Tyrone PastTimes Newsletter of the

Tyrone Area Historical Society P.O. Box 1850, Tyrone, Pennsylvania 16686

www.tyronehistory.org

Vol. XIX, No. 4 Fall 2009

President’s message: Once again the railroad has played a significant role in Tyrone history. Tyrone was chosen by 20th Century Fox to film a short portion of the movie “Unstoppable” starring Denzel Washington and Chris Pine to be released November 2010. Filming took place November 2nd- 4th on the section of track from 23rd St. through Tyrone on the Bald Eagle Nittany RR Line. The movie was shot from both the air and the ground. On Thursday, November 5th we were very pleased to welcome Dr. Barbara Zaborowski, Associate Dean for Learning Resources at the Pennsylvania Highlands Community College who presented a PowerPoint program entitled “Destination Freedom: The Main Line Canal and Underground Railroad”. She explained the role the Main Line Canal played in transporting slaves through Pennsylvania as they traveled to Canadian destinations. Her research is extensive and her presentation was very informative. During the fall season we featured an exhibit of photographs from Jeffrey Adams Collection entitled “Tyrone, Bridges to Prosperity”. The photos were a representation of many bridges in and around the Tyrone area. Bridges and transportation played an important role in the growth of Tyrone. We extend a special “thank you” to Jeffrey Adams for lending us a wonderful array of well documented photos. The Garman Building, 980 Pennsylvania Ave. is currently being demolished by G&R Excavating and Demolition. Mr. Glenn Ray’s crew has carefully removed two tin pieces of the façade above the entrance. One piece is a record of the date 1910 and the other is the name “GARMAN”. Robert R. Garman located his jewelry business in the building about 1910. A more complete article about the Garman building will appear in a future edition of “Tyrone PastTimes”. We thank Glenn Ray for donating these signs to the Society. The Christmas Exhibit at the Museum this year will be “The Many Books of Christmas”. The exhibit will open November 22nd through December 9th when the Museum will close for the winter season. Along with a wide variety of Christmas books, special Christmas items will be displayed to coordinate with the theme of each book. The Museum will be open Saturday, December 5th 1-4 PM as part of the Tyrone Yuletyme celebration. Happy Holiday Season! Nancy A. Smith President

2

Fall 2009

Tyrone PastTimes

Trivia Quiz Tyrone PastTimes Published quarterly as a benefit for members by the ... TYRONE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY Viola Dollar, Editor [email protected] 684-5784 Since its founding in 1990, the Tyrone Area Historical Society has pledged itself to preserving, interpreting, and encouraging community interest in the unique history of the Tyrone area to ensure that present and future generations can share in and understand their rich heritage. The Historical Society has an active board of directors; a museum; a research library; a growing list of supporting members, contributions, and memorials; and continuing donations of Tyrone-related artifacts and documents. The Tyrone History Museum is located in the Railroad Station, at the Tyrone Rail Park and is open Sundays and Wednesdays from 1 to 4 P.M. (except during the winter). The Office/ Research Library is located in the Tyrone Shopping Center and is open Wednesdays year-round from 1 to 4 P.M. The telephone number is 684-5141. The Society is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, educational organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Gifts are deductible for income tax purposes (Tax ID # 251630230). BOARD OF DIRECTORS President ...................................................... Nancy A. Smith 632-5369 [email protected] Vice President........................................... Richard H. Searer 684-1654 [email protected] Secretary.......................................................... Suzie Johnson 684-0601 Treasurer/ Collections Committee Chair ..............Lori Eckert 684-4264 Membership Committee Chair..........................Marge Hoyer 684-7376 [email protected] Webmaster....................................................................... Charlie Hoyer [email protected] Publicity Committee Chair ............................. Susie O’Brien 684-1873 [email protected] Director-at-Large............................................ Amanda Bock 684-1871 [email protected] Director-at-Large......................................... C. Burley Zerbe 684-3045 [email protected]

