, lawn vases, etc., together with fire- brick fines, and other articles in consonance with. if not legitimately belonging to the business. He deals also in lime, sand, hair, cement, briek, etc. He has the good wishes of the community.
.
254
APPENDIX.
SENATORS AND REPRESENTATIVES.
Below we give a iist of Senators and Representatives of the distriets to which Blair county was joined, when not entitled to separate representation :
ASSEMBLYMEN.
1847 Blair-Henry Bridenthall and David Blair.
1848 do. - Henry Bridenthall.
1849
do. - Joseph lliggins.
1850
do. - Charles Kinkead.
1851
Blair and Huntingdon-Seth R. MeCune and W. B. Smith.
1852
do. do.
do.
do.
1853
do.
do.
-James L. Gwin and S. S. Wharton.
1854
do. do.
do. and James Magnire.
1855
do.
do.
-George Leas and G. W. Smith.
1856
do.
do.
-John M. Gibbony and J. H. Wintrose.
1857
do.
dlo.
do. do,
1858
do.
do.
-Robert W. Christy.
1859
do.
do.
-Jacob Burley. do.
1862
do.
do.
-James Roller. -Thaddeus Banks.
1863
do.
do.
-R. A. MeMurtrie (died in 1580).
1864
dlo.
do.
1865
do.
do.
-James G. Adlım. do.
1866
do.
do.
1867
do.
do.
-Samuel MeCamant.
1868
do.
do.
do.
1869
do.
do.
-Jos. Robinson. do.
1873
do.
do.
-Seth R. McCune.
1874
do.
do.
do.
1875
clo.
do.
-J. C. Everhart and 1. H. Rawlins. do do.
1876
do.
dlo.
1877
do.
do.
-Daniel Shock and David M. Jones. do. M. Edgar King.
1878
do.
(lo.
1879
do.
do.
-B. L. Hewit and D. A. Gilland.
SENATORS.
1847
Huntingdon and Bedford-John Morrison.
1848-50
Huntingdon, Bedford and Blair-Alexander King.
1851-53
Huntingdon, Blair and Cambria-Robert A. McMurtrie.
1854-59
do. do. do. - Joli Creswell, jr.
1860-62
Blair, Cambria and Clearfield-Lonis W. Hall.
1863-64
do. do. do. -Win. A. Wallace.
1865-67
Blair, Huntingdon, Centre, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry-Lonis W. Hall and
Kirk Haines.
1868-70 [Distriet the same]-Chas. J. T. Melntyre and S. T. Shugert-Shugert un- seated by contest and John K. Robinson, seated.
1871-73
do. do. - P. Bruce Petriken and D. M. Crawford.
1874-80 Blair and Cambria-John A. Lemon.
COAL TRAFFIC OF THE CITY.
However it may have been before the erection of those innense receptacles for coal, usually called "trestles, " in the eastern part of the city, subsequently and ever since our citizens have been supplied with both anthracite and bituminons coals, in large or small quantities, as they desired, at any and all periods of the year. These depositories for eoal were erected in 1878, and on July 11, that year, they received the first car-load of coal. There are three "trestles," each 600 feet in length
do.
do.
1871
do.
do.
-B. L. Ilewitt.
1872
do.
do.
do.
1860
do.
do.
1861
do. do.
,
1870
255
APPENDIX.
and each of sufficient width to admit a train of eight cars, including an engine. As many as twenty-two cars, averaging twelve ton- each, have been unloaded in a sin- gle day. We mention this as an instance of the amount of coal received in a sin- gle day, not as an illustration of the celerity with which cars are unloaded. for the contents of one car can be discharged in three minutes' time. The capacity of each "trestle" is about 1,000 tons-hence 3,000 tons at a time can receive storage. We may state, in this connection, that in addition to the quantity here deposited. 2.000 addi- tional tons are consigned to dealers in other parts of the city. Purchasing coal in such large quantities, and by watching the market closely enabled to buy at the lowest rates, G. A. MeCormick is prepared to sell coal in large or small quantities, either to dealers or consumers at low figures, resulting in benefit to the community. And in proportion as the city increases in population, the business of this gentle- man increases. As an instance, for the season of 1879-80, about 2,000 more tons were sold than during the previous season.
