By Harold H. Strayer and Irving L. London

The tremendous force of the water coming down Clinton Street not only destroyed many buildings but took many lives. The Louther - Green building at the corner of Main and Clinton Street was severely damaged with one corner torn out from pavement to roof. This building was repaired, went through the 1936 flood, and is still standing today. Three doors away stood the Merchant's Hotel. It was famous all over the East as a first-class hotel. Built of brick and four stories high, two persons lost their lives when part of the rear collapsed. It had to be torn down and a new hotel erected. Today, the J. C. Penny Store occupies this site.

The road to South Fork was closed on May 31, 1889! With lumber, houses, railroad cars and general debris piled three stories high it was impossible to get through. Animals and humans were also uncovered from the wreckage. This view from in front of the Johnstown Bank and Trust Company shows the Merchant's Hotel on the extreme left and the Louther - Green building the fourth building from the left. Green Hill and Frankstown road are in the background.