1. What top selling vocalist and pianist of the 1920s grew up on the 1300 block of Lincoln Avenue? 2. What local chain of hardware stores opened a store in the freight yard and stored their lumber in old Tyrone Division buildings. Hint: Faye Steele was seen behind the counter. 3. What was the name embossed on the old yellow pavers used around Tyrone. Hint: The name was part of a rail line that was based in Tyrone and they were shipped on that line. 4. What sign was painted on the building at 14th Street and Logan Avenue facing Logan School and was a common name in Tyrone at one time. 5. What was the name of the family who operated a large wood mill on the 1500 block of Lincoln Avenue and built a “Southern Style” house there? 6. What was a common local name for Lincoln Avenue from 16th Street to 23Rd Street? 7. Before automatic crossing arms what did one encounter at 14th Street at the railroad? 8. Penny candy and pop could be had at this store that once was among a dozen businesses clustered around Logan School. 9. When Logan School was being replaced in the early 1950s, where were classes held? 10. What structure was razed on Lanners Street and Logan Avenue to make way for the new Logan classrooms? Answers on page 9

In Memoriam Robert & Brenda Buck, of Tyrone Chief Logan Enterprise Inc. (Jeffrey S. Adams, CEO), of Philadelphia Rod Irvin, of North Fort Myers, Fla. Nevin & Karen Gay Johnson, of Newark, Del. Connie Seavey, of Middletown, Pa.

Pauline A. Albright 1919-2009 Peg Brower 1921-2009

Fall 2009

3

Tyrone PastTimes

J. K. Johnston, Industrialist… and Friend. By Jeffrey Adams Tyrone was born as a direct result of the Industrial Revolution. Its strategic geography sparked an interest that drew speculators to this verdant, yet muddy location. After a few short years, the infant railroad company that would become The Pennsylvania Rail Road decided to place a depot at Tyrone City in 1853. At the same time, a new breed of individuals began to emerge in American’s consciousness. They would come to be known as “Captains of Industry”. In July 1889, a young man hurried from the Tyrone train station divisional offices headed for the Ward House and a noon meal. The sound of the dinner bell at the North Star Tannery startled him from his deep thought. He realized that he had not told his wife of an important decision he had just made. John Kilgore Johnston rushed back to the depot to send a wire. “Mattie, I have accepted a position. We will be moving to Tyrone. J. K” he dictated to the telegrapher. His wife of three years, Martha Jones Johnston was in Altoona. In the nine years he had been with the company, this would be his fifth appointment with the Pennsylvania Railroad. Mr. Johnston was about to assume the position of Assistant Supervisor for the Tyrone Division. The Johnston family, John, Martha, and two children became residents of Tyrone in 1888. Before being called to supervise the Middle Division at Mifflin, Pennsylvania in late 1889, J. K. Johnston had transferred his talents to being Assistant Engineer at the Tyrone Division yards. In the ensuing years, the Johnston family was shuttled six more times across the state. Two more children entered the brood. A series of supervisory positions and

construction management jobs for the railroad company had brought the Johnston name to the attention of the Board of the company. In the 1896 fiftieth anniversary volume of the Pennsylvania Railroad, Mr. Johnston found his biography among the many great laborers honored therein. It was now time to raise a family and enjoy a hearth and home with the Johnston name on the door. The opportunity that brought Martha Johnston her long awaited wishes came in 1903. While stationed in Altoona again for a year as principal assistant engineer of operations, Mr. Johnston got a wire from headquarters that he was requested to locate immediately to Tyrone. He had been promoted to Supervisor of the Tyrone Division on the retirement of the well respected Samuel S. Blair, who had held the position for over thirty years. Arriving at the station late October 1903, the Johnston’s stepped off of the train and surveyed what was now their hometown. The depot at Tyrone was a beehive of activity. One of the busiest stops in the Main Line of the PRR, it was also one of the most picturesque. Trains converged here from every direction as Mr. Johnston informed his family that this was the furthest point north on the map that the main line traveled. Their new home was not quite ready for their occupancy, so Mrs. Johnston had phoned ahead for a suite of rooms at the Hotel Myron at 1214 Pennsylvania Avenue. She had read in the Tribune that there were usable fire places on the premises. Their son, little John K. junior was not feeling well. (He was the only Johnston child that would not live to adulthood). An

