Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens, Part 58

Author: Sell, Jesse C 1872-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Publishing
Number of Pages: 1036

USA > Pennsylvania > Blair County > Altoona > Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens > Part 58

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The seminary course, which also leads to a diploma, is arranged for those who do not ex- pect to enter any college, but desire a better fitting, educationally, for the active duties of life.

Emphasis is placed on advanced rhetoric and other English courses, also on advanced work in history and in psychology, ethics, history of

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art and other studies, according to the desire or needs of the pupils. The first three years of this course, however, will correspond closely with the college preparatory work. The last year will be almost entirely elective.

Graduates from high schools will receive par- ticular attention. They will be graded accord- ing to the work already done, their future wants closely studied, and graduated, either in the college preparatory or seminary course, as soon as able to meet the requirements. The work usually takes two years, though some have graduated sooner.

Post graduate courses will also be offered for those who desire. Advanced work may be done in French and German, as well as in history, psychology, ethics, history of art, com- parative religion, etc. The school holds cer- tificate privileges from Wellesley, Mt. Holyoke, etc.

The large library, of about five thousand volumes of expensive and well selected works on various subjects, which has been recently placed in the building, is especially adapted to post graduate work. We believe that no young ladies' seminary in the country possesses so valuable a library of such varied character.

Exercise each day is obligatory ; in the after- noon at least one hour must be spent in the open air. In winter and in stormy weather all join in exercises, or games, in the gymnasium. Broad piazzas also give opportunity for ex- ercise in stormy weather.

There can be little danger from a fire in the building, for besides the protection afforded by the heavy stone walls, and the broad halls, and many exits in the architecture of the build- ing, fire escapes have been added on three sides. A new ideal boiler has been placed in the base- ment for heating the building.

The seminary is situated in the midst of a cultured community where the social life is all that can be desired. A long distance Bell tele- phone connects the school with all parts of the United States, and the nearness of Altoona, is also an advantage.

Trolleys from the Altoona depot run at fre- quent intervals to Hollidaysburg passing by the

seminary grounds. A branch railroad also con- nects the two places. All trains on the main line of the great Pennsylvania R. R. stop at Altoona so that the place is accessible from all points east and west. Students will be met at Altoona, at any time. They are also met at other points when it is desired.

Individual instruction and care is given to each student.

Young ladies are not allowed to pass a night in town, outside the school building. Guests may be entertained over night in the rooms of the pupils, but rooms are provided for that purpose. Students are not permitted to leave the grounds, to appear on the streets, or to visit stores, unaccompanied by a teacher, ex- cept in very special cases and with permission of the president. No teacher is permitted to take any student from the grounds without permission. No persons except the immediate relatives may be admitted on the Sabbath day.

Pupils may not make visits or receive gen- tlemen callers without letters of permission from their parents or guardians and such visits and calls will be subject to the judgment and discretion of the president.

A LEAF FROM THE HISTORY OF THE COUNTY CAPITAL.

When in 1846 Hollidaysburg became the proud capital of Blair, it was the largest town in the county. Including Gaysport, its population was about 3,000. "This popula- tion was considerable, when it is borne in mind that in 1830 it was considered an ob- scure village, with about seventy inhabitants. Since the completion of the state im- provements the progress of this town has been more rapid than that of any other be- tween Pittsburg and Philadelphia. Its bus- iness operations are in a ratio with its pop- ulation. Large quantities of iron and other produce are shipped here, as well as the bi- tuminous coal destined for an eastern mar- ket. It is the center of a fruitful country, now rapidly opening to cultivation, and teeming with abundant resources, both min- eral and vegetable. It is in the midst of an

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abundant iron region ; and bituminous coal, obtained on the summit of the Allegheny, descends by its own gravity to town.

There are at this place a Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic and two African churches; five public schools, and one classical school. There are several foundries and machine shops, a large steam flour mill, a screw dock, and marine rail- way, ten or twelve forwarding houses, with fifteen large warehouses. A large basin, formed by the waters of Beaver dam creek, for the accommodation of canal boats. More than 1,200 railroad cars may be seen here at different times. The Portage rail- road commences here, crossing the Alle- gheny mountain by the summit at Blair's gap, descends to the valley of the Cone- maugh, down which it proceeds to Johns- town, and there meets the western division of the Pennsylvania canal. On this road are ten inclined planes, numbered from Johns- town eastward, and eleven "levels" or graded lines of the road, the inclination of which is generally ten to fifteen feet to the mile, except that between Johnstown and the first plane, where it is about twenty-four feet and that between the eastern plane and Hollidaysburg, where the maximum is fifty- two feet.

