Much needs to be done for Johnstown to come back from destruction. Here’s a way to remember these steps during your visit to the Johnstown Flood Museum. Everything needing to be done fits under five big steps back to where Johnstown was prior to the Flood of 1889. They all begin with the letter “R” to help you remember.
Rescue
- Rescue the living, search the ruins for survivors
- Treat wounded
- Look for family
Recover
Recover the dead
- Find bodies
- Identify victims, if possible
- Embalm and coffin
- Bury the dead
Clean up
- Clear the stone bridge
- Clean up debris
- Sanitation
- Burn dead animals
- Recover house, belongings, if possible
Relief
- Outside help – government, charity — taking care of Johnstown’s survival needs until they could take care of themselves
- Shelter- housing, clothing, fuel
- Food
- Water
- Health Care
Rebuild
Community rebuilding
- Political hurdles: consolidation
- Assess damage, what can be salvaged and repaired, what has to be rebuilt
- Repair and reopen the mill
- Reopen stores and offices; rebuild businesses
- Lay out streets
- Flood prevention for future
Personal rebuilding
- Assess damage, what can be salvaged and repaired, what has to be rebuilt
- Where will you live? How will you make a living?
- Reopen stores and offices; rebuild businesses
- Flood prevention for future
Remember
- Three year memorial — dedication of Grandview Cemetery
- Telling the story — books, newspapers, photos, etc.
- Why is it important to remember the Flood? What should future generations know?