4

Tyrone PastTimes

Fall 2009

omnibus representing the Myron awaited them and their luggage. Although it was only fourteen years since Mr. Johnston had worked in Tyrone, the whole operation of the Pennsylvania System had changed. Over the previous decades, the PRR had forged westward into other states. The company absorbed branch lines and smaller operations along the way. It signed contracts with those that would not sell out completely. The great Pennsylvania merged with or had an interest in 800 other companies controlling 10,000 miles of track at its peak. Eventually, the operation would control street rails in some cities and contract inter-urban bus companies where its rails did not reach. Air service for mail delivery was eventually incorporated. It began aptly using the subtitle, “The Standard Railroad of the World”. With the increase in commerce, the rails system A candid shot of the Johnston Family relaxing in their dining room was shared was completely rebuilt before the turn of the with us by his great grand daughter, Laura Scott Bordas of Phillipsburg. Mr. and Twentieth Century. New depots appeared, Mrs. Johnston receive coffee from their butler while their three daughters sit bridges were widened or replaced with stone around the table in the Lincoln Avenue house. and new tunnels leading to Tyrone on the east were dug at Spruce Creek. The most noticeable change walled embankment greeted them when they made their came with the doubling of the roadbed. When 1900 way uptown. The Pennsylvania Railroad had purchased the dawned, what had been a single track in 1846 was now a home at 1459 Lincoln Avenue suitable for rail employees full four track system across the state. Tyrone grew with being relocated. The central hallway divided twin parlors immigrants seeking employment at the facilities located and led to a dining area. Large over mantle mirrors here. reflected gas chandeliers. An addition on the rear contained ample kitchen and pantry facilities. In addition On November 1, 1903, John Kilgore Johnston took over to the sizable family bedrooms, a staircase led from the control of the Tyrone yards as Superintendent. What was kitchen to rooms in the addition for servants that might on the minds of his family was their new home. A stay on the premises. splendid classical revival frame house sitting on a stone What excited Martha Johnston was the spacious front porch. It afforded her a view of their small park across the

In 1903 J. K Johnston took over the Tyrone Division of the PRR to head its affairs and continue his distinguished career. His home was here at 1459 Lincoln Avenue. Gardens were tended on both sides of the street. His wishes became reality when the lower gardens were granted to the Borough of Tyrone to become Soldiers Park and the American Legion moved into the house.

A natural stone walk bridge originally connecting the house with the greenhouses. A stone arch bridge for street traffic on Lincoln is just beyond this one.

Fall 2009

Tyrone PastTimes

avenue and to the greenhouses just north of the house which provided fresh cuttings most of the year. Mr. Johnston looked at it as a place to observe his domain. The rail yards ended at the foot of his property and all comings and goings could be noted. The property was one of the most unique in the borough. It was divided by Sinking Run which diverted water from an underground spring at the rear of the property. This stream continues to the Bald Eagle creek. It was placed underground as Tyrone grew. A natural stone walk bridge crossed the stream to the greenhouses just beyond the kitchen door. The Pennsylvania Railroad placed a stone arch bridge on Lincoln Avenue at the front of the property in 1888. At this writing, it is the oldest in Blair County.

5

the fact it was a dividing line between two boroughs. The old Glen Hope turnpike ended here. Glen Hope, a distant logging town marketed through Tyrone. The journey was difficult, but beautiful. The natural laurels and the stream wound up to an area later named Janesville. The lower portion, now Fifteenth Street, was Glen Avenue to East Tyrone (this actually being more northwest of Tyrone proper). This little borough grew up around the Tyrone Yards and had its own station. Many Italian immigrants settled here. The two boroughs expanded to become one in 1893. Mr. Johnston set about his first task. This entailed a complete inspection of all facilities of the Tyrone Yards for the division. As of this writing, it is nearly impossible to fathom the vast mechanics of this now vanished part of our community. A glimpse of an 1895 map is startling. Beginning at Fourteenth Street bound by Burley Avenue to the south and Lincoln Avenue to the north, the yards spread forward from a freight station and the old YMCA. Within two blocks the West Virginia Paper Company with its bleach plant and the divisional fire tower and elevated coal tracks converged into a mass of industrial confusion. The yards stretched for three miles to Vail. For part of this course, twelve trains could operate side by side on tracks.

