Grandview Cemetery

Photograph Courtesy of Grandview Cemetery

Grandview Cemetery was named in 1885 for the “Grand View” of Johnstown that it provides. The history of Grandview has always been tied to the city of Johnstown, both through its tragedies and its triumphant moments. Though perhaps best known for the flood memorial, Grandview Cemetery is also home to several other important historical monuments–these structures represent both the history of our town as well as the history of our country, spanning decades and telling the stories of thousands of lives.  

George Kondor, President and COO of the Citizens’ Cemetery Association, agrees, “Grandview Cemetery is an important part of Johnstown history. We welcome everyone to visit Grandview, stop in the office and pick up a map-brochure and discover the “Points of Interest” including the Unknown Plot from the flood of 1889.” Mr. Kondor also notes, “The staff at the office will be happy to answer any questions you may have. To do Johnstown…Grandview is a must.”

The original entrance to Grandview was located on what is now the Easy Grade Highway. The Chapin Arch is located on the left hand side of the highway, driving up to Westmont from downtown. This arch was dedicated posthumously to Anna Morrell Chapin by her husband Philip Chapin, former General Manager of Cambria Iron Company, hence the name of the monument, the “Chapin Arch”. The entrance to Grandview that most people are familiar with, the entrance off Bucknell Avenue, was not opened until 1904.

The first interment took place in Grandview in April of 1887, when Lucretia Hammond of Kernville was buried.

One of the most striking features of the cemetery is the monument dedicated to the victims of the devastating 1889 flood, when approximately 2,209 people lost their lives. This monument marks the graves of the 777 victims that were never claimed or identified. The monument was dedicated three years after the flood, at a cost of $6,500, in a ceremony attended by more than 10,000 people.

Morrell Circle was purchased in 1887 by Mrs. Daniel J. Morrell, whose husband was the general superintendent of what would later become Bethlehem Steel. The large site was to serve as a family burial. It is known today because of the annual Memorial Day Service sponsored by Westmont Borough, which takes place at the permanent stone rostrum adjoining the circle. Mrs. Morrell purchased this land in April of 1887, during the first public sale of the burial lots.

Even Italian artisans are represented in Grandview Cemetery–at the gravesite of Private Gerald Horner. Horner was killed during WWI, at which point his mother sent a photograph of her son to the artisans, who created the sculpture for his gravesite, based on the photograph his mother had provided.

Grandview Cemetery sits overlooking the city of Johnstown, as it has done since its inception in the 1800s. Grandview is home to important historical structures, buildings and landmarks, but it is more than that–it is home to thousands of its city’s former residents, along with their histories and stories. For directions to Grandview Cemetery, please click here for a map.

To read more about the history of Grandview Cemetery, visit http://grandviewjohnstownpa.com/index.php.

To learn more about specific points of interest, visit http://www.grandviewjohnstownpa.com/maps.shtml.

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2 Responses to “Grandview Cemetery”

1. Richard Von Schlichten says:

   November 12th, 2011 at 9:33 am

   In paragraph five, you mentioned the “victims of the devastating 1892 flood.” I understand the monument was dedicated in 1892 but need to change the date of the flood to 1889. Really nice site and wonderful articles

2. alaw says:

   November 14th, 2011 at 8:44 am

   Thank you for pointing that out, Richard. The article has been corrected.