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Johnstown Flood
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
49 posts | 43 read | 43 to read
The stunning story of one of Americas great disasters, a preventable tragedy of Gilded Age America, brilliantly told by master historian David McCullough.At the end of the nineteenth century, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was a booming coal-and-steel town filled with hardworking families striving for a piece of the nations burgeoning industrial prosperity. In the mountains above Johnstown, an old earth dam had been hastily rebuilt to create a lake for an exclusive summer resort patronized by the tycoons of that same industrial prosperity, among them Andrew Carnegie, Henry Clay Frick, and Andrew Mellon. Despite repeated warnings of possible danger, nothing was done about the dam. Then came May 31, 1889, when the dam burst, sending a wall of water thundering down the mountain, smashing through Johnstown, and killing more than 2,000 people. It was a tragedy that became a national scandal. Graced by David McCulloughs remarkable gift for writing richly textured, sympathetic social history, The Johnstown Flood is an absorbing, classic portrait of life in nineteenth-century America, of overweening confidence, of energy, and of tragedy. It also offers a powerful historical lesson for our century and all times: the danger of assuming that because people are in positions of responsibility they are necessarily behaving responsibly.
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LibraryCin
The Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Panpan

it just couldn‘t keep my attention. Much of the book was just not that interesting to me, especially before the flood hit and after. The flood itself and people‘s stories of what happened during was a bit better, but not great. I have read one other book by this author and it seems I was underwhelmed reading it, too; that one, I listened to and wasn‘t sure if it was the writing or the topic, ... cont in comments...

LibraryCin , but I‘m thinking it‘s the author‘s writing style that just isn‘t for me. There were photos included, and I have to say those were pretty impressive, pretty scary. The photo that might stick with me is one of all the debris smashed up against a bridge. 1y
7 likes1 comment
review
AvidReader25
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

Few people do nonfiction as well as McCullough. This one reminds me of Isaac‘s Storm, both chronicles a real disaster that rocks a small town. The destruction caused by the event itself and the aftermath were fascinating. More than 2,000 people were killed when the dam broke. I love the way he captures the small moments, like a girl watching ducks swim in the water just before the wave hits. This tragedy was news around the world at the time.

paulfrankspencer I grew up with my mom taking my siblings and me to the Johnstown Flood Museum numerous times. The memories of the exhibits still have a spooky element for me. 2y
AvidReader25 @paulfrankspencer How fascinating! I‘d love to see that one day. 2y
33 likes2 comments
review
Bookwormjillk
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

I wanted to listen to this old favorite again after I heard about the death of David McCullough. He does such a great job telling about this tragedy I almost felt like the skin on my feet was wrinkled from the flood water. #RIP

kspenmoll This was such a great book! My first by him. 2y
52 likes1 comment
blurb
kspenmoll
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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RIP author and historian David McCullough.
This is the first of his books that I read as a Litsy buddy read. It is also the first book he wrote. This was a fascinating tragic story.

https://www.post-gazette.com/news/obituaries/2022/08/08/David-McCullough-dies-Pi...

Librarybelle So sad! He was great at bringing the history come to life and showing the human side of history. 2y
51 likes1 comment
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sblbooks
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
Since it's almost time for another #staycationintimeswap. I thought I would read one of my books from last year. Thanks again, @Chrissyreadit. I highly recommend the Johnstown Flood.
It's obvious the author does extensive research in his novels. I will definitely read more by him.

Chrissyreadit Ohhh! Im glad it was good- I think I added all the books I chose to my TBR! 2y
sblbooks @Chrissyreadit hey, I hope you're doing well. I was just wondering if we were going to have another staycation in time swap this year? 1y
Chrissyreadit @sblbooks i‘m not sure what to do. i wish i felt more on top of things but i‘ve had off and on flare ups and am worried i could not get it done. Would you be interested in hosting? 1y
sblbooks @Chrissyreadit I'm sorry you're not feeling well. I don't think I'd be able to host either. 1y
34 likes4 comments
review
Lauren_reading
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

A horrible tragedy is retold in this book in a way it seems more fiction than real life. Human error and lack of oversight led to the death of thousands and the ruination of multiple towns.