The summit of Blair's gap is 2,325 feet above the level of mean tide; the ascent from Hollidaysburg to the summit is 1,17I feet in a distance of ten miles, and the de- scent to Johnstown 1,171 in a distance of twenty-six and one-half miles. There are five inclined planes on each side of the sum- mit; the largest being No. 8 or the third west of Hollidaysburg, which is 3,117 feet in length, with a rise of 3071/2 feet; and the shortest, No. 3, the third east of Johnstown, 1,480 feet in length, rising 1301/2 feet.

At the head of each inclined plane are two stationary engines, of about thirty-five horse-power each, which move the endless rope to which the cars are attached. Four cars, each loaded with a burden of 7,000 pounds, can be drawn at once, and as many

let down at the same time; this operation can be performed from six to ten times in one hour. An ingenious contrivance called a safety car, is attached to the rope, below the cars, which stops them in case of acci- dent to the rope or fastenings.

But one of the stationary engines is used at a time; the other being provided to pre- vent delay from accidents or repairs. On the short levels below the planes, horses are used for drawing the cars; but on the longer ones locomotives are preferred.

A viaduct over the Conemaugh, about eight miles east of Johnstown, is much ad- mired for its boldness and beauty of its de- sign and execution. It is a single arch of eighty feet span, at a height of eighty feet above the water of the stream. In order to pass through an abrupt ridge near the head of the first plane, east of Johnstown, a tun- nel has been constructed 901 feet in length, twenty feet wide and seventy-nine feet high within the arch. The entrances have orna- mental facades of cut stone, and the tunnel is arched with stone 150 feet from each end beyond which the rock is sufficiently solid to form a roof. This road was opened for use in March, 1834. The length is thirty- six and one-half miles ; cost $1,783, 176."

The following novel account of traveling by boat and rail was dated Hollidaysburg, November, 1834:

"On Monday last the inhabitants of Hol- lidaysburg were permitted to witness a nov- elty in the tide of emigration, which the completion of the grand chain of internal improvements has caused to flow through this channel and by which the Mississippi and Delaware have been made, as it were, to unite their waters.

"A gentleman by the name of Christman, from Lackawana, a tributary of the north branch of the Susquehanna, embarked with his family, in all consisting of eleven per- sons, together with the necessary requis- . ites, for their comfort; namely, beds, tables, chairs, cooking utensils, poultry, pigeons, etc., on board a canal boat, twenty-

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HISTORY OF BLAIR COUNTY

nine feet long and seven feet wide. In this he proceeded down the north branch of Pennsylvania canal, to the junction of the central division, and up the latter to Holli- daysburg. Here he intended to dispose of his boat and proceed by way of the Portage railroad and western division of the canal to Pittsburg. Here it was suggested to Mr. Christman that it would be practicable to pass the boat, together with the family and cargo, over the traversing height of the Allegheny mountain. A railroad car, calcu- lated to bear the novel burden, was pre- pared, the boat was taken on wheels, and at 12 o'clock the same day, the boat together with the delighted family, began their prog- ress over the rugged Allegheny. It was pleasing to see the comfort and convenience which the ingenuity of man has added to the journey of the emigrant. The whole family was comfortably located in the cabin of the boat, which appeared to glide up the height of the mountain unconscious of the change. While some of the family were preparing the coming meal, others were lying on their downy pillows, occasionally rouse by the hissing steam at the head of the inclined plane. They were, however, not to be stopped by the hissing of the puffing auditory, but continued to ascend, and 'at night, safely rested, on the summit of this proud eminence.

"On the following morning the boat crew :

left the sunny summit of the Allegheny, and smoothly glided down her iron way to Johnstown, astonishing the inhabitants. On the same day she was safely deposited in her own element in the basin at Johnstown, amid the plaudits of the congregated citi- zens."

GAYSPORT.

