Saint Michael in Cambria County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lake Conemaugh
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009
1. Lake Conemaugh Marker
In 1889 the valley in front of you held one of the largest man-made lakes of its time, containing an estimated 480 million cubic feet of water. Lake Conemaugh extended from the dam just below this point more than 2 miles to your left, with an average width of 1/2 mile. The dam had been completed in 1853 to supply water for the Pennsylvania Main Line canal, but was abandoned a few years later when the railroad rendered the canal obsolete.
From 1881-1889 the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, an assocation of Pittsburgh steel and coal magnates, owned the dam and lake. On the opposite shore they built a 47-room clubhouse and 16 elegant cottages. Club members took to the water in rowboats and sailing canoes, as well as two fine steam yachts. Stocked bass and trout provided great sport.
However, by 1889, neglect and unsound alterations by the Club had dangerously weakened the dam.
“The fine body of water and the romantic surroundings of the place, it is thought, would make the resort the most popular on the mountain.” Johnstown Daily Tribune, August 10, 1885
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Dam Melts Away (here, next to this marker); The Unger House (a few steps from this marker); May 31, 1889 (within shouting distance of this marker); The South Fork Dam (approx. ¼ mile away); Johnstown Flood (approx. 0.7 miles away); American Legion Post 551 Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Saint Michael World War II Honor Roll (approx. 1.2 miles away); Allegheny Portage Railroad (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Saint Michael.
Also see . . . The dam was owned by the South Fork Fishing & Hunting Club. Johnstown Flood Museum website entry (Submitted on August 22, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009
2. Lake Conemaugh Marker
The Dam Melts Away Marker to right. Unger House at far right.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009
3. Rowboating on Lake Conemaugh
"provided an enjoyable diversion for club members and their families and guests. Although the location of this scene has not been verified, the activity shown might have been typical of Lake Conemaugh. Documented photos of the lake are rare."
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009
4. Cottages of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club in 1887.
"These handsome retreats, with connecting boardwalks, boathouses, and docks, were situated on the opposite shore of Lake Conemaugh."
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009
5. Club House of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club
"National Park Service to acquire South Fork club, which was at heart of Johnstown disaster"
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette website entry
Click for more information.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette website entry
Click for more information.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., June 26, 2009
6. Club House of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club Sign
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 3,912 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 22, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
