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Day Tripper: The Austin Flood Centennial Reminds Us Johnstown Wasn't The Only Flood

The second worst flood disaster in the state changed safety regulations for dams.

If you ask someone about flood disasters in Pennsylvania, the Johnstown Flood of 1889 probably is the first one that comes to mind.

But 100 years ago, the sixth worst flood in the United States, and the second worst in Pennsylvania, hit a small town north of Pittsburgh.

Austin, PA, was considered a booming town in 1911. More than 3,000 people lived there, many of them immigrants who came to the area to work in the lumber and paper mills.

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One of those mills was the Bayless Pulp and Paper Company, an industry that helped make Austin the hub of Potter County, according to historians.

David Brooks, executive director of the Potter County Visitors Association, said Bayless built an enormous concrete dam in 1909 that was 534 feet wide and 50 feet tall. While the structure was large, it wasn't exactly sturdy, Brooks said.

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“In order to save money, they cut corners when they built it,” he said.

On September 30, 1911, the dam broke, spilling nearly 400 million gallons of water on nearby areas. The flood killed 78 people and nearly destroyed the town of Austin.

A century later, Austin will commemorate the flood with the Austin Flood Centennial Sept. 30 through Oct. 2.

Brooks said there are many reasons why the celebration is important.

“There were so many stories behind the dam and the incident, but there were many outcomes as well,” he said.

Because of the disaster, the government changed safety regulations for future dams. The remains of the dam still are on site. In 1987 they were placed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Years later, the Bayless Mill burned down. Its remnants are a few miles from the dam ruins.

My family discovered the Austin Dam while returning  a trip up north. As we passed the ruins, we couldn’t believe the eerie site of the broken walls left behind. The vestiges of the paper mill were equally haunting.

When we returned home, we researched the area and learned about the disaster.

Austin, which is about three hours from the greater Pittsburgh area, welcomes visitors to the memorial event.

History buffs will enjoy seeing the town decked out in memorabilia that brings it back to the year 1911. Townspeople will be wearing period costumes, and there will be reenactments throughout the weekend.

Brooks said many stories of that day will be shared, including that of Cora Brooks, the town madam and his great-great aunt through marriage. 

“She ran the ‘house of ill repute’ and saw that the dam was failing, so she called town and warned people. Because of her, many lives were saved,” Brooks said. “Later, when she was arrested and faced charges, the townspeople came to her defense and she basically received a slap on the wrist.”

There will be several reenactments of her life by Margaret Crosby, who is married to a descendant of Cora Brooks, over the weekend.

The Austin Dam Park, the site of the ruins, is open for hiking, fishing, picnics and . It's also home to the annual music festival, the Dam Show

Other  slated for the Austin Flood Centennial are a reception for the victims’ families, a commemorative ceremony honoring the victims, other historical reenactments and performances, musical performances, vendors, hot air balloon rides and a showing of The Austin Disaster 1911: A Chronicle of Human Character.

Austin is a few miles from Route 6 in Potter County and is part the Pennsylvania Wilds. For a  schedule of events, visit www.austin2011.com.

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