34 likes1 stack add
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Bigcountry15
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

In his debut book, historian David McCullough records the events of the flood that stuck Johnstown, PA, on May 31, 1889. The book is very concise, detailed, and well-paced. McCullough does a fantastic job of starting with the history of the infamous South Fork dam and its failure. He then follows the wall of water down though the valley, almost like it's a character, interacting with many people along the way. The aftermath is also discussed.

8 likes1 stack add
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FlyOverFarm4
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
Pickpick

Listening to Edward Herman narrate this book on a blustery snow day....pure bliss!

Reagan Oooh that would be really good! Love him. 5y
3 likes1 comment
review
Lauram
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

I finished this book 4 months ago for #Johnstownread. This was my third book by McCullough and probably my favorite of the three. McCullough gives plenty of information that helped me to better understand all of the factors that made the flood so disastrous.

Lauram A friend of mine read the book with me. On Friday and Saturday, we went on a mini road trip to visit the Johnstown area. The above pictures are from our tour. We walked on dam remnants, went inside the exclusive clubhouse that was once lakefront property, drove by the stone bridge that blocked burning debris, and visited the cemetery where the flood victims were buried.

5y
Librarybelle I need to visit Johnstown and visit the sites as well. It sounds like a good visit, but yet also a humbling one. Thank you for sharing! 5y
Amiable Oh, I loved this one, too. I‘m a big fan of McCullough and I thought this was one of his best. 5y
See All 10 Comments
Crazeedi @Lauram do you live in PA? Ive been through Johnstown but have never visited the places. I've read a couple great books about the flood, so sad the things that were ignored 5y
Crazeedi @Librarybelle then you can drive 90 minutes north and visit me!😉😍 5y
Lauram @Librarybelle I‘ll give you plenty of notification if there‘s another McCullough trip in my future! The NPS tour around the dam and lake was really great. (edited) 5y
Lauram @Crazeedi No, I don‘t live I. PA. I‘m in North East Ohio. 5y
Crazeedi @Lauram ❤👍 5y
Crazeedi @Lauram you're close to me anyway I'm sure, we vacation at pymatuning, we live near venango/clarion/butler county line! 5y
kspenmoll This was such a great book! 5y
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howjessicareads
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

#30junebooks - day 13 - made you cry. •
This history of the Johnstown flood was so good and so infuriating. The destruction made me cry, because it could have been avoided, if the rich sailing club had maintained their dam better!

paulfrankspencer I went to the Johnstown Flood Museum countless times when I was young. Don't remember much about it anymore, though. Maybe I should give it a read. 5y
howjessicareads @paulfrankspencer It‘s really good! Worth the read! 5y
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review
Librarybelle
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

Amazingly, this is my least favorite of McCullough‘s books I‘ve read, but it‘s still good - the beginning didn‘t completely capture me. But, McCullough verbally paints a picture of horror and fear and devastation that is shocking. It‘s a testament to the power of nature, as well as arguably the power of greed. Recommended. Finished for #JohnstownRead and this also fits (sadly) #SomethingWithADeath for #Nonfiction2019 .

howjessicareads I never finished this one. Listened to about half on audio (while pregnant and hormonal), and cried so much driving to work one day that I had to pull over because I couldn‘t see. 😭😭 Maybe now I‘m brave enough to reattempt. 😜 6y
Kaye Great review. 6y
Librarybelle @howjessreads It is a hard read. Some of the documented stories are almost too unreal. 6y
Librarybelle Thanks, @kaye ! 6y
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kspenmoll
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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#friYAYintro
1) view from my front porch.
2) Adore where I live; wonderful neighbors,pub, walks by Farmington River, an old cemetery that has headstones dating back in 1700s, over a bridge, a nearby gorge-
3)The tagged book
4)Read most often in evenings & before bed. Only can read mornings on weekends.
5)Tortellini Carbonara & salad

AmyG Lovely 6y
kspenmoll @AmyG Indeed. I am in love with my porch & it‘s views! ❤️ Thank you! (edited) 6y
50 likes2 comments
blurb
Librarybelle
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
This post contains spoilers
show me

4. How did the townspeople cope after the flood? Talk about the administrative, governmental measures they undertook the day after the deluge. Were you impressed by their level-headedness or ingenuity?