Geologically speaking, Stony Point is an unusual exposed limestone formation with the strata running vertically. Its twin is on the other side of the paper mill. The field at its base has seen evangelical camp meetings, baseball games and was once a quarry. An underground chasm sends water under the hill to a distant spring near Ninth Street.

A large vertical limestone out-cropping protruded from the ground and dominated this end of town. Although maps may refer to this as Blair’s Point, locals have always called it Stony Point. It was at this location in the early years of Tyrone that stone was quarried. Mrs. Johnston encouraged the gardener to plant sunflowers and maintain fruit trees here. A path led from the rear of the property and meandered up to a gazebo placed firmly on the apex of the hill where A view of the whole town could be had. Another significance of this property was An amalgamation of Tyrone’s two largest industries is shown with the roof of the Tyrone Division Round House at the lower left. The bleach plant of the West Virginia Paper Company and the powerhouse are on the right. The plants became entangled on the bend of the Bald Eagle Creek.

Just opposite the Paper Mill were the lower shops, emergency facilities, and a brick round house for maneuvering locomotives to opposing tracks. A chimney appeared above each bay to allow the boilers to idle. Once fired, a locomotive is never shut down except for repair. The master mechanic was located next to this, for many years this was J. A. Beamer. Beyond this point, the East Tyrone yard master occupied a tower that oversaw the cars and crews under his charge. Further along were the repair shops. The mountain routes above Tyrone could play a toll on the cars. They were brought here for refurbishing. A good force of men could be found here working. At the northern end of the yards were the scales and the office of the weight master. All

6

Tyrone PastTimes

Fall 2009

equipment was weighed and recorded as it passed this point. To complete a picture of the yards would be the thousands of tons of coal piled high with the wood ranks for the paper mill that lined the eastern side of the properties hugging the Bald Eagle Creek. The employees took an instant liking to Mr. Johnston. He gained their highest respect. They did not balk at his plans for a more efficient operation. The greatest test of his faith in his subordinates took place in 1904. That year a national shop strike was orchestrated. J. K. Johnston rose early that morning and reported the office at the yards instead of the downtown depot offices where he normally conducted business. Shortly before seven he heard the doors open and shut. Soon he heard the punch clock. An office clerk entered with a nod and put his hat on the hook. Within minutes a line had formed outside. The men of the Tyrone Shops were the only workers reporting for duty in the country that day. John Kilgore Johnston had plans for his new hometown. It is reasonable to assume that since he was a member of the Harrisburg club that he quite possibly joined in some of the debating among the congregants. Over gin and cigars and occasional card games, many ideas were thrown about that had a profound effect on the American way of life. The club was on the corner of Market Street where it hits the Susquehanna River at Front Street in Harrisburg. Here, after 1900, a group of Pennsylvania citizens began public speaking engagements on community improvement and better use of public land. The consensus was the idea that citizens should have at their disposal places to meet and services provided for them on their leisure time. This became known as the “City Beautiful Movement”. Municipal parks, paved streets, and upgraded buildings across the country were a direct result of this. What Mr. Johnston envisioned was a reward for his employees after a grueling day at work. They worked long hours and dedicated themselves to make the division run smoothly. And he set about bringing to Tyrone some rd pretty substantial changes. On divisional land at 23 Competitions took place at the Athletic Park between rail employees, semi-professional baseball teams and leagues formed by civic group in the community. It also gave the developing sports curriculum at the new high school well managed playing fields to use. Here we see a track meet circa 1920. The sprinter in the lead represents Tyrone High School and is closely followed by an opponent from Altoona.

