Walking Tour of Old Westmont
Written by Margie Fusco Courtesy of Johnstown Area Heritage Association www.jaha.org
This walking tour has been compiled by the Johnstown Area Heritage Association with funding from the U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service, 1989. Introduction:
From its early year, Johnstown's Cambria Iron Company recognized the relationship between plentiful, low-cost housing and a satisfied work force. As early as 1856, just four years after the company's founding, the Cambria Iron Company owned 200 houses in Johnstown, which it rented or sold to workers.
Over the years the company built approximately 1,000 residential buildings. These ranged from wooden shanties with no modern conveniences, erected hastily to handle the influx of workers for the Gautier Mill, to wood and brick structures with modern services (sometimes at no cost) that were rented to the skilled workers.
But the apogee of Cambria Iron Company's years as a landlord came shortly after the 1889 Flood, when Yoder's Hill, overlooking the city form the west, was turned into a residential development, served by the Incline Plane. There, 600 acres of pastureland the iron company had used for the horses and mules that worked in the company mines became a housing development. The project was given to landscape architect Charles R. Miller, who had designed the Philadelphia Centennial Grounds in 1876 and Grandview Cemetery a few years earlier.
Westmont, which became a borough in 1892, is commonly thought today to have been a wealthy community, but the first houses the iron company erected, pre-dating the Incline, were a series of tenement houses rented to day laborers. From the beginning, Westmont was intended to be a mixed development. The reputation may have arisen because many of the homes closest to the Incline were built for management personnel, and the later Elm Grove development along Luzerne Street was intended for those of upper income. However, throughout the rest of Westmont, the houses of superintendents and foremen intermingled with those of skilled and unskilled workers to create a community.
Housing built by the iron company served as rental units, but was intended to be sold off to employees at low cost, with mortgages available through the Westmont Land and Development Co.,Ltd., a company formed by Cambria Iron. The company's slogan was that good housing, made available by the company, would help keep employees living in the area and loyal to their employer.
Westmont was developed in two sections with the main growth from 1892-1905 in the older district and around World War I. in the newer district. Here the most exclusive homes in Westmont were built, creating a dramatic fringe for the border of the borough.
Edgehill Avenue 1. T. Hamilton House -- 528 Edgehill Dr. Built between 1893 and 1895, this is one of the largest homes in Westmont. Thomas F. Hamilton, a superintendent at Cambria Steel Co., bought property from the Cambria Iron Company in 1893. By 1895, its assessed value had risen to $3,400 because of the immense house Hamilton had built. The stone first floor features a wrap-around porch with hipped roof and a port-cochere on the west side. The second floor is stucco with Tudor-style half timbers. [back to top]
2. J. Zimmerman Hous -- 131 Greene St.
Built around 1900, this house is one of several works of local architect Walter Myton that appear on this tour. Myton is credited with designing the Johnstown City Hall, about 40 residences and numerous businesses and churches around the region. His work does not represent a single style, but rather is a reflection of his clients' tastes and preferences and the popular architectural styles of the day. This home is in the Queen Anne Style, with its usual curvilinear, turreted cupola. It was built in 1902. The property, a double lot, also included a stable. [back to top]
3. Hay House -- 143 Greene St.
Built between 1892-95 for Harry M. Hay, a merchant. The assessed value of the home in 1895 was $2,000. The extensive ornamentation is typical of the period, from the gabled roof to the ornate entrance. The pediment over the front door features a dentiled cornice and fluted Ionic columns. [back to top]
4. Keedy House -- 202 Greene St.
Built between 1893-95, Thomas P. Keedy was assistant supervisor for Cambria Iron Co. This single lot cost Keedy $750 in 1893. Behind the main house is a two-story addition that was apparently built later. Note the expensive use of wooden shingles, from the dormers on the roof to the wrap-around porch. [back to top]
5. Gardner House -- 203-209 Greene St.
Built in 1909, Johnathan Gardner, a lumberman and merchant originally built two houses on the double lot here. Leaded glass helps to enhance this house. The property, originally a single-family dwelling, has been subdivided into apartments and an office. The original porch features Ionic fluted columns; the south porch was a later addition. [back to top]
6. Owen House -- 233 Greene St.
Built between 1907 - 1913. Moses Owen was a machinist and lived here with his wife. The house includes Neo-Classical details on the trim and beveled glass entry windows.- 238 Greene St. Built originally by the Cambria Iron Company, the house was sold to general manager John C. Ogden in 1919 for $7,400. The landscaping on this property is faithful to the time when the Ogdens occupied the house. The interior of the house features maple wood work and a stone fireplace inside an inglenook. The stone garage has an apartment above it . Additions to the house include a sun porch.