#JohnstownRead

Librarybelle Question from LitLovers.com 6y
Lauram I‘m always surprised that in situations like Johnstown, there are individuals willing to step up, organize, and lead others. Despite the intense loss of life and trauma experienced by these people, they find a way to move on. 6y
Lauram But I‘m not sure they did cope? I think there are certainly those that did and those who didn‘t. The kindness and generosity of others around the US and world as well as humanitarian efforts certainly helps to comfort and protect those who were suffering. 6y
Librarybelle Yes, @Lauram - it was amazing to see those who took charge until “reinforcements” arrived. Coping is such a strong word for a situation like this - how can someone cope? Many people left and most were traumatized forever from their experiences. 6y
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Librarybelle
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
This post contains spoilers
show me

3. Is McCullough able—through his use of only language and imagery—to create a vivid picture of what the wall of water would have looked like? Overall, are McCullough's descriptive powers as a writer up to the task?

#JohnstownRead

Librarybelle Question from LitLovers.com 6y
IamIamIam Absolutely... I've been to Niagara Falls so it gave me pause when McCullough said the force of the lake was like letting the Niagara River run through the town for 30 plus minutes. I was stunned by how terrifying that must have been!! 6y
Lauram McCullough is absolutely able to create a vivid picture. Comparisons to Niagara Falls, the death mist, and the sentence that described the top layer of mud that traveled ahead of the water (I can‘t find the specifics of the sentence) were amazing and terrifying. 6y
Librarybelle He painted such a vivid picture! It was horrific but yet spellbinding, however horrible that sounds. He‘s a perfect wordsmith for this, and he even added a few bits of humor in the telling. @IamIamIam @Lauram 6y
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Librarybelle
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
This post contains spoilers
show me

2. Could something of the magnitude of the Johnstown Flood happen today? Why...or why not? Or would you say that we have, in fact, experienced similar kinds of man-made disasters in recent years?

#JohnstownRead

Librarybelle Question from LitLovers.com 6y
IamIamIam I was amazed to find that there were 2 subsequent floods of the same area in the 1930s and 1977! The weather patterns seem to be cyclical if the area floods that frequently 6y
IamIamIam And I'm sorry to give an answer that I didn't fully research on that one... lol, I'm also thinking of rainfall and drainage in PA following the flood of Hershey Park. That was 2 days after we left the campgrounds!!! 6y
Lauram These disasters have happened since Johnstown and will continue to happen. Admittedly no lives have been lost, but in my area there has been a lot of surprise flooding as certain areas become more developed, infrastructure isn‘t well maintained, and storms have become more intense due to climate change. 6y
Librarybelle @IamIamIam The Hershey flooding! I live about an hour away from Hershey...it was bad and scary. I agree with @Lauram - development and climate change are leading causes to modern day flooding issues. I‘ve seen flooding where there has never been flooding before, thanks to new construction. 6y
5 likes5 comments
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Librarybelle
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
This post contains spoilers
show me

1. McCullough insists that the Johnstown flood was not a natural disaster. Is he right? Where McCullough lays the blame? The dam was repaired after its purchase in 1879—why were those repairs not sufficient? Should individuals have been held accountable?

#JohnstownRead

Tadams4 Such a well done book! So many layers of problems contributing to the disaster which could have been prevented. 6y
Librarybelle Question from LitLovers.com 6y
Librarybelle @Tadams4 So true - so many things contributed to the disaster that could have been prevented! 6y
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IamIamIam I agree that it was not a natural disaster because it was documented that vital elements were removed and compromised the integrity of the dam after it was purchased. I believe that was the second owners. Please correct me if I'm wrong but the dam had been seen to be sagging in the center years before anything happened so signs were there. 6y
Lauram Like @Tadams4 said, there were so many layers of problems that contributed to the disaster. It was certainly man-made- they didn‘t use the best resources available (engineers, materials) changing geological features (removal of trees, obstructed rivers). 6y
Lauram @IamIamIam You‘re not wrong. There were a lot of overlooked issues. 6y
Librarybelle Yes, @IamIamIam and @Lauram - the dam was sagging (I think because the club asked for it to be lowered to accommodate a road??). I kept thinking it was a “perfect storm” of sorts, the rains and the dam construction and the lack of initial fear or worry. 6y
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Librarybelle
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Today‘s the day for discussion! I‘m going to post the questions under the spoiler. Admittedly, these are questions from the LitLovers website. I use this site a lot for my library book discussions. Sorry - I like crafting discussion questions on Litsy, but life‘s a little crazy at the moment!