Street crossed by the old turnpike out of Tyrone (Adams Avenue extension) land was cleared in 1912 and leveled for the Athletic Field. Placed here was everything from a swimming pool to a baseball stadium. A golf course traversed the northern end and a stream was diverted through the park and extensively landscaped. Few parks of this caliber existed in the state. Now, in addition to Stevens Park (renamed Reservoir Park in the 1930s) and various smaller cultivated green areas around town, Tyrone became known far and wide for its beauty. These acres of well attended land were added to the Logan Valley street rail system giving this end of town a rapid transit to downtown. In the meantime, a large hole had been dug on Logan Avenue above Herald Street. Mr. Johnston had secured funds for a new PRR YMCA. This well equipped facility would rival most cities in Pennsylvania. All of this was in place for what could be described as the Rail Road Olympics. The Eastern Division of the PRR, which encompassed all works from Philadelphia to Altoona, began a successful athletic movement that would have the participation of 15,000 rail employees. This Athletic Association would promote camaraderie and competition.

Fall 2009

Tyrone PastTimes

Although The Tyrone YMCA had over 700 registered members, the number on the competition roster for 1916 representing Tyrone was 1,862 men. Competitors met in March of 1916 at Tyrone where the indoor itinerary included pocket billiards, shuffleboard, volleyball, tug-ofwar, basketball, and bowling. Athletes from Twelve divisions over the next few years would show up for baseball, tennis, track and various other outdoor sports. Unusual games played by various divisions at other locations in the area included rugby football, soccer football, and indoor rifle shooting. Players shuttled from the Athletic Field to Cricket Field in Altoona by street car. Extra cars were placed on trains to accommodate the thousands of spectators that showed up at Tyrone to enjoy the events. When the railroad construction crews were erecting the new PRR YMCA, plans called for a central auditorium accessed by a wide staircase of quarter-sawn oak. The doors opened onto the scene of frescoed plaster and large tiffany styled hanging domes. A wide stage greeted the patrons. Mrs. Johnston and the family had a private booth convenient to the side of the stage. J. K. Johnston was developing a cultural surprise for Tyrone when planning this great hall. John Phillips Sousa of Sands Pointe, New York was band master for five presidents and was an accomplished musician in his own right. An American icon, he formed his own band and performed for over five decades. The Middle Division, with offices in Tyrone, had a band, as did the Tyrone Division. J. K. Johnston set about luring members of the elite Sousa establishment to abandon their post and to “come to where the air is fresh and the hills are green”. Soon eight top-notch musicians found themselves at the head of Pennsylvania Avenue ready to report for duty. Assigned as watchmen or other non-labor jobs, these men spent a few hours at the shop and then reported to the YMCA with the rest of the band each afternoon to spend hours practicing. The 65 member concert band had weekly concerts on the stage back-dropped with a hand painted canvas mural of the grand entrance to the Parisian Opera House commissioned by W.F. Wise and Company. This nationally recognized business was just two blocks from the Y building. The Tyrone Shop Band traveled by rail throughout the central region performing concerts. LEHIGH STATION In 1916, Charles Schwab, president of Bethlehem Steel phoned Mr. Johnston with an idea. He proposed a project to provide through passenger service between Pittsburgh and Easton using the Bald Eagle Valley as the link. Trains would run to Mt. Carmel whence they would switch to run onto Lehigh Railroad tracks. A small station was built west of the main depot in Tyrone bearing the sign “Lehigh”. This way, trains would not have to back into the main depot and would continue right onto the Bald Eagle tracks

7

after accepting passengers. The new gleaming dining parlor car aroused great interest. The train was a tremendous success. The Depression caused a discontinuance of this link to the northeast. The route was replaced by busses. Tyrone had its playing fields, a band that was considered by many to be the best in the state, and a new YMCA. Another institution developed about the same time and should be mentioned. As a direct result of the revenue generated by Mr. Johnston with his successes at the Tyrone Divisional yards, the taxes being paid to the Tyrone Borough were accumulating. It was time for Tyrone to have a new high school to call its own. Dedicated October 11, 1911, the class of 1912 left the rooms upstairs at Logan School to occupy THS on Lincoln Avenue. Although the edifice was far too large the first few years of operation, within a generation it would become necessary to more than double the capacity of the school. These monumental gifts put in place by Mr. Johnston echoed the creed of the City Beautiful movement.

