Melting Pot: Johnstown’s Ethnic Heritage
- Cambria City, Johnstown ethnic heritage neighborhood
At the turn of the century, Johnstown stood at the forefront of an industrial revolution that was changing the look and life of America. Efficient, modernized steel production in Johnstown’s mills was helping to drive the United States into the Industrial Revolution. Pennsylvania’s iron processing plants were turning out millions of tons of steel for a new America - steel for railroads, warships, suspension bridges, tall city buildings and common nails.
Between 1870 and 1914, millions of people were leaving Europe - “the old world” in one of the greatest mass immigrations in history. For the first time, entire families of common people - oppressed or persecuted at home - gained power to change their destinies. Thousands left, hoping to create better lives for themselves and their families. Many found work in Johnstown and established roots in this west central Pennsylvania city.
Ethnic Heritage Attractions
- Early days of Cambria City
The 10-block community of Cambria City was established in 1853 just after the steel making giant, the Cambria Iron Works became established in this area. A forerunner of the Bethlehem Steel Company and later the United States Steel Corporation, the Iron Works attracted thousands of immigrants seeking work in the mills and mines. The area was a true melting pot of immigrants: Welsh, Germans, Polish, Hungarians, Irish, Slovakians, Slavics, Magyars, Croatians, and many more individuals came and found work in Johnstown’s cigar factories, distilleries, and breweries and established churches and social clubs while preserving traditions and cultures. At one time 2,500 people resided in the 24-acre region known as Cambria City. Route 56 West of Johnstown (Broad Street), from 1st Avenue to 10th Avenue (Cambria City is the residential community beside the highway)
- Heritage Discovery Center
Located in the Cambria City National Historic District, the Johnstown Heritage Discovery Center’s permanent exhibit, “America: Through Immigrant Eyes,” lets visitors experience first-hand the life of an immigrant to Johnstown around the turn of the century. You’ll experience the sights and sounds of the immigrant’s daily lives, and discover how they built a rich cultural heritage that’s still celebrated today. It’s a national story told in a local context! New in 2009 is the Iron & Steel Gallery, a spectacular three-story gallery featuring exhibits and “Mystery of Steel,” a film about Johnstown’s significant role in the industry’s history. Located at Rt. 56 and 7th Ave. Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week year-round; from Memorial Day through Labor Day, extended hours of 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 201 Sixth Avenue, Johnstown, PA 15906 814-539-1889 www.jaha.org
- Wagner Ritter House
Wagner-Ritter House and Garden was inhabited by the same family from when it was built in the 1860s through 1990. Today it is a one-of-a-kind house museum, restored to its 19th-century appearance, that illustrates the domestic lives of immigrants who moved to Johnstown to work in the steel mills and coal mines. The tale of one working-class family’s experiences provides a fascinating glimpse into our common past – and is told in the visitor center’s permanent exhibit, The World of the Wagners. Located in the historic Cambria City neighborhood, this attraction is a wonderful complement to the Johnstown Heritage Discovery Center! Open 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily, April-October. Visit website for winter opening schedule. 418 Broad Street Johnstown, PA 15906 814-539-1889 www.jaha.org
- Churches of Cambria City
Johnstown’s ethnicity lies in the congregations of the Cambria City Churches. Once bustling with worshippers, most churches have merged under the direction of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese. Saint Columba’s Roman Catholic Church (Tenth Ave. and Broad St.) was home to Irish Catholics; its original building served as a relief station and morgue for the 1889 flood victims. Saint Emerich’s (Sixth Ave. and Chestnut) was the Hungarian community’s second Catholic church. Saint Casimir’s (500–511 Power St.) had its origins as a Polish lodge; coal mining accidents that killed forty adult male lodge members delayed the building of the Romanesque church. With its twin five-story bell towers, Saint Stephen’s (Fourth Ave. and Chestnut St.) was home to the largest Slovakian Catholic community in the country. Saint Rochus (Eighth Ave. and Chestnut St.) formed around a Croatian community, which built a church, school and convent. German Catholics went to Immaculate Conception Church (Third Ave. and Broad St.), home of the oldest parish in Cambria City.
Others besides Roman Catholics also formed tight-knit communities. Saint Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church (401–413 Power St.) was founded by Ruthenians. Saint George’s Serbian Orthodox Church (300 Chestnut) was built in 1911 as Saint Mary’s Syrian Orthodox Church. The Hungarian Reformed Church (Ninth Ave and Chestnut St.) was built in 1901. Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church (711 Chestnut) formed a congregation in 1914, which held services only in Slovak for many years.
Source: explorepahistory.com