Big thank you to everyone who joined in on #JohnstownRead . I loved reading the posts!

Librarybelle Sorry @Mdargusch ...I‘m having issues tagging you in the post, so I wanted to make sure you knew about the questions too! 6y
IamIamIam LitLovers is great!!! It's such an awesome resource!! Looking forward to it and thanks for all you're doing! 6y
Librarybelle @IamIamIam ❤️❤️❤️ I have the questions posted under #JohnstownRead , so whenever you‘re ready to answer, feel free! 6y
IamIamIam @Librarybelle Will do!!! 6y
38 likes4 comments
review
BridgetteM
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

Wow! I am so glad I joined in on the #johnstownread! I had only ever read one other book by David McCullough, The Path Between the Seas, which I found to be kind of tedious. This book was anything but tedious. I was riveted! McCullough‘s description of the flood was so vivid I felt like I was watching a movie. Will definitely read more of him now!

@kspenmoll @Reviewsbylola @Mdargusch @Librarybelle @IamIamIam

Librarybelle Thank you for joining us, and I‘m so glad you liked it! We picked a good one it looks like, @Lauram ! 6y
Reviewsbylola I thought it was great too! I can be pretty picky about NF. 6y
Mdargusch Great review and I loved this book but I‘m a big lover of NF. I found it riveting too. 6y
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kspenmoll Great review! I enjoyed this book so much too- my brother, a construction engineer wants to read it now. I agree; it was riveting! (edited) 6y
BridgetteM @Librarybelle Thank you for including me in this buddy read! If you ever decide to have another buddy read of a David McCullough book, I‘d be up for it! 6y
BridgetteM @Reviewsbylola I don‘t read too much NF because I read to escape reality. This was one of those NF books that I might re-read. 6y
BridgetteM @Mdargusch Thank you! I don‘t read too much NF, which I‘m determined to change. 6y
BridgetteM @kspenmoll Hope your brother enjoys it! The info about the dam will probably mean more to him than it did to me... 6y
BridgetteM @Lauram Sorry I forgot to tag you in the original post. 😳 6y
Librarybelle I‘ll definitely let you know! 6y
70 likes10 comments
review
Mdargusch
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

Such a preventable tragedy happened in the mountains of Pennsylvania when a man made damn broke, washing away towns and cities in the path of the crashing water once held behind it. Thousands of people died in 1889 due to negligence of some of the rich and powerful that were responsible for the damn. The author does a great job telling the stories of the people before, during, and after the flood.
#johnstownread

Reviewsbylola Glad you liked it! 6y
Librarybelle Yay! So glad you liked it. Thanks for joining! 6y
BkClubCare Ok, this is weird. Was just looking up Janet Gaynor who starred in a 1026 movie... The Johnstown Flood. 6y
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Lauram I just got done reading the section about the very wealthy individuals responsible for the dam. I‘m a bit behind, but I‘ll finish in a few days! 6y
IamIamIam Glad you jumped in on this! 😁 6y
kspenmoll So glad you joined in- this was so well researched & written- ! 6y
75 likes3 stack adds6 comments
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Lauram
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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I have 10 minutes before my first meeting of the day. Just enough time to finish a chapter. #johnstownread

Librarybelle Nice! 6y
IamIamIam That's definitely a good start to any meeting! 6y
Amiable I loved this book. 6y
Mdargusch 😁👍🏼 6y
BridgetteM Hope it was a good chapter! 💕💕💕 6y
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review
Reviewsbylola
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

#johnstownread

This wasn‘t my favorite book, but I think I wasn‘t in the right mindset to devote it the concentration needed. There are a lot of narratives to follow, a lot of geography to follow, and some of the engineering was over my head. That said, the scope of this was perfect. The only thing I would have changed was I would have liked more information at the end as to how the cities rebuilt themselves and what happened in the meantime.