It is certain that his position at the railroad was demanding. However, Mr. Johnston had many varied interests in addition to transportation. A scientist at heart, he won wide recognition of his intensive research of the bituminous coal beds of the state. He engaged in a special study for the Pennsylvania Railroad and had published a 209 page report of his findings. He would also serve as the president of the Moshannon Coal Company near Phillipsburg located along the Tyrone and Clearfield branch of the Tyrone Division lines. As a man of privilege and befitting his station in life, Mr. Johnston had a private Pullman car that could be attached as a caboose to a train scheduled in the direction he wished to travel. When U. S. Representative Charles Hedding Roland of Centre County dedicated the Roland Theatre in June 1917, the Johnston Family’s private car was parked on a nearby siding. A contingency of family, well wishers and Tyrone businessmen attended the reception in Phillipsburg. Mr. Johnston and Representative Roland were associates in the same coal company. Safety was a major concern with the Pennsylvania Railroad. Each year since its inception, the company

8

Tyrone PastTimes

examined every detail of every accident and made strides to improve operations. A safety first convention was held each year to present new findings. John Kilgore Johnston was an advocate of these goals. At the U. S. Patent office there is on file dated July 26, 1908, a patent issued to this Tyrone, Pennsylvania resident. Mr. Johnston had devised an automatic signal tower to inform trainmen of track conditions ahead. A series of lights and signal arms could be seen both day and night. When the Railway Association assembled in Chicago in 1923 it was discovered that every safety item on the itinerary to be discussed had already been implemented at the Tyrone Division by Mr. Johnston. Mr. Johnston had been promising his wife Mattie a place of their own. Being a rail official with many interests could be demanding as far as the number of visitors that must be seen. The kitchen staff had no problems keeping up, but sometimes it seemed that a place to use as a get-away would be nice. With this in mind, J. K. Johnston purchased a hillside plot on the far side of the bluff. This beautiful spot had been isolated as Tyrone grew but was becoming a neighborhood. 1400 North Avenue became the site of activity when a Pennsylvania Railroad construction crew arrived to excavate the side of the hill and erect a natural stone house in the colonial revival style following the plans that J. K. had given to his wife on her birthday. The 1920s saw the family following the old nature trail over the hill to watch the progress. Young J.K Jr. was departed this life and the three daughters were grown. A granddaughter, Suzanne Kanour, joined the household as her mother Jesse continued to live with the Johnstons. Mr. Johnston was an accomplished speaker and a painter. His three daughters Alfreda, Marjorie, and Jesse all followed suit and pursued an education in the arts. Their

Fall 2009

home was decorated with many oil paintings. Mr. Johnston, being a civic minded individual decided to place paintings in the community. Each grade school was presented with a framed canvas of a president. There was a painting of Scout Master “Uncle John” Lyon Porter on public display for many years. Ironically, a work that Mr. Johnston commissioned of Howard Gardner, the first city resident to give his life in the First World War was hung in the house at 1459 Lincoln Avenue which became the Howard Gardner Post of the American Legion after Mr. Johnston moved out. A blow came to the Tyrone Economy in 1929. Proceedings at rail headquarters which commenced in 1925 eliminated the Old Tyrone Division effective May 29, 1929. The Middle Division consumed the main line duties and the Williamsport Division took the Bald Eagle Valley lines. This was before the stock market crash in October of that year. Many workers were transferred from the area and the divisional shops closed. Mr. Johnston was immediately promoted to assistant general superintendent of the Eastern Pennsylvania Division and its headquarters were relocated to Tyrone station to accommodate him. On June 30, 1930, J. K. Johnston was awarded a gold pin for over a half century of service to the company. He retired from his executive position and became a full-time consultant. This meant he could still maintain an office in the Tyrone station. Mr. Johnston was pleased to see the community did not fully collapse with the loss of the Tyrone Shops. Consequently, the lost revenue of the division resulted in Tyrone losing two of its banking firms, The Farmers and Merchants National Bank and the First National Bank. First National was forced to merge with its friendly rival, The Blair County National Bank on the opposite corner. Most businesses continued through the hard times. And with the arrival in 1933 of Reliance Manufacturing Company in the depth of the Depression, Tyrone weathered the hard times better than most communities. Mrs. Martha Johnston died January 6, 1938. Her husband of nearly fifty–two years continued on, painting and reading his many books. Ever proud of his heritage, he wrote a manuscript of the Kilgore family tracing his linage from his birth at Pleasant Unity, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania in 1860 back to Ireland and then Scotland in 1549. This writing has been studied for its genealogical value by thousands since.