THE ALTOONA IRON COMPANY
Was formed in 1872, for the purpose of manufacturing merchant iron, and was chartered July 10, 1873. The construction of the rolling mill was commenced July 24, 1872, and was put in operation April 16, 1873, with a capacity of 3,000 tons manu- facturing iron annually. Since 1874 extensive improvements have been made. and has now a capacity of 10,000 tons manufacturing iron per annum. The officers are : S. C. Baker, president ; W. M. Wheatley, secretary and treasurer : S. C. Baker, James Gardner, Robert Smiley, John P. Dean, D. K. Ramey and John Fullerton, directors.
ALTOONA CAR WORKS.
In 1868 shops were erected on the site now occupied by the Altoona Car Works, by the "Altoona Manufacturing Company." A fire, which occurred on May 23, 1879, destroyed the buildings. Recently new and better structures were reared. filled with improved machinery and such other appliances as enable the new manage- ment to execute better work, more promptly, and at lower prices. The principal industry, as the title of the establishment indicates, is the manufacture of railroad cars; coal pit wagons, castings of every description, and general machine work oc- cupy a large share of the attention of the company. The works are located at the extreme limits of the south-western portion of the city.
The following gentlemen compose the board of officers : S. C. Baker, president : S. H. Smith, treasurer and secretary; M. A. Green, superintendent : C. Campbell, John Reily, S. C. Baker, S. H. Smith and MI. 1. Green. stockholders.
MOUNTAIN CITY FLORAL ESTABLISHMENT.
Allen S. Myers recently established a Horticultural garden. so to call it, on Howard avenue, between Ninth and Tenth streets, Altoona, and exhibits a stoek of rare plants and flowers, together with such as are in more general demand, at all seasons of the year. He is meeting with success.
CITY PASSENGER RAILWAY.
At a special meeting ot the city council, held on the evening of May 12, an ordi- nance authorizing the construction of a street railway was passed by a large major- ity of that body, since which time books have been opened by the leaders of the en- terprise, and a considerable amount of stock subscribed. The captal required was $50,000 ; shares $50 each par value. The probability is that the road will soon be built and equipped.
CONTEMPLATED ALTOONA AND CHERRYTREE RAILROAD.
The project of constructing a narrow gange railroad between Altoona and Cher- rytree, has not, at this time of writing, assumed a practical shape, further than that several routes have been surveyed by engineers in the employ of the parties inter- ested, who are men of means, influence and energy, residing here and at other points along the proposed route, among whom we may mention James Perry, of Chest Springs : Joseph Behe, of Carrollton ; George Meyers, of Gallitzen township, and Dr. S. C. Baker and D. and C. Moore, of Altoona.
256
APPENDIX.
LIGHT COMPANY.
Under date of September 10, 1880, there was granted by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania a charter for "The Altoona Light Company," the corporation to be perpetual. The purpose of the company is to supply the public with light by means other than gas-which means, as we understand, by electricity. It is the intention of ;the managers to push the matter actively, and they are assured their meth- ods will be both acceptable to the people and successful. The officers of the com- pany are John P. Levan. president ; T. H. Wigton, treasurer; John R. Bingaman, secretary ; N. P. Mervine, solicitor.
MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF INTEREST.
THE council of Altoona has not, as yet, determined where the new reservoir or reservoirs shall be located. The water question is treated on pages 63, 65, 153 and 154. THE telephone, which was recently introduced by J. Chester Wilson has proven a success, most of the leading business men of Altoona having adopted it.
THE Mereliants' Exchange, recently organized, we trust will stay with us.
JAMES PHILIP LOWE, at the time of his death, which occurred on May 28, 1880, was the oldest passenger engineer on the Pennsylvania railroad.