Librarybelle Thanks for joining us! I‘m still reading through the beginning part - haven‘t reached the flood yet. I plan to post some discussion questions on March 1. 6y
Lauram I haven‘t made it through much of this book either @Librarybelle. I have a close friend who is reading this with me and we plan to visit Johnstown this summer. I look forward to seeing the area and learning more about the recovery/rebuilding. 6y
IamIamIam The most fascinating thing about this is that it was not an isolated incident!!! There were 2 more floods of the same area!! 6y
See All 8 Comments
Crazeedi This one was good 6y
Mdargusch This illustration! 😵 6y
BridgetteM I agree, I would have liked to learn more about the rebuilding process. 6y
kspenmoll Love the illustration. Also would like to know more specifics about recovery/rebuilding. A trip to the town & it‘s museum sounds like a great idea @Lauram 6y
Rebesta Love the painting. 6y
102 likes1 stack add8 comments
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kspenmoll
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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#coffeeandbooks #Saturdaymorning #sunshine #CapeCod
At the Cape-it‘s been way too long. My parents house is going on the market so I am savoring this weekend here with my sister. The sun just broke through so we are off for a walk in the beach after coffee.

BookishMarginalia What a lovely picture! Enjoy! 6y
Zelma So inviting and pretty! 6y
Wife Beautiful!🌹 6y
kspenmoll @BookishMarginalia @Zelma @Wife Thank you. It‘s my parents house that we are getting ready to sell.😥 I have gotten years of enjoyment here-very lucky. 6y
minkyb Love the Cape. Good luck! 6y
76 likes1 stack add5 comments
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Reviewsbylola
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Ok so I finally started this one for #johnstownread.

The first two chapters were difficult for me to get through. I‘ll admit that I care very little about the building, maintenance, and purposes of a dam. My dear, I just don‘t give a damn. 🤷🏼‍♀️

But chapter 3 is starting off with the night before the flood and I‘m hoping this is where it picks up, literally and figuratively.

IamIamIam I read that twice because I expected a dam pun. 😂 The audio made that first civil engineering part go a bit faster, but having worked for civil engineers ages ago, I did enjoy it. Once it gets rolling, though, put on your seatbelt!!! 🤘 6y
Cinfhen Hahaha!! Love the Scarlett pun 💚😂 6y
LauraBeth 😂😂 6y
See All 10 Comments
BridgetteM I agree that the engineering part was boring. His account of the events before, during, and after the flood are riveting, though. It sounds like you are getting to the good part. Get your popcorn ready, LOL! 6y
Reviewsbylola Thank you!! That‘s what I want to hear. I‘m ready. @IamIamIam @BridgetteM I only got a little into chapter 3 before I had to pick up my daughter from prek but already I was thinking it was getting better! 6y
Librarybelle Love the pun!! I‘m still in the first part and agree that it‘s a little tedious. Hope it picks up! 6y
Shaneyney I think he‘s one of the best author of historical books. I haven‘t read this one yet 6y
kspenmoll Love your Scarlett comment- like everyone else has said, it will get to the point where you cannot put it down. 6y
Mdargusch I might need to join this buddy read. Sounds like a good one. 6y
Reviewsbylola I‘ll be finishing this one tonight if you want to borrow it. It‘s good. @Mdargusch 6y
101 likes2 stack adds10 comments
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kspenmoll
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Librarybelle 👍 6y
BridgetteM I just read that part in the book. Good timing! 6y
IamIamIam She seems like a little spitfire!!!! 💜 6y
kspenmoll @IamIamIam An organized whirlwind!! 6y
54 likes4 comments
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kspenmoll
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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#JohnstownRead
Estimate is that over 2,000 people died in this May 31,1889 catastrophic flood.The South Fork Dam on the Little Conemaugh River 14 miles upstream of the town of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, broke after days of heavy rain. About 14.55 million cubic meters of water were released, basically destroying Johnstown.The author‘s naming of people, their occupations, families, etc., rather than just numbers of dead,makes this tragedy more real.

Librarybelle Agreed 6y
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kspenmoll
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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#JohnstownRead #Saturdaynight #Reading #nonfiction
Reading on couch with hubby, with TV news in the background.