On the opposite side of the bluffs at Stony Point at 1400 North Avenue, John Kilgore Johnston consulted with PRR engineers to build one of the regions finest homes. This Colonial Revival summer house was perched on a cool and quiet bluff. A wide path led from the rear of the house to an overlook and the path wound down to his house on Lincoln Avenue.

On the morning of July 10, 1942, WFBG radio began the 7:00 news broadcast detailing the German offensive in the Caucasus in search of oil and continued with news of General MacArthur in Corregidor. After a brief pause the announcer read that local information from Phillipsburg Hospital confirms that John Kilgore Johnston, late of Tyrone has died at 4:30 in the morning. He went on to comment that few men have found themselves in the capacity to be able to contribute selflessly to the everyday lives of citizens

Fall 2009

Tyrone PastTimes

9

as this one man had. Johnston and his wife are buried in Tyrone’s Grand-view cemetery. The Tyrone Division at the peak of its business had a payroll of $1,000,000 monthly in 1925 dollars. $450,000.00 of that stayed in Tyrone. In today’s dollars, the amount that was spent in Tyrone by its employees and taxes gathered would translate to roughly $70 million a year from just this segment of the industry. This revenue placed Tyrone’s capital base at the rate of a city of a much larger population. All of those who lived or visited here could enjoy the benefits of a diverse and plentiful market economy. When an operation runs smoothly, expands output and generates a profit, the C.E.O takes credit for the performance of his subordinates. John Kilgore Johnston stressed that any credit for the achievements of the Tyrone Division belong to the common laborers. Yet, he could delight in one colossal accomplishment. A single track led down the Bald Eagle Valley. It was shared by locomotives hauling bricks, millions of tons of coal and lumber from the vast reaches of the state. These came from the Tyrone Clearfield branch lines and feed lines to the Bald Eagle Railroad. A world record was broken here and still stands: more freight was hauled over this single track than any spot on Earth in a single year. And this took place under Mr. Johnston’s watch. Mr. and Mrs. Johnston’s continuing legacy can be seen each day by passing Soldiers Park. This land given to the borough is home to the honor roll and memorial that Mr. Johnston personally commissioned for his trainmen and the citizens of his adopted hometown after WWI.




Thank you to Jeffrey Jeffrey Adams, Ginny Dollar, Dollar, and Gary Griffith for use of their pictures and postcards in this issue of Tyrone PastTimes.

Increased automobile traffic required filling stations throughout the borough. This business constructed was constructed by John C. Yenter in 1930 where the PRR greenhouses had stood. Total cont of the building and equipment was $3,646.99. Gas sold for 19 cents after tax. In 1946 highway 453 commenced at this point. It was known as the Curwensville Tyrone highway and scaled Janesville. The station, run by Mr. Kingston, stood into the late 1960s when the corner was rounded for safety because of increased school traffic.

10

Fall 2009

Tyrone PastTimes

that he had lived

After growing up in Tyrone, my career in the USAF took me away in 1976 not to return on a permanent basis

H O W I S Y O U R M E MO R Y ? (OF THE LAST 50 YEARS)

through an earlier flood in the town and how he remembered seeing outhouses and

until 2001. Over those years Tyrone has undergone many changes. I remember the

people floating by his house. He told me the people

town looking quite dingy in the early 70’s, but the turn of

looked like they were enjoying it. Some were rescued as

the century seems to have given new life to the town. Go

they went by the porch roof. Lastly there was a lady who

for a walk and you see fresh paint, new construction,

approached me visibly upset. I explained to her what I

repairs being made to older structures and people just

was doing, showed her the letter and my ID. She stated

out for a stroll. After returning and purchasing an old

she felt that I was an undercover cop and I was taking

house of my own I found myself trying to remember

pictures of suspected “drug” houses. She had no

what the town looked like in the 60’s and I couldn’t. If

problem with me taking a picture of her house, it was the

time travel was possible like it is in the movies I would

rest of the neighborhood she had problems with. To this

love to go back and see Tyrone 40, 60 and 100 years

day I don’t think she believed my story.

