Death and Destruction
The DeadThe death toll stood at 2,209. 99 entire families were wiped out, 396 of them, children. 777 bodies were never identified, buried in unmarked graves.
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The HomelessThe flood caused 17 million dollars in damages. Over 1600 homes were destroyed. Tents and temporary shelters called "Oklahoma" houses were erected.
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IndustryFour square miles of Johnstown were obliterated. Train service in and out of Johnstown stopped. The Cambria Iron Works was completely destroyed.
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"The water rose and floated us until our heads nearly touched the ceiling. . .It was dark and the house was tossing every way. The air was stifling, and I could not tell just the moment the rest of the children had to give up and drown. . .what I suffered, with the bodies of my seven children floating around me in the gloom can never be told." - Anna Fenn Maxwell, survivor
Relief Effort
By June 5th, the newly organized Red Cross, led by Clara Barton, arrived in Johnstown. For five months, food, clothing and temporary shelter was provided to survivors. It was the first disaster relief effort of its kind. Barton would leave Johnstown a hero.
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Hounded by the media, members of the club donated to the relief effort. Frick and Pitcairn donated $5000, Carnegie $10,000. It did nothing to sway sentiments. Most members donated nothing.
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