Librarybelle Sounds like a good Saturday night! 6y
Lauram Looks like we have similar plans! 6y
74 likes2 comments
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kspenmoll
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Lauram I‘m not much of a drinker, but I could really go for a beer tonight. I hope you‘re enjoying the book! 6y
alisiakae I didn‘t know he wrote a book about the Johnstown flood. Johnstown just flooded again last year, but not nearly like the 1889 one. 6y
Librarybelle So awesome! 6y
See All 8 Comments
kspenmoll @Lauram I am a light weight. Can only have 1 glass/ bottle. Otherwise I fall asleep! 6y
Lauram I am too but I could probably use the sleep aid tonight. I‘m going to check the fridge to see what I have. 🍺 6y
Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Awesome!!! ❤️📚🙌🏻 6y
kspenmoll @Lauram Go for it; hope whatever is in the fridge helps! 6y
79 likes8 comments
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Lauram
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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I couldn‘t be happier to spend the evening relaxing on the couch with a new book. Have a good weekend, Littens! #JohnstownRead

IamIamIam I went to the library during the week so I could see the photos in the print edition! 😁 Have a great week!! 6y
Librarybelle I started it last night! Enjoy! 6y
kspenmoll Reading it tonight as well! 6y
See All 6 Comments
Crazeedi This is a good one to read also 6y
BridgetteM I‘m about 20% of the way through. Enjoying it so far! (edited) 6y
Reviewsbylola This is on my bedside table but I probably won‘t get to it for another week. 6y
59 likes6 comments
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kspenmoll
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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review
IamIamIam
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

An incredible story of an enormous tragedy that I had never heard of! Thanks to @Librarybelle and @LauraAM for hosting a discussion or I'd never have found this! Crazy enough, I found there were TWO other Johnstown floods, in 1936 and 1977! 😳 The best part of this book was the true spirit of kindness that showed in Johnstown's time of need and it warmed my heart.
#johnstownread

Librarybelle Awesome! Thank you so much for joining! Look for the discussion on March 1! 6y
Lauram Wow!! You‘re a very fast reader. I‘m looking forward to the discussion. 6y
IamIamIam @Lauram I listened to the audio because I knew there was a much better chance that I'd finish!!! Lol 6y
kspenmoll @IamIamIam I am impressed at your pace with audio!!! 😃 6y
IamIamIam @kspenmoll LOL, I'm also a stay at home mom so there's a lot of time cooking, doing laundry, ironing, running errands... it adds up quickly! I didn't want to miss too much so I listened at 1.25x. Normally I try for 1.5 and being a New Yorker helps with that. 🤣🤣🤣 6y
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IamIamIam
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Yo Libby... chill the freak out!!!! First she's threatening me that 2 people are waiting and now, she's breathing down my neck because I JUST finished the damn book!!!!! She's like the digital library police!!!

WhatThePuck 🤣🤣🤣 She's asking me if I want to renew bc I'm only 20% done and it's due in 2 days. She doesn't know me very well I guess. 6y
IamIamIam @WhatThePuck She's getting really pushy!!! 😂😂🤜 6y
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kspenmoll
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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#JohnstownRead
In 1961 when David McCullough was just 27, he happened by old photographs on a table in the Prints and Photos Division of the Library of Congress. He was told these were photos taken by a man who got over the mountains into what was left of the town a day after the flood.So just by chance, the idea of this book his first, was born.

This innocent childhood dinner game made me smile. 😀

Librarybelle So interesting! 6y
Lauram I really need to get started on this book. 6y
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kspenmoll
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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#JohnstownFlood #Maps #JohnstownRead

Opened this book to this map. ❤️

Lauram I‘m really looking forward to starting this book! 6y
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IamIamIam
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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?? Not my finest moment but McCullough keeps talking about Carnegie and the "Coke Kings". I convinced myself it definitely wasn't Coca-Cola, especially because of the time period, but the visual in my head of a jaunty old fella with a glass bottle of Coke pops up every time I hear it!
#johnstownread @Librarybelle @Lauram