ago. However, the only way to travel back in time is through the memories of the residents and looking at the old postcards and photos everyone wants to collect.

With this phase of the project completed I decided to expand it slightly. I want to put the names of the occupants with the buildings downtown. I am strictly

With that thought in mind I approached the Historical

limiting this to the businesses on Logan, 10 Street, and th

Society with an idea for a project that I would like to do

Pennsylvania Ave. With the aid of the Sanborn maps

for them and the town. I wanted to record Tyrone as it is

and directories most of this information is available up to

right now, in pictures. My original project was to take a

1960 so there are 49 years of history missing. I have no

picture of every building in the Borough. This project

memories of this time frame as I was not living here but it

was way too big for me to handle along with my work

does exist in the memories of this newsletter’s avid

schedule, my involvement with the Tipton Volunteer Fire

readers. This is where I need your help. Pick a building,

Department and my family. I started taking pictures in

for example: the present day OIP Restaurant. What was

2007, as weather and foliage permitted, and to date I

there before OIP and which years it was there? Write the

have taken over 1100 photographs. I have covered the

information down for as many buildings you can and

area from 3 street to the Papermill and Belmont Avenue

send this information to the Historical Society at PO Box

to I-99. The oldest part of town is documented and for

1850 Tyrone 16686, Attention Photography Project; or, to

the present time this is where my project will stop with

[email protected].

the pictures.

occupant of the building is in your response. It will make

rd

Please state who the present

it easier for us to compile the data. As I wandered the streets I was armed with a letter of explanation from the Society President just in case

Now you are thinking, what is going to happen to all

someone questioned my presence and why I was taking

this information and pictures? Presently my wife and I

a picture of “their” house. After taking all those pictures I

are entering it onto spreadsheets. Once that is

only had three people question me. I did have a lot of

completed they will be given to the Historical Society to

stares from windows but only three brave souls came

become a permanent record of Tyrone in pictures from

out and stopped me. There was one lady that after

2007 to 2009 and a comprehensive list of downtown

explaining what I was doing simply stated, “That sounds

merchants. I can’t complete this project without your

like a good idea”. The other two encounters were a bit

help. Please think kindly toward my request so that

stranger. An older gentleman was sitting on his porch

future generations can “see” the Tyrone we remember.

when I approached. I explained to him what I was doing

Thank you.

and he asked me if I minded if he posed for the picture. I didn’t and he turned out to be quite a ham. He told me

Bob Dollar

Fall 2009

11

Tyrone PastTimes

A Special Thank You to Our Corporate Members

JEFF S. LONG CONSTRUCTION

CHIEF LOGA E TERPRISES I C.

Answers to the Trivia Quiz 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Tom Waring of Waring’s Pennsylvanians Clasters “Clearfield” pavers J. C. McCONAHY’S SHOE STORE Beyer The “Cinder Path” The watchman’s shack. (It was moved to Fred Imhoff’s back yard at 1459 Pennsylvania Avenue after it was “retired”.) 8. Danaway’s 9. The E. U.B Sunday School Building around the corner on Pennsylvania Avenue. 10. The Baptist Church

MILES FINANCIAL SERVICES

Correction: My apologies to Edward Schlosser for the error in his story of the Rupert family in the last issue of the newsletter. I listed the house he visited Minerva in as being on 10th Street and it was not. It was, and still is, across from Nealmont on route 550. Thanks to his mother, Millie Schlosser, for visiting and showing it to me! Viola Dollar

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Altoona, Pa. Permit No. 238

PO Box 1850 Tyrone, PA 16686

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED