HISTORY This Week A Gilded Age Apocalypse
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May 25, 2020 Neil M. Coleman, a geologist and flood expert, delves into the catastrophic Johnstown Flood of 1889, triggered by the failure of a wealthy resort's dam. He discusses the transformation of the dam into a Gilded Age resort and the dangerous modifications that weakened it. The podcast captures the harrowing experiences of survivors as a torrent of water devastated the town. Coleman reflects on the aftermath, highlighting how wealth and privilege shielded elites from accountability, emphasizing crucial lessons about power and truth.
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Town Accustomed To Flooding
- Johnstown residents were used to flooding and took small precautions like raising pianos and papers.
- A broken dam above their town later unleashed a man-made catastrophe they never expected.
Dam Recycled Into Millionaire's Lake
- The huge earthen dam was originally built to serve canals, then became obsolete and changed hands multiple times.
- Pittsburgh businessman Benjamin Ruff later turned the reservoir into a private club lakeside for wealthy members.
Exclusive Gilded Age Retreat
- The South Fork Fishing and Hunting Club became an exclusive Gilded Age retreat for the Carnegies, Mellons, Fricks and other elites.
- Locals feared the club's power and social distance from Johnstown's workers.