Gaysport is so closely connected with Hollidaysburg, both geographically and historically, that the one seems to be part and parcel of the other. They were founded at the same time, by the same men, on the same tract of land, separated only by a small stream of water. Their interests

were the same, the one dependent on the other. Part of Hollidaysburg's industries were located in Gaysport, including fur- naces, foundry and machine shop. The Pennsylvania railroad station is also located in Gaysport. Although Gaysport could boast of having these industries, and profited greatly by having them, yet Hollidaysburg made them possible, furnishing the means and erecting the works. Gaysport had its own schools, but was dependent on Holli- daysburg for church privileges. It has no church within its limits. This does not mean that the people are less religious or devout. It only means that having churches of their own choice so convenient, they unite in their patronage. It is also depend- ent upon Hollidaysburg for fire protection and postal facilities. Yet with all these mingled interests and dependencies upon each other, they are separate towns.

Gaysport was incorporated in June, 1841. At the first election Jeremiah C. Betts (who served as first sheriff of Blair county), was elected burgess. The following citizens were elected as the first council : Thomas Jackson, Henry L. Patterson, Jeremiah Cunningham, William Blair and John Lowe; William Pennington was constable and Benjamin Bossart, Joseph Rollin, David Caldwell, David Tate, John Lytle and Will- iam Hetherington, school directors.

Gaysport is located on the land originally purchased by William Holliday in 1768 and remained in the possession of his heirs up to about the time of the building of the canal and Portage railroad, when Thomas Jack- son, Christian Garber and David R. Porter obtained possession in a way that subse- quently caused prolonged litigation. For a more detailed explanation the reader is di- rected to Judge Laindis' address at the semi-centennial celebration of the county.

. Tradition says that the town received its name from a prominent engineer by the name of Gay in the days of railroad and canal construction. The population in 1890 was 867. In 1900 it was 809 and at the pres- ent time it is estimated at about 820.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

HISTORY OF MARTINSBURG, NEWRY AND ROARING SPRING.

MARTINSBURG-Location and Early Settlers-Incorporation of the Town-Franklin High School and Blair County Institute or the Juniata Collegiate Institute-Indian School- The Building Now a Sanitarium-University of Southern Pennsylvania-Schools and Churches-The Herald-Reminiscences of David Wineland-Some Martinsburg History, from the "Herald."

NEWRY-Location-Its Founder-Early Railroad Enterprises-Early Industries-Incorpora- tion as a Borough-Schools and Teachers-The Mercantile Business-Churches-Noted Citizens.

ROARING SPRING-Origin of the Name-First Settlers - Some Indian History - The Tunkers-The Bares-Roaring Spring in the Sixties-Prominent Citizens-Completion of the Railroad and Growth of the Town-Its Incorporation-Present Prosperity-Impor- tant Industries-The Roaring Spring Blank Book Co .- The Eldon Inn-The "News"- Church History.

MARTINSBURG.

Martinsburg is located in a rich agricul- tural district in the southern end of the county in the very heart of Morrison's cove, one of the most beautiful and fertile valleys in the central part of the state. It is on the line of the Morrison's Cove branch of the Pennsylvania railroad, twenty-two miles south of Altoona. The records of dates of early settlers are not available. It seems that a Mr. Bloom for his services in the Continental army as a captain, was by the new government given a grant of 1,000 acres of land lying near Nashville, Tenn. He started on an overland trip to take pos- session of his land and locate there. While on his way he fell in with some congenial companions and finally drifted to the pres- ent site of Martinsburg, permanently lo- cated there and paid no more attention to his land in Tennessee. He reared a fam- ily and his descendents have ever been

among the most prominent and respected residents of Martinsburg. It seems that the place was settled fully fifty years before an attempt was made to found a town. Al- though the streets and many of the build- ings are of ancient style, yet the town is not as old as it seems. About the year 1812 Daniel Camerer and Abraham Stoner set- tled upon the village site; what is known as Market street being the dividing line be- tween their possessions, Camerer owning the land lying eastward while Stoner's lay to the westward. The first lots were plotted by Camerer about 1815, and his son-in-law, John Soyster, built the first house imme- diately afterwards. Among the earliest to locate and start up the town were Chris- tian Winsbrenner, a minister, James Shir- ley, a surveyor, William Entrican and Ben- jamin Wright, merchants, John Brumbaugh and John Hysong.