Fayette Street
The homes along Fayette Street show the sharp contrast in life styles between white collar and blue collar workers. What makes Westmont unusual for its day is the proximity of these diverse homes. [back to top]
8. Dennison House -- 245 Fayette St.
Built around 1905. Mary E. Dennison purchased the property for $1,350 in 1904 and had this home built. The home remained in her family until 1965. Interesting features include the turret dormer and a side bay window that spans two floors. [back to top]
9. Temple House -- 227 Fayette St.
Built around 1915, this house was a late addition to the neighborhood. In 1913, Charles Temple, who owned a dance school in the city and worked as a postal carrier, bought this property from an earlier owner. Temple and his wife built this home and lived here with their children. [back to top]
10. Hamilton House -- 200 Fayette St.
Built between 1892-1895. James A. Hamilton bought this property in 1891. He worked as a roll turner in the mill. The one-story ell addition to the house was built later. Note the tri-part, two-story bay window with ornamental stucco panels. [back to top]
11. Butler House -- 152 Fayette St.
Built between 1892 and 1894. Elmer Butler bought this house from the Cambria Iron Company in 1892 for $800. An 1894 photograph shows this house much as it looks today. (The exception is a wrap-around porch, which was removed in 1971.) Butler was a mill hand. The house remained in his family until 1971. The multi-color windows and central projecting oriel window feature much decorative carving. [back to top]
12. Endsley House -- 144 Fayette St.
Built in 1895. A lawyer connected with the Cambria Iron Works, Harry S. Endsley bought this double lot in 1893. The property features an unusual carriage house with an ornamental gable. The original features of the house have been retained, but an extension was added to the rear in 1950. [back to top]
13. Thackray House -- 126 Fayette St.
Built between 1892 and 1895. This property was bought by George E. Thackray, a draftsman, for $775 in 1892 and his home was built here. According to city directories, Thackray later became an engineer and a superintendent at the Iron Company. Note how the tall gambrel roof slopes down over the front porch to create a bellcase gable. A tall Palladian style window on the west side spans two floors. [back to top]
14. Price House -- 510 Edgehill Dr.
Built in 1891, this is one of the most notable Westmont homes. Charles S. Price was a civil engineer who married Sarah Haws, part of the influential family that founded the Haws Refractory. Price rose in the Iron Company reportedly because he was able to restore operations of his department rapidly after the devastating Great Flood of 1889. By the time he moved to this house, he was the mill's general manager. Price bought this house from the Iron Company for $3,506 in 1891. The house later passed to his daughter, known for her eccentricity and artistic inclinations. The present owners are involved in restoring the home. The rustic appearance of the house is enhanced by the use of rough-cut field stone on the porch and port-cochere. [back to top]
15. Morris House -- 105 Fayettee St.
Built between 1891 and 1895. Galloway C. Morris bought two lots from the Cambria Iron Company for $825 apiece in 1891. Apparently he died soon thereafter. According to the tax records of 1895, his widow Fannie is listed as the owner of the house built on the corner lot. [back to top]
16. R. Replogle House -- 131 Fayette St.
Built around 1910, this home was designed as a business building for the Replogles. The house features Early Modern styling with Neo-Classical elements, and a Roman style arched entry and brickwork. The property itself represents some of the transition on Westmont. In the early years, many people bought lots for use as speculative real estate. George W. Thompson purchased these lots from the Cambria Iron Company in 1891 for $1650. When Rhinehart Replogle bought the property from Thompson in 1905, he paid $4,250. The large house accommodated Replogle, his wife, several other family members, two clerks, a student, and an assistant superintendent in the iron mill. [back to top]
Bucknell Avenue
Bucknell Avenue, originally named Second Avenue, featured the homes of professionals. The land was originally part of a farm, as witnessed by the early farmhouse at the far end of the street(44-46 Bucknell), near the Grandview Cemetery. [back to top]