J. B. EWING, practicing law in Harrisburg, taught a select school or academy in W. Altoona school house, commencing April 1, 1857.
WE acknowledge our indebtedness to the press of Altoona, Hollidaysburg, and Tyrone, as well as the Philadelphia "Times" and "Chronicle-Herald," Harrisburg "Patriot" and "Telegraph," and indeed to the press of the entire State for notices and other courtesies extended to us.
II. H. SNYDER, esq .. commander of William G. Murray Post. No. 39, G. A. R., of Hollidaysburg, who was a member of the same company as Lientenant Stephen C. Potts, prepared an able biography of that chivalrous gentleman and soldier for publication in the "Grand Army Review," of Philadelpha, the official organ in the department of Pennsylvania. It, as well as the historical delineation of Hollidays- burg in this book, evinces a peculiar aptitude for literary labor.
DURING the first six months of official control (from April untel October, 1880), Mayor Howard has collected in fines, building permits, etc., $1,312.97.
THE foremen and clerks in the "lower shops." on July 22. (18:0) presented a cor- ner stone for the new residence of Jno. P. Levan, general foreman, Altoona, which was accompanied by a neat address. Mr. Levan responded in a few well chosen re- marks, expressive of his appreciation of the gift.
ONE of the unerring signs of the rapid progress of a town is the establishment of houses exclusively devoted to one branch of a specialty of trade, such, for in- stance, as that of George A. Streit, who deals exclusively in leather and shoe find- ings.
WM. FORTENBAUGH, wasone of the seven voters who supported Peter Cooper as National Greenback-labor candidate for President of the United States. We will here remark that Charles C. Stanbarger, who was nominated for Mayor of Al- toona on the National Greenback-labor ticket, in the spring 1880, but declined, was elected sheriff of Mitllin county, in 1860, for a term of three years, after which he was sent to the legislature by a large majority.
ISAIAH BUNKER. Hollidaysburg, was the first blacksmith whose name appeared on the check-roll in the machine department of the "upper shops."
JOHN DOUGHERTY, now between eighty and ninety years of age, residing at Mt. Union, Pa., was the first engineer on the old Portage railroad,
BERNARD KERR, father of R. A. O. and E. F. Kerr, who died in the west about nine years ago, kept the first store that was located on Tenth avenue, between Thirteenth and Fourteenth streets, Altoona He did a thriving business in 1855-56.
OursiDE the routine of official duties as city treasurer. Dr. Bittner assumes the dual character of dentist and portrait painter. However widely-extended his repu- tation as a dentist may be, it will be relipsed, if he don't stop practicing, by his newly assumed profession. The portraits of General Hancock, General Garfield and Rev. Dr. Hamlin are really master pieces of art.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
O
PAGE
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION.
5
The Paternal Parent of AAltoona .
5
Primary Attempts and Successes
5
Pennsylvania Railroad. Portage Railroad ..
Boat Taken over Allegheny Mountains
10
Gradual Ascent of Pennsylvania Railroad.
Summary of Its Progress. II
BLAIR COUNTY.
Bounds, Population, etc .. 15
Agricultural and Mineral Resources.
15
List of Furnaces
Sinking Valley
Natural Curiosity.
Logan, an Indian Chiet ...
Scotch Settle in Frankstown and Catharine Townships 19
How and When Townships were Formed. 19
Educational History.
Description of New Court House.
Discourse of Judge Dean, giving History of the Courts and Bar List of Members of the Bar.
The New Jail ..
Almshouse and House of Employment ..
The County's Finances ..
Names of County Officers and Years of Election. 47
Newspapers and Other Publications
50
CITY OF ALTOON.1.
Introductory Remarks. 59 Hotel Accommodations 61 61
Site of the City selected
Where the Shops were Located.
Names of Localities ..
When the Work was Commenced
Instance of Increased Value of Real Estate.
Banking Houses.
Churches.
Water Supply ..
Centennial Celebration
Centennial " Fourth."