Stoner's plot was laid out in about 1820. Among the early settlers were Alex Mc-

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HISTORY OF BLAIR COUNTY

Fadden, who afterwards represented the county in the legislature; Colonel Samuel Swope. John Bingham, Alexander Bobb, father of Major Alex Bobb, who came in 1823, David Byers, James Graham, Jona- than Graham, Adam Snyder, Henry Shoe- maker, Shimer and Calhoun.

Mr. Africa in his history of Blair county says: "The town having attained consider- able importance as a commercial center, was incorporated as a borough by an act of assembly, approved April 2, 1832. The early borough records have not been pre- served, however, and it is now impossible to show who the village officers were dur- ing the years to 1847, or their proceedings. By an act of the legislature, approved April 24, 1844, the borough lines were changed and in consequence the corporate limits di- minished."

In 1859 by a special act of the legislature a charter was granted to a joint stock sub- scription company to erect a building to be known as the Franklin high school and Blair county institute. It was erected on an ele- vation on the eastern side of the town but outside of the borough limits and completed in 1860. A petition by a number of citizens obtained an order from the court to again change the boundary limits. The order was granted June 20, 1862. This change brought into the borough limits about fif- teen acres of land belonging to Theopolis Snyder, including his farm buildings. Some years after Mr. Snyder petitioned the court to again change the lines. He claimed that the land could not be laid out into town lots and that it was unfair to force him into what was to his disadvantage. In accord- ance with his request the court on March 21, 1872, ordered that the limits of the bor- ough be changed and the lands of Mr. Sny- der be placed in North Woodbury township. On June 17, 1872, it was decreed by the court that the borough of Martinsburg shall "become subject to the restrictions and processes, the power and privileges con- fered by act of assembly entitled "an act

regulating boroughs," approved April 1851.

The Franklin high school was completed in 1860 at a cost of $8,000 and had for its ob- ject the preparing of young men for en- trance into the higher schools or colleges,. and give young ladies a thorough course of culture as is afforded in female colleges. A Mr. Dickerson and Mr. Osborn were the first teachers. They were succeeded by Messrs. Williard, Hughes, Hassler, Cort, Schwartz, S. R. Bridenbaugh and P. H. Bridenbaugh.

At some time in its history the name was changed to Juniata collegiate institute and also changed ownership several times. In 1867 the Lutheran synod bought the prop- erty for $3,000. It was afterwards sold to J. C. Herbst who held it in possession but a short time and sold it to Lucian Cort for $5,000. While owned by Mr. Cort, in 1868, an addition was built at a cost of $8,000. In 1875 Henry Bridenbaugh became the owner by paying $10,700.

Soon afterwards his son, P. H. Briden- baugh, the present steward of the county almshouse, became the owner. He con- ducted it as an academic school and in March, 1885, added to his student force fifty young men and women of wild Indian tribes In August of the same year he admitted forty-five more of the Osage tribe. They all retained for three years, or up to July, 1.888. They were taught in all the common school branches and in the various branches of industry, as agricultural and mechanical pursuits. The girls were taught house- keeping and sewing and such other things that belonged to civilized life.

School work was continued up to 1891 when the almshouse was destroyed by fire and the building was leased to the county as a home for the poor until a new one was completed, which was in 1893. It was again leased by the county in 1896 for an industrial home for children, which con- tinued until the completion of the home in Williamsburg in 1902. In 1909 Mr. Briden-

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baugh remodeled the building and fitted it up as a sanitarium and it was opened up to the public in the spring of 1910. The build- ing is an elegant brick edifice, three and four stories high, admirably adapted for the purposes of a sanitarium. The grounds in front are beautifully laid out in plots and walks and tastefully adorned with trees and flowers, whilst the elevated spot commands a most delightful view of the surrounding country.

In 1901 the Rev. Dr. E. J. Gwynn came to Martinsburg and organized an association for the purpose of establishing a school to be called the University of Southern Penn- sylvania, as described in the following cir- cular :

THE PEOPLE'S EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION. ORGANIZED SEPTEMBER 2, 1901.

Object: The Founding of the University of Southern Pennsylvania, of General Owner- ship, at Martinsburg, by Popular Subscrip- tion.

Dear Sir :- Your co-operation and influence are earnestly solicited in the educational in- terests of the youth of our land.