Libby1 Yes, that‘s an important distinction! I had to learn that when reading about Coketown in Hard Times. 6y
Librarybelle 😂😂 6y
IamIamIam @Libby1 I've never read that, but after listening to this and how Carnegie made his money, it may be worth looking into! Thanks! 6y
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IamIamIam @Librarybelle I've had a long week but I'm glad you got laugh too! I also laughed when I heard that people from Pittsburgh are called Pittsburghers!! 😂 6y
Librarybelle @IamIamIam It has been a long week! But, I could totally see myself thinking of the beverage - Carnegie and his friends hanging out at the club, sipping on an unique beverage! Thank you fo sharing! 6y
IamIamIam @Librarybelle LOL, right?? I don't want to post too much about it but that was funny! 6y
Soubhiville “For other things called coke, see coke.” 🤣😂🤣 well, duh. 6y
IamIamIam @Soubhiville 😂😂😂😂 Right??? Lol 6y
Lauram It sounds like a corporate-sponsored acapella group 😂 6y
IamIamIam @Lauram LMFAOOOO 🤣🤣🤣 That's freakin' hysterical!!!! 6y
kspenmoll 😂😂 initially I was picturing bottles of coke too. 6y
IamIamIam @kspenmoll 😂😂 It's really a funny image! 6y
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IamIamIam
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Another uplifting, feel good story! 😂😂

I'm starting to see the reason why people read chick lit, cozy mysteries and romance novels with tattooed guys on the cover....

#johnstownread @Librarybelle @lauram

Lauram I used to love the books with the tattooed shirtless men. Now, I find myself drawn to stories of disaster and true crime. 🤷‍♀️ 6y
Suet624 😂😂😂. I hear ya. 6y
IamIamIam @Lauram My grandmother always said I was the most morbid person she ever knew. Lol, I usually break these heavy books up with short stories or middle grade books. 6y
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Lauram
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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As a follow up to our #JARead, @Librarybelle and I are going to continue with another book by the incredibly talented American writer, David McCullough. Please join us as we read this book through February and use #JohnstownRead for any posts so we can follow along.

@IamIamIam @BridgetteM @Reviewsbylola I‘m so glad you‘ll be reading!

kspenmoll I will try & get book & join in too. 6y
Librarybelle Thanks for reposting! And, hooray @kspenmoll ! 6y
Susanita This sounds fun. We stopped in Johnstown on the way home from a family wedding, and it was fascinating. 6y
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Lauram @kspenmoll Yay! I‘m glad you‘re joining us! 🎉 6y
Lauram @Susanita I‘ve driven through the area several times and keep meaning to stop 6y
kspenmoll @Lauram Just ordered book. Should have it Friday or Saturday 6y
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Librarybelle
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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I can‘t believe I forgot to repost this! Anyone interested in reading this book by McCullough? We‘re using #JohnstownRead for our posts, and discussion will take place the beginning of March.

IamIamIam Thanks for the reminder! 6y
BridgetteM Can‘t wait! 👍🏻 6y
Amiable Oh, this was such a good book. Although anything by McCullough is. 6y
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IamIamIam Luckily, the library had the audio available! Double the chance of me keeping up!! Lol 6y
Reviewsbylola Oh I have this one on my shelves so I definitely will plan on joining! 6y
Lauram I‘m picking up my copy from the library this weekend. I‘m so looking forward to this book! 6y
kspenmoll Just got the book! 6y
55 likes9 comments
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Librarybelle
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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@Lauram and I will be reading The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough in the next couple weeks...anyone want to join us?

Because February is a short month, we‘ll read during the month of February, and I‘ll post discussion questions on March 1. Use #JohnstownRead for any posts so we can all follow along!

Bookwormjillk I read this recently. It was fascinating. 6y
Librarybelle @Bookwormjillk Good to know! I think McCullough does a masterful job with his books. 6y
BridgetteM I bought this book a few years ago and haven‘t read it yet. Count me in! 6y
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Librarybelle Wonderful, @BridgetteM ! Glad you can join us! 6y
IamIamIam I just tagged the audio on Libby! I'll try to join in! 💜 6y
Librarybelle Terrific, @IamIamIam ! Hope you can join us! 6y
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ssravp
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

Even growing up less than two hours from Johnstown, and visiting many times for hockey games, I knew very little about the flood. After listening to this, I want to learn more.