RAILROAD RIOTS.
What Transpired in Altoona.
Order of Robert Pitcairn ..
Military on Their Way to Pittsburg
Strike Inaugurated.
Sheriff's Proclamation.
Proclamation ot Mayor Gilland
Meeting at the Brant House ..
Speech of James F. Milliken
speech of Frank P. Tierney.
Speech of Thomas H. Greevy
Patrolling the Streets ...
Sunday, the Culminating Period of the Excitement.
Meeting of the Railroad Men
Citizens' Meeting.
Meeting of the Shopmen
AAdjourned Meeting ..
Arrival of Governor Ilartranft.
His speech to Citizens.
Ilis Proclamation
Rumor Calculated Further to Excite the Populace ..
+. Camp Beaver."
86 86 87 87 87
Grand Jury Presentment.
Routing of Tramps ..
Veteran Soldiers' Organization.
Firing Up Engines ....
Additional Troops en route for Pittsburg.
Clearing the Depot.
90
3 63 63 63 68 65 70
71
74 74 75 75 5 1
78 79 79
26 31 43 45 45 4"
17 18 19
3
258
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE
Arrival of Eleven Car Loads of Troops.
90
Strike Ended.
90
The Strike at Tyrone. 90
Conclave of Knights Templar. 91
Relief for Ireland-Speech of Mr. Parnell.
91
Meeting of the Central Pennsylvania Conference, M. E. Church .. Relief of the Milton Sufferers ..
93
Meeting of State Medical Society
95
Prohibition Convention .. 98
Decoration Day Ceremonies ..
Our National Anniversary, (1880) and how it was celebrated 99
Meeting of Pa. State Equal Rights' League. 101
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS. 102
The First School House ..
102
Passage of the Common School Law
102
Union Church and School House.
103
Branches Tanght .. 103
Veteran Schoof Directors. 105
Establishment of County Superintendency. 105
105
City Superintendent and Teachers of High School.
107
Grading of Schools.
109
More Substantial Buildings Erected.
109
Revised Course of Instruction
110
Teachers' Institute ..
110
Growth of the Public School System.
111
Rapid Inerease of School Population 111
Number of School Buildings 113
Names of Teachers, Grade, Enrollment of Scholars, ete. 114
Names of Teachers for 1880-1 .. 115
Valne of Public School property 115
Officers of Public Schools, etc. 117
English and German Private Schools 117
CITY CHURCHES.
Baptist-First and Second .. 119
Catholic-English and German 121
Christ Reformed. 1:22
Church of God .. 123
Hebrew Synagogue. 125
1:25
Methodist-First. Second, Third, Mission and African
130
St. Inke's Protestant Episcopal.
The Brethren. 134
United Brethren 137
CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATIONS.
Yonng Men's Christain Association. 139
Raitroad Men's Christian Association 141
CEMETERIES.
Fairview Cemetery. 142
Oak Ridge Cemetery 143
St. John's Cemetery 145
st. Joseph's Cemetery. 145
Eastern Light Cemetery 145
CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT 146
Engine, Hose and Truck Houses
147
Board of Fire Department. 147
Chief Engineers. 149
Officers and Members of Good Will Company 149
Officers and Members of Empire Company ... 149
Officers and Members of Vigilant Company. 150
Officers and Members of Excelsior Company 151
Officers and Members of Altoona Company .. 151
Gas and Water Department ... 153
PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD COMPANY'S SHOPS.
Introductory Remarks .. 157
Motive Power Department, or Upper Shops. 158
Blacksmith Shop 159
Machine Shop. 159
The Vise Shop 161
The Boiler Shop 162
The Foundry. 162
The First Freeting Shop .. 162
The Second Erecting Shop .. 163
The Paint Shop. 163
Lutheran-First and Second.
129
Presbyterian-First and Second. 133
94
Erection of School Buildings.
Death of First City Superintendent.
259
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Life and Services of Locomotives
165
Class " K " Engines ....
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