The final dramatic role that the great
flood played in the lives of Johnstown people took place in
1892 when the Monument to the Unknown Dead was unveiled.
This impressive ceremony satisfied both the residents of the
new and rising city as well as the world at large. It
culminated nearly two years of planning and preparation to
give a noble and lofty sentiment to the victims of the
disaster.
The plan to rebury the dead was the idea
of Herman Baumer who thought that reinternment would
probably result in many more corpses being identified. The
Pennsylvania Flood Relief Commission liked the idea and
purchased 20,000 square feet in Grandview for the burial
plot. On October 21, 1889 reinternment began and funerals
were held over the graves of people whose bodies were
recognized during the transfer. The task was completed on
November 28.
In 1890 777 white marble markers were
sunk into the ground at the head of each grave. These shafts
were buried 27 inches deep in cement in order to give them a
firm and upright position.
The Flood Relief Commission gave $8,000
for the Monument for the Unknown Dead. The design was a
sarcophagus surmounted by three life-size figures
representing Faith, Hope and Charity. Made from Vermont
granite, the monument stands 21 feet high and weighs 35
tons.
The unveiling of the monument and the
dedication of the plot took place on. May 31, 1892. Ex
Governor Beaver and Governor Pattison came to Johnstown for
the services. A long procession, containing all the
prominent people of Johnstown, and all orders, followed the
Mineral City Band to Grandview. Company H, the City Guard,
stood at attention near the veiled statue. The band marched
around the monument, playing a dirge. The officials and
guests for the day stood at the foot of the statue,
surrounded by the thousands who came to witness the great
event. When the ripcord pulled the veils from the beautiful
memorial, all people bowed their heads, women wept and the
band played again. After the speeches the impressed throng
followed the winding road down into the valley. There was
little levity in the city that night because the scene which
they had witnessed was an intimate link with the tragic
past.
On May 30, 1964 more than 250 survivors
attended a banquet in their honor at the Cambria County War
Memorial. The highlight of the program was a 35mm slide
presentation and commentary of "THE JOHNSTOWN FLOOD." It was
given by the authors of this book from their vast
collection.
On May 31 a 75th Commemoration Service
was held at Grandview Cemetery. In what was probably the
last official gathering of this aged group, an impressive
ceremony was conducted and witnessed by all the survivors
who were able to attend, along with their relatives and
friends.