Chrissyreadit This sounds so good! And the synopsis sounded very relevant! 6y
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Well-ReadNeck
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

Great audiobook. Enjoyed Edward Herrman‘s narration. A bit of history that I didn‘t know about. This book came highly recommended and I‘ll pass it along with the same praise. This terrible flood was caused by negligence of powerful men. So much tragedy that could have been avoided. #audiobook

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Tadams4
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
Pickpick

As always McCullough writes an engaging retelling of the great Johnstown Flood in exceptional detail. After torrential rains the South Fork Dam located 14 miles upriver from Johnstown failed! The wall of water, traveling 40 miles an hour and reaching 60 feet high in places hit Johnstown in 57 mins! Property damage today would be 453 million dollars. Wonderful writing with a nice balance of facts and human interest.

Meeko93 What state is this in? 7y
Tadams4 Pennsylvania @meeko93 7y
LeslieO I have this in my TBR. Love his books. Especially The Great Bridge. 7y
Tadams4 I haven‘t read that one but my favorites are The Wright Brothers and A greater Journey! His research & details are so on point! 7y
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Lwiesman
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

Just finished this book for our February book club. I first heard of Johnstown when I read a book to my daughter for her homeschool history. What devastation! Wonderful book about this piece of history.

Reviewsbylola I bought this recently so I‘m glad you liked it! 7y
Lcsmcat I hadn‘t heard of this book, but the disaster has always saddened me. He‘s such a good writer I‘ll have to check this out! 7y
Lwiesman @Reviewsbylola @Lcsmcat it is a very good book and it was a very sad event. 7y
Tadams4 Nice review Smart One! 7y
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kimdegener
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

Great book, great narrator. I just finished listening to the Audible version while working at my spinning wheel.

CrowCAH Such a neat hobby! 7y
kimdegener Very soothing. I also knit and weave. 7y
mjdowens I bought a drop spindle last year and I am still to nervous to try it😂😂 7y
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kimdegener Don't be afraid. Just do it. You want to look up the park and draft technique to start you off. You should be able to find videos on YouTube. 7y
OffTheBeatenShelf.com If you get a chance to go to the Johnstown Flood Museum, definitely do it! It's really good. :) 7y
kimdegener @OffTheBeatenShelf.com I will. Thanks for the tip! 7y
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LeslieO
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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drinkteareadbooks
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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listening to some hometown history

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chuckstar158
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Pickpick

A frightening lesson in civil engineering and the impact we make when unqualified people manipulate nature. It's a lesson to be heeded and draws some striking parallels to today's bureaucracy.

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MrBook
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Prof & Filmmaker, Billy T.: "McCullough's 2 PP-winning biographies on former presidents Truman & Adams are usually how most people know him. But every author, fiction or non, started somewhere: his '68 inaugural history/bio of a non-person 'The Johnstown Flood.' He who many deem America's #1 historian, had the literary skills right off the bat to weave primary sources together, illustrating the catastrophe that PA town experienced." #BestBookRead

Graciouswarriorprincess I read that! So interesting considering that we lived so close. I learned so much about the area. 8y
Hoopiefoot This is still my favorite McCullough book. 8y
Reviewsbylola This sounds great! 8y
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LeslieO I want to read this. I loved The Great Bridge:The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge 8y
freyaheart Have you been to Johnstown? It's actually really nice I love the museums they have there dedicated to the flood. It's also where my hubby was born ❤ 8y
MrBook @Graciouswarriorprincess 😁👏🏻🙌🏻👍🏻! @Hoopiefoot Good to know! It's on my TBR 😊👍🏻! @Reviewsbylola 😁👏🏻👍🏻! @LeslieO I listened to TGB on audio, and it is awesome 😊🙌🏻! @freyaheart Yep! A few times. I grew up in western PA 😊. 8y
LitsyGoesPostal 😎👌🏻 8y
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prowlix
Johnstown Flood | David McCullough
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Library book sale! Final price $10 😀📚💗

ramyasbookshelf Nice haul!! 9y
GuiltyFeat Great work! 8y
19 likes2 comments