We are founding an institution for higher education for the special benefit of that large section of our state usually included under the title of South Central Pennsylvania, an area embracing the greater part of ten counties, wherein there is a deeply felt want and grow- ing demand for an educational institution of the nature intended to establish. It will be of general ownership so that any gift will con- tribute to the general good of all.

This institution will be chartered as the Uni- versity of Southern Pennsylvania. It will be non-sectarian in character. The scope of the university will consist of preparatory and normal, academic, collegiate and scientific de- partments, leading up to the highest develop- ment of a normal, classical and scientific edu- cation. A conservatory of music and a com- mercial department will also be added. The Rev. Edmund J. Gwynn, Ph. D., D. D., LL. D., a man of experience and ability in educational

work, will be the president. The faculty will be composed of some of the ablest instructors in the land.

A desirable site, containing sixteen acres and adjoining Martinsburg on the west, has been offered and accepted. It is elevated ground, commanding a magnificent view of the town, the beautiful surrounding country for many miles and the adjacent mountains. Competent judges pronounce this one of the best sites in the state for this purpose. On this height modern buildings will be erected with all the requirements for university purposes. It is the intention to have the main building completed in time for the opening of the university year next autumn.

The location of a university at Martinsburg is desirable because it is within easy access from a populous region, especially on the west and north, where are located Johnstown, Altoona, Tyrone, Hollidaysburg, Williamsburg and Roaring Spring. In other directions are grow- ing towns and populous agricultural districts, all exceedingly alive to the advantage and value of an education for their sons and daughters.

Attention is called to the exceptionally liealthful condition of this section, an ideal health resort, free from epidemics; in fact no cases of continual fevers or other diseases be- ing on record. The moral state of the com- munity is of the best.

Believing that you will be interested in as- sisting to bring about this great blessing, the People's Educational association has ordered this circular letter formulated and a copy sent to you. The generosity of yourself and friends will do much to inspire the young men and women to ideal lives of usefulness and in- fluence. We earnestly ask your influence and aid, not only in your own contribution, but in soliciting the co-operation and support of others in your community.

Please forward your contribution by check, bank draft, post office or express money order, payable to Mr. J. C. Sanders, treasurer, Mar- tinsburg, Pa., who will duly acknowledge all gifts.

Any further information will be cheerfully

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given by Wm. M. Bolger, D. D. S., secretary, Martinsburg, Pa.

Soliciting your aid and influence in the cause of higher education, and hoping to hear from you soon, we are

Very respectfully yours,

THE PEOPLE'S EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION.

As the subscription seemed to be liberal, work was commenced. The walls are con- structed of brown sandstone obtained at Hum- melstown, east of Harrisburg. Before the building was completed the treasurer had paid out of his private funds about $10,000 in ex- cess of the amount paid in. When an appeal was made to the association to meet this de- ficiency, August 4, 1904, it was found that the organization was so loosely made up that no one seemed to be responsible. This at once de- moralized the enterprise and threw it into a legal tangle. At the present time about $2,700 is bound up in the building not fully com- pleted and the ownership is a matter of litiga- tion. Some time after the organization the name was changed to the Keystone college.

Martinsburg contains besides the Juniata Collegiate institute a commodious public school building and eight church edifices, Lutheran, Methodist Episcopal, Presbyterian, German Re- formed, Church of God, Church of the Breth- ren and Brethren. It has two banks, one hotel, planing mill, foundry, two flour mills and a number of excellent stores. The Cove Echo, small weekly, was published during the years 1874-75 by Henry and John Brumbaugh and subsequently for a brief period by B. F. Leh- man. Lacking support, it was discontinued.

The Herald, a weekly paper, is published at present, and will receive due notice in the chapter treating on the press.

The following reminescences were obtained from David Wineland now in his ninety-second year, who was a lifelong resident in the vicinity of Martinsburg. His memory of occurrences and family connections is vivid and remark- able, but he does not pretend to fix dates.

Conrad Martin, Sr., was the owner of a large tract of land lying adjacent to and south

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Twentieth century history of Altoona and Blair County, Pennsylvania, and representative citizens, Part 58

Author: Sell, Jesse C 1872- Publication date: 1911 Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Publishing Number of Pages: 1036

Author: Sell, Jesse C 1872-
Publication date: 1911
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Publishing
Number of Pages: 1036