17. Buchanan House -- 434 Bucknell Ave.
Built around 1893. Frank M. Buchanan, a sales agent for the Iron Company's Westmont development, bought this property from his employer in 1893 and built his home soon thereafter. Interesting details include horseshoe arches with lattice infill on the porches, and decorative terra-cotta inserts in the gable. [back to top]
Luzerne Street
Before it came to life as a residential community, Yoder's Hill was a blend of farming and recreation areas. In 1893, the Johnstown Driving Park Association purchased a large tract of land from the Cambria Iron Company and built a race track for pacers and trotters. The track, a half-mile long and 60 feet wide, was enclosed by wooden railing. The grandstand featured offices, a small private dining room, a larger public dining room, and seating for 2,500. Fifty double-roofed stables lined the grounds. Also on the property was a dance pavilion, next to the grandstand. In 1895, the Association held three meets, in spring, summer and fall. An 1894 newspaper noted that Johnstown was home to more than 100 race horses. [back to top]
In the 1910's, the Cambria Steel Company repurchased the property and turned it into a development called Elm Grove. Unlike the earlier section of Westmont, Elm Grove was intended to be a settlement for those of upper income. The lots were sold with the stipulation that houses of at least a certain minimum price($2,500 for a single lot and $4,500 for a double lot) must be built. The former race course was lined with elm trees as homes blossomed. Today, the stately elm grove holds the distinction of being the largest stand of American Elm trees in the eastern United States. [back to top]
18. J. and M. Fronhiser House -- 201-205 Luzerne St.
Built around 1910 as a two-family house. This house actually occupies four of the standard lots of the day. Jacob Fronhiser was assistant treasurer of the Title Trust & Guarantee Co. The Great Depression hit hard for many affluent Westmont residents. In 1936, this house was sold at Sheriff's sale. [back to top]
19. L. Hannan House -- 300 Luzerne St.
Built around 1920. Some of the properties in Elm Grove were purchased for real estate speculation, and this is one. This lot passed through several owners in quick succession before Louise Fayon Hannan built the large house and matching guest cottage. [back to top]
20. Grazier House -- 345 Luzerne St.
Built in 1911, Harvey F. Grazier was general manager of Grazier Coal and Coke Co., in Somerset. When he purchased the double lot from the steel company in 1910, the land cost $3,650. In 1918, Mr. Grazer sold the house and land for $20,000. The massive five-bay wood-framed house is covered in wood shingles. [back to top]
21. Geer House -- 403 Luzerne St.
Built before 1913, this is similar to a plan by architect Henry Rogers, who built many Westmont homes, including a residence for himself a few doors away. The original owner was Frank D. Geer. The entrance features Art Nouveau beveled and leaded glass windows. [back to top]
22. Rogers House -- 418 Luzerne St.
Built between 1908-1913, this house was designed by local architect Henry Rogers in 1906 as his personal residence. The second half of the house was occupied by Rogers' daughter and her husband when she married. The house is still occupied by Rogers descendants. [back to top]
23. Stimmel House -- 434 Luzerne St.
Built around 1910, this Early Modern style house was designed by local architect Walter Myton. In designing it, Myton was strongly influenced by the work of Frank Lloyd Wright. The owner was Elmer E. Stimmel. Note the decorative geometric patterns in the brickwork and the leaded glass of the entrance. [back to top]
24. Schonhardt House -- 600 Luzerne St.
Built in 1911. Note the Art Nouveau detailing in the beveled glass entry windows and in two other stained glass windows. There is also a Venetian style window in the front gable. The original owner was John Schonhardt. The house was sold by the sheriff during the Great Depression. [back to top]
25. Westmont Presbyterian Church -- 610 Luzerne St.
Built in 1926. The large English Gothic church represents the oldest congregation in Westmont. The group organized in 1894 with Sunday School in the upper floor over what is now the Tioga St. Market. An earlier chapel was built on Mifflin St. has been razed. The architect for the new building was A.G. Lamont of New York. Construction was done by Berkebile Bros., a local firm. The facade is faced with Bedford limestone. Within, the church features a contrast of space and light characteristic of Romanesque styling. All the wood-work is of dark oak, and the light flows through lancet windows. [back to top]
Tioga Street
Walking the length of Tioga Street, one traces the history of Westmont's development as a community. Houses in the upper end of the street were part of the exclusive Elm Grove development and reflect an affluent style of living. Houses in the middle section were featured in a 1911 Iron Trade Review article on the Cambria Steel Company. These rented for $7 per month with five rooms, inside toilet, running water, sink and other "sanitary conveniences". A 1911 company record also lists ten properties on Tioga that featured eight rooms and all amenities, renting for $20 a month. Houses in the lower section, closest to the Incline Plane, are older and developed as part of the first Cambria Iron Company planned community. Tioga Street summarizes much of Westmont's history, including exclusive homes, community structures, company-built housing, speculative real estate and homes changed hands as fortunes changed in the Great Depression. [back to top]
