South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club

The South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club, comprised of wealthy industrialists from Pittsburgh, owned the dam on May 31, 1889. The area was their retreat from the busy, bustling city of Pittsburgh. Though prosperous, it was noisy, smoky, and humid. Lake Conemaugh, as the members called it, offered relaxation and recreation, as is evident from the name. Benjamin Ruff, the first president of the club, purchased the property for $2,000 in 1879. It was empty from a break during the Pennsylvania Railroad's ownership. The club spent $17,000 repairing and rebuilding the dam.

One of the articles of incorporation for the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club declared it's purpose; for the "protection and propagation of game and game fish, and the enforcement of all the laws of this State against the unlawful killing and wounding of the same."

Yearly membership dues were $50 by 1889.

The club would build a Club House and 16 cottages along Lake Conemaugh.

March 19, 1879
The club is incorporated as a non-profit organization.

November 15, 1879
The club filed an application for a charter in Alleghney County, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

November 17, 1879
The charter for the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club is approved by Judge Stowe.

October 15, 1879
The first mention of a new club is reported in the Johnstown Tribune. The article is titled "A New Summer Resort."

December 25, 1879
The first repairs to the dam were washed away by heavy rains.

March 15, 1880
The land is officially granted to the club. They owned over 600 acres.

Spring 1880
Under the supervision of Edward Pearson, the repair work on the dam resumes.

1881
The repairs are finished and the lake is stocked with black bass from Lake Erie.

July 28, 1881
The first entry in the Club House guest register is recorded. It is signed by club member John Hunt.

1885
A vote is held to expand the size of the Club House building.

August 22, 1885
A Regatta and Feast of Lanterns took place on Lake Conemaugh. This was an annual event.

1886
Most of the work on the Club House addition takes place.

January 20, 1887
The club completes their last of nine land purchases.

March 29, 1887
Benjamin Ruff, the first president and founder of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club dies.

April 13, 1887
Col. Elias J. Unger is voted in as the second president of the South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club.

Summer 1887
The Club House addition opens.

1888
The last cottages built on Lake Conemaugh are complete. This was also the club's last summer season.

May 1889
A $36,000 mortgage was taken out on the Club House, possibly to pay for upgrades.

May 31, 1889
The South Fork Dam fails around 3:10 p.m. sending 20 million tons of water down the Conemaugh Valley.

1889-1907
The "Johnstown Colony." The club structures were offerred to flood survivors needing shelter.

June 26, 1901
The club turns the entire property over to E. B. Alsop, a trustee of the club.

February 17, 1903
The property is deeded to George Harshberger.

February 25, 1904
A public auction takes place at the Club House and cottages.

1907
The town of St. Michael, a community surrounding the old resort, is created.