• A view of the South and North abutments of the South Fork Dam. The Visitor Center, Unger House, and Spring House are visible in the background. As is visible, a spur railroad line connects coal trains with the main line of the railroad.

    Johnstown Flood

    National Memorial Pennsylvania

Statement of R.M. Hersh

Q. Where were you employed as an operator at the time of the flood?
A. Conemaugh.

Q. How long had you been there?
A. Since 1886.

Q. What time did you go on duty on Friday? the [sic] day the dam broke?
A. 20 minutes of four in the afternoon. Four o'clock was the regular time to go on, but I went on 20 minutes of four that day.

Q. Who was there before you?
A. Cherry ( ? ) Haak.

Q. Do you know anything about any messages in regard to the condition of the South Fork dam?
A. No, sir, I didn't see or hear of any.


Did You Know?

bass

The South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club stocked the lake (which they called Lake Conemaugh) with one thousand black bass.