By Harold H. Strayer and Irving L. London

From Woodvale the water rushed over what is now the Gautier Works, cutting a clean swath. Rolands feed store on Railroad Street, a two story brick structure (still standing in 1964) withstood the current and helped divide the flood waters. One wave went down Washington Street and headed for the Stone Bridge while the other wave raged down Clinton Street to Bedford Street and the Stonycreek River.

This view from Green Hill clearly shows the path of destruction. No. 1 is the Wood, Morrell Company on Washington Street. No. Z is the MO Passenger Station while No. 3 is the Franklin Street Methodist Church. St. Joseph's Church on Railroad Street is No. 4.

The famous stone bridge built in 1887—was the main obstacle in the path of the flood. The bridge failed to move—even with debris piled 50 feet high. This caused a counter-current which rushed up the Stonycreek, taking with it many buildings that had come down the Conemaugh River a few minutes earlier. This counter-current was responsible for the great destruction and loss of life in Kernville.

This mass of debris included many humans and covered more than 60 acres. On the night of May 31st a fire broke out—cremating many of the victims. The fire burned for five days until it was extinguished by fire companies from Pittsburgh.