Johnstown in Cambria County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Alma Hall
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 26, 2026
1. Alma Hall Marker
Οn May 31, 1889, Alma Hall escaped destruction although its first two stories were under water. Through the night, 264 survivors reached the safety of its upper floors. Attorney James Walters, clinging to a piece of wreckage, was swept through a window into his own office in the Hall. Dr. W.E. Matthews delivered two babies in the Hall, in spite of his own injuries, and Rev. David Beale was called on to lead the terrified assembly in a prayer. In his words, "That was, indeed, a solemn and impressive occasion. In this service Jews and Gentiles, Catholics and Protestants, Africans and Chinamen united... It is doubtful if anyone in that entire building on that awful night refused to pray to his Maker."
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Notable Buildings • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is May 31, 1889.
Location. 40° 19.514′ N, 78° 55.107′ W. Marker is in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in Cambria County. It is on Main Street east of Gazebo Park, on the right when traveling east. Main Street is a one-way street that only heads east at this
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Central Park (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Johns (within shouting distance of this marker); Monument to the 54th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Greater Johnstown Flood Victims (within shouting distance of this marker); Tribune Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Johnstown Veterans and War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); 28th Military Police Monument (within shouting
Photographed by Bradley Owen, August 26, 2026
2. Alma Hall Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 17, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 17, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