26. Burkhard House -- 603 Tioga St.
Built in 1922, this stucco house was designed by architect Henry Rogers and was intended to resemble a thatch-roofed cottage, down to the 12-pane windows. William H. Burkhard was secretary-treasurer of the Johnstown Savings and Loan and had been president of the Johnstown Liquor Company. [back to top]
27. Love House -- 535 Tioga St.
Built around 1912 and designed by architect Henry Rogers, this was home to Russel and Lucy Love. Russel's father had founded the Love and Sunshine Co., a large local candy company. The house featured a servants' entrance in the rear (now a dining nook) and buttons throughout the building, used to call the servants as needed. Servants lived above the stone and wood shingle stable on the alley. The Loves entertained wealthy friends in their home, including the Mellons.
But during the Great Depression, like many other Westmont families, they experienced severe financial losses and sold their lavish home. Interesting exterior features include the rough-hewn ashlar columns and chimney, and zinc-cane lattice glass in the windows. [back to top]
28. Our Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church -- 424 Tioga St.
Built in 1924, the church building serves a congregation that was founded in 1920. The design, by Pittsburgh architect Carlton Strong, is reminiscent of early English Gothic churches. The interior features polychrome mosaic work that borrows from early Christian iconography and blend it with Art Deco styling. The construction includes Vermont slate on floors and Welsh quarry tile in the sanctuary and altar. All other construction materials, including the dark oak woodwork, are of local origin. The windows, many of which depict biblical figures, were designed by a number of well-known studios, Including Henry Hunt Studios of Pittsburgh (lancet windows), Charles J. Connick of Boston(clerestory windows-gospel side), and D'Ascenzo Studios of Philadelphia (clerestory windows-epistle side). The original property included a residence used as a rectory and land on which the grade school was built in 1946. The Celtic cross beside the church commemorates its founding pastor, Father Stephen A. Ward, a strong supporter of ecumenism in the Westmont community, who died in 1963. [back to top]
29. Cambria Steel/Reilly House -- 244 Tioga St.
Built in 1911. One of four company-built houses featured in Iron Trade Review. Thomas Reilly, the first occupant and later owner of the house, was an estimating engineer. He purchased the home from the steel company in 1939 for $4,600. The hip roof contains side and front gable dormers and a lunette window in the attic. [back to top]
30. Cambria Steel/Tarr House -- 238 Tioga St.
Built around 1910. One of the homes featured in Iron Trade Review. Records show that this house was slightly larger with seven rooms, indoor toilet, electric lights, gas and a reception hall. It rented for $20 a month. The Tarr family bought it in 1916 for $4,400 for use as a rental property. H.M. Tarr was president and general manager of the Johnstown Grocery Company. The exterior features many small decorative elements. [back to top]
31. Wattingly House -- 233 Tioga St.
The Cambria Iron Company offered this double lot for sale in 1903 but no house was built on it until 1916 when it was purchased by Minnie E. Wattingly. Note the extensive use of wood shingles, enclosing even the square columns and balustrade of the porch, and the two-story projecting pedimented gable on the east side. [back to top]
32. Tioga Street Market -- 202 Tioga St.
One of the earliest plots developed under the Cambria Iron Company plan, this structure was built in 1892 by A.B. Kramer. He lived with his family on the second floor over the grocery store. Because of the strict zoning laws about commercial development in Westmont, this is the only grocery store within the borough. [back to top]
33. Trent/J. Replogle House -- 142-148 Tioga St.
This two-family dwelling was originally built by a clerk and a bookkeeper, Albert Trent and Jacob Z. Replogle. It is covered with horizontal wood siding and shingles and parts of the original stone foundation are still visible. [back to top]
34. Cambria Steel/Ross House -- 134 Tioga St.
Built in 1901. Cambria Steel Company records detail the construction of four wood-framed houses on Tioga St. The structures had an average cost of $4,294.88, which included the lot. In 1921, Howard M. Ross, a foreman in the Iron Company, purchased the house. [back to top]
In addition to the main tour of Westmont, there are many other buildings and sites of interest. Information on these side trips is available at the Johnstown Flood Museum, 304 Washington Street, or by phoning the Johnstown Area Heritage Association toll-free at (888) 222